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Schools Long-Term Soda Deals Kick Kids In The Teeth

Soda vending machines line the halls of many junior high and high schools like colorful sentinels. Between classes, students search their pockets for change. Some are merely thirsty, but others are looking for an early morning caffeine kick. However, none are looking for tooth decay, though that's what many may get. And at what price?

Since 1995, soda companies have approached schools with lucrative, long-term deals-called "pouring rights" contracts-to exclusively sell their brand in exchange for funding, according to an article in the June 2001 issue of AGD Impact, the newsmagazine of the Academy of General Dentistry. Citizens' groups and dental care professionals have criticized these companies for pushing their products to kids in school.

Many dentists are worried that the increase in soda consumption is leading to an increase in decay among teenagers. "I think it is easy to lose track that pop is harmful," says William Chase, DDS, FAGD, spokesperson for the Academy, an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education. "A lot of parents just don't ask what their kids are drinking and how much. We are reverting back to a pre-fluoride condition in America."

Studies show an increase in soda consumption over the last three decades. Soda consumption has increased from 22.2 gallons of cola per person a year in 1970, to 56 gallons per person a year in 1999-meaning about 14 billion gallons of soda were consumed in the U.S. that year.

"We are not trying to get schools to ban vending machines ... we want to educate people on what soda consumption can do to kids' teeth," says Dr. Chase.
What kids can do to protect their teeth

Kids who drink soda or other sugary beverages during the day can take steps to prevent acid from damaging enamel on their teeth:

• After drinking soda, kids should rinse out their mouths with water to wash away excess sugar that bacteria consumes to create acid.
• Kids should drink soda from a straw to reduce sugar-exposure to their teeth.
• Drink soda from a can, not a bottle with a replaceable cap, to deter sipping throughout the day, which can exacerbate acid attacks.

The Academy of General Dentistry is a non-profit organization of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through continuing education. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs. Learn more about AGD member dentists or find more information on dental health topics at www.agd.org/consumer.

CONTACT: Susan Urbanczyk, public relations manager, at 312.440.4308 or media@agd.org or Jennifer Starkey, public relations coordinator, at 312.440.4341 or media@agd.org.
NOTE: Information that appears in General Dentistry, the AGD's peer-reviewed journal, AGD Impact, the AGD's newsmagazine and related press releases do not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the AGD.