Study Calls For Tooth Decay Warnings on Sugary Drinks

ADELAIDE, AustraliaA new study published in the American Journal of Public Health suggests sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks, should be required to have tooth decay warning labels.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide conducted a study to examine water fluoridation and the association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and dental caries in Australian children. They examined data on more than 16,800 children enrolled in Australian school dental services in 2002-2005. Dental staff assessed dental caries, and parents completed a questionnaire about their child's residential history, sources of drinking water, tooth-brushing frequency, socioeconomic status and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

They found 56% of Australian children aged 5 to 16 years consumed at least one sugar-sweetened drink per day, and 13% of children consumed three or more sugar-sweetened drinks on average per day. Boys consume more sweet drinks than girls, and children from the lowest income families consumed almost 60% more sugar-sweetened drinks.

Data revealed the number of decayed, missing and filled deciduous (or baby) teeth was 46% higher among children who consumed three or more sugar-sweetened drinks per day, compared with children who did not consume sugar-sweetened drinks.

"Consistent evidence has shown that the high acidity of many sweetened drinks, particularly soft drinks and sports drinks, can be a factor in dental erosion, as well as the sugar itself contributing to tooth decay," said lead study author Jason Armfield, Ph.D., from the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health at the university's school of dentistry. "If health authorities decide that warnings are needed for sweet drinks, the risk to dental health should be included. This action, in addition to increasing the access to fluoridated water, would benefit children's teeth greatly."

Results of a 2010 meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), showed that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is clearly and consistently associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Specifically, drinking two sugar-sweetened drinks per day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%, and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome by 20% compared with those who consumed less than one sugary drink per month. Drinking one 12-ounce serving per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 15%.

Consumer concerns about health, coupled with their requirements for appealing tastes, are driving demand for an array of sweeteners. Check out the "Sweeteners for the Future" digital issue on Food Product Design for more information.