Beware of Soda Pop
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant which increases alertness and decreases fatigue. Frequent intake of caffeine-containing products such as soda pop may create a dependency state when sudden withdrawal leads to symptoms of lethargy, irritability and headaches.
These beverages are increasing in popularity and have the potential to significantly increase the risk of decay. The nutrient content of selected pops (12-oz. can) is provided below in order of highest to lowest caffeine level. By comparison, brewed coffee contains 137 mg caffeine per 8oz. cup.
NUTRIENT CONTENT:
| Pop | Calories | Sugar(tsp) | Caffeine(mg) | pH** |
| Mt.Dew | 170 | 11.0 | 55* | 3.16 |
| Diet Mt. Dew | 0 | 0 | 55* | 3.29 |
| Surge | 174 | 10.1 | 53 | 2.42 |
| Coke | 145 | 9.7 | 46* | 2.47 |
| Diet Coke | 0 | 0 | 46* | 3.19 |
| Pepsi | 150 | 9.8 | 37* | 2.51 |
| Diet Pepsi | 0 | 0 | 36* | 3.06 |
| Sprite | 144 | 9.4 | 0 | 3.24 |
| Diet Sprite | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3.35 |
| *A ceffeine-free variety exists | ||||
| **All pops are acidic | ||||
Oral Health
The sugar in regular pop can be digested by oral bacteria to produce acid which dissolves enamel. The amount and frequency of consumption will influence the risk of caries development; more pop and more frequent intake increase this risk. In addition, pop is acidic in nature and can contribute to surface erosion; the combination of the acidic liquid and acid production by bacteria can cause a significant increase in extensive cavities.
Diet pop does not have sugar and oral bacteria cannot produce acid from this beverage. Therefore, diet pop is not associated with an increased cavity risk.
Systemic Health
Pop does not provide nutrients to the diet. One can (12 oz.) of regular pop contains 150-180 kcal from sugar; this is the daily allowance of added sugar for most adults. Additional pop either provided excess calories or displaces foods providing essential nutrients to the diet.
Diet pop does not contribute to sugar intake, and systematic health does not limit its use. However, diet pop does not contain nutrients and should not replace beverages such as milk, which contribute calcium and vitamin D to the diet. This is especially important during childhood and adolescence.
Recommendations
1. If you choose to drink regular pop, limit intake to 1 can (12 oz.) per day. Drink this can quickly or with a meal/snack to limit the time sugar is present in the mouth.
2. If you choose to drink diet pop, intake is not limited by the sugar content. Drink diet pop relatively quickly, instead of sipping, to limit exposure of the teeth to the acid.
3. Select water and other sugar-free beverages for between-meal thirst quenchers. Limit intake of calorie-containing beverages including milk and juice to meal and snack times.
4. Consumption of 2-4 servings of milk or other dairy products is recommended for development of healthy bones and teeth in children and prevention of osteoporosis in adults.
