Preventing dental caries associated with sugar-sweetened beverages

Abstract

Background: Dietary intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased during the past 30 years, and SSB intake is associated with caries.

Conclusions: SSBs vary in the quantity and nature of sugars they contain; however, all of the sugars are fermentable by oral bacteria and potentially cariogenic.

Practical implications: Oral health care practitioners should assess patients' SSB intakes by asking questions regarding the quantity, frequency and duration of SSB intake. In response to individual behaviors, practitioners should tailor recommendations when providing anticipatory guidance to help patients decrease their exposure to SSBs for caries prevention. In light of the association between SSB intake and caries risk, as well as the increased consumption of SSBs, all dental practices should assess patients' SSBs intake.

Keywords: Caries; diet.