in response to VolsVW... I will try to explain this as best as I can and give you some resources to help you better understand.
There are bacteria in many people's mouths that cause cavities. These bacteria enjoy the same meals as you, the same drinks as you. Sugars in soft drinks are quite energizing to the bacteria. They begin to have families and go potty. When they go potty, you get a cavity. Drinking sodas does not cause cavities alone. The worst cases are those in which the person sips on soft drinks daily, thereby feeding these bacteria all day. Give me a person that drinks soft drinks regularly and nine that do not and I will identify the one that does. I am sorry you feel this way since it is such a huge concern. As a matter of fact, ABC did a special on people in Appalacia drinking sodas. You can use PubMed to search research articles that show the damage caused by soft drinks.
I challenge you to ask your dentist about soft drinks on your next visit. The fact that it hasn't come up in your appointment makes no difference. If I were to explain all of the health issues and hazards to a patient in an appointment, I would only see one patient per day.
Cassie
One other thing: Do you think I just hate the soda companies? The truth is that I love people and I hate to see them unaware of damage they cause themselves with soft drinks. Also, educating the public pays me nothing.
