Impact of sugar-sweetened beverages and citric acid drinks on oral health in central appalachia: A problem that needs more attention

Oral health is crucial to the overall health of Americans. In the United States, disparities exist concerning oral health with low-income populations suffering a disproportionate share of dental disease and having less access to dental care. This is especially true in Central Appalachia. The amount of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) consumed, including SSBs and CADs, has exploded in the last several decades. Per capita consumption by Americans of CSDs increased from 33.6 gallons in 1986 to over 50 gallons in 2006. Though per capita consumption of CSDs has decreased in recent years, Americans still consume more than other countries. CSDs have also been replaced by other types of SSBs and CADs, such as energy and sports drinks. In addition, SSBs and CADs are increasingly being marketed in developing countries in Latin America and Africa. Even though research has shown that SSBs and CADs can negatively affect oral health, much of the discussion about SSBs has focused on obesity. Moreover, when oral health impacts have been discussed, the focus in the United States has been on caries and SSBs rather than on dental erosion and CADs, unlike in Europe. The lack of dental diagnostic codes makes it harder to measure the extent of the problem. This presentation will discuss results from research conducted in Central Appalachia concerning purchase and consumption of SSBs and CADs and also concerning oral health, including perceptions held by dental professionals. Lastly, it will identify some possible interventions.