The only thing that soft drinks contribute to the diet are the added calories that they contain. There is no nutritional value in these drinks, they only serve to decrease the appetite so that children are even less inclined to eat the foods that are good for them.
The fact is that soft drinks are addictive. They contain caffeine as well as sugar which amounts to a double dose threat. Children are more susceptible than adults because of their lighter body weight. Alternative “sugar free” sodas contain sugar substitutes that actually stimulate the brain to want more of the real thing. An addiction to sugar can be as hard to overcome as many other dependencies.
A proper amount of calcium in the diet is important in the battle against childhood tooth decay. It also helps in the development of the strength of the bones. Milk is a rich source of both calcium and vitamin D but there is only so much room for liquids in the daily diet. Don’t let your children substitute soda for more nutritional drinks.
Parents and teachers can verify the belief that too much sugar can affect the temperament and behavior of children. Add that to the caffeine content of the the soft drinks that our kids consume and you may have an explanation for some of the aggressiveness that is seen in classrooms throughout the nation.
Cavities start to develop as the tooth enamel begins to deteriorate. The process is accelerated by the citrus acids and phosphates that are found in soda. When the inner layers of the teeth are exposed to harmful bacteria the risk of tooth decay increases greatly.
Water and milk are the best alternatives to soda but your dentist may have suggestions for other substitutes that may be more appealing to children. Ask Dr. Patterson of Epic Dentistry for Kids in Aurora for more helpful hints. Call for your appointment @(720) 721-3600 or send a message via the website, epicdentistryforkids.com.
