[Sportschosun Jang Jong-ho] As temperatures rise in the summer, people tend to consume more carbonated drinks, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored beverages to quench their thirst.
This can also increase the risk of cavities in children, not just adults.
A cavity is a disease in which the enamel of a tooth is damaged by acids produced when bacteria in the mouth break down sugar. Carbonated drinks often contain large amounts of sugar, which can stimulate the activity of cavity-causing bacteria. In addition, acidic ingredients such as carbonic acid, citric acid, and phosphoric acid in carbonated drinks can weaken the tooth surface and cause dental erosion, further increasing the risk of cavities.
Children are especially vulnerable to acidic environments because their enamel and dentin are thinner than those of adults, and their tooth structure is relatively immature. As a result, even if they consume the same amount of carbonated drinks, the impact on their teeth can be greater.
Sports drinks and beverages made for children can also contain significant amounts of sugar and acidic ingredients, so caution is needed. Parents should manage not only the type of drink but also how often and when it is consumed.
After drinking carbonated beverages, rinsing the mouth thoroughly with water can help remove acidic substances. However, because the tooth surface is temporarily weakened immediately after drinking, it is recommended to wait about 30 minutes before brushing rather than brushing forcefully right away.
Byeon Hee-seok, head of the Dental Care Center at Seongbuk Woori Children’s Hospital, said, "In summer, as consumption of carbonated drinks and sports drinks increases, children's risk of cavities can also rise. In particular, children's teeth are weaker than adults' teeth, so they are more easily affected by sugar and acidic ingredients. The habit of sipping drinks little by little and often can increase the time teeth are exposed to an acidic environment, raising the risk of dental erosion, so caution is needed. To quench thirst, it is best to drink water first, and after consuming carbonated drinks, it is a good idea to rinse the mouth with water."
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
