New Study Associates Soft Drinks With Obesity and Tooth Wear

A study led by researchers at King’s College London has found soft drinks to be a common factor in obesity and tooth wear. Reporting in “Obesity and Tooth Wear Among American Adults: the Role of Sugar-Sweetened Acidic Drinks,” published in Clinical Oral Investigations, researchers analyzed data from 3,541 United States subjects.

After measuring each subject’s tooth wear and body mass index, the team asked participants to provide details about consumption of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks during two nonconsecutive recall interviews. Using these data, investigators found consumption of sugary drinks to be a common risk factor for obesity and tooth wear.

Noting that oral health professionals should be aware of the evidence surrounding the health consequences of sugar-sweetened acidic drinks, the team recommends that clinicians advocate for reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and suggest healthier alternatives.