Soft drinks: The effect of soda on our teeth and bones

Very few people drink soda because they believe it is good for them. In majority, people love soda because it is tasteful, quenches thirst and comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. However, there is an increasing concern in the scientific world in regards to the harmful effects of soda on human health. And this is because, in numerous experimental studies, intake of soda was associated with condensed bone mass, reduced calcium levels in the blood, and increased fracture risk. Besides, soda consumption is a key factor in the occurrence and prevalence of dental caries. SO, even if people do not realize the harm they do by consuming soda on a daily basis, still the harm is done.

Scientific evidence has shown that excessive consumption of soda is responsible for a variety of severe health problems. In effect, the high amounts of soda contained in soft drinks can increase the risk of muscle dysfunctions, bone softening, bone demineralization and tooth problems. Excessive soda consumption may also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels decline to such an extent that cause an adverse effect on vital muscle functions. According to a clinical study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, people who consume two or more liters of soda per day are more likely to exhibit one of the above severe health conditions.

One of the most commonly known adverse effects of soda on human body is its contribution to tooth problems. The overconsumption of soda may lead to tooth decay because of the high concentration levels of fructose, sucrose, and glucose on the teeth. Besides, the acid contained in soda can weaken the teeth, dissolve them and eat away at the protective enamel just twenty minutes after consumption. As soda is highly carbonated and contains high amounts of added preservatives, the risk of cavities and teeth erosion is increased. In the United States, the consumption of soda has caused the levels of tooth decay to increase accordingly.

Scientists also claim that high amount of phosphoric acid contained in soda interferes with the body’s ability to keep calcium intake, thus leading calcium out of bones. Inevitably, bone density is severely affected and bones are greatly weakened. In particular, scientists suggest that because soda's pH is close to 1.5 and a person's normal pH is between 7.2 and 7.4, it would take 32 glasses of water at a pH of 9 to neutralize one 12-ounce can of soda's acid level after the soda is consumed. Yet, as people do not normally drink 32 glasses of water
per day, soda stays in the body and the phosphoric acid contained in it pushed calcium out of bones in order to normalize the body’s pH again.

According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, girls of 9th- and 10th-grade who consumed soda instead of water or any other healthy drink were five times more susceptible to have fractures. Moreover, girls that were physically active were more likely to break their bones than the girls who did not consume soda.

Overall, soda has many negative effects on human body and health. Although numerous campaigns have been organized and consumer organizations have been working towards the protection of consumers from their bombardment by large beverage companies, soda is being consumed to a great extent in the United States. To such an extent, that, pretty soon, there will be no adult without a bone fracture and no child without eroded teeth.