warning labels for pop

You've probably seen it in the news. The FDA will require graphic new warning labels on cigarettes starting in September of 2012.  

The labels will be large, covering a large part of the pack of cigarettes. They'll also be pretty gory. You can see all of the new designs at the FDA's website.

Some are pretty sure they'll help reduce smoking. Others are a bit skeptical.

I don't think that these labels are actually meant to educate smokers about the health risks of cigarettes. Everyone knows that cigarettes are horrible for you in many different ways. What the gruesome photos are meant to do is remind you that you're making a poor decision right at the time you're making the decision (when you're going for a cigarette). Will it help? I'm not sure, but I expect the new regulation will trigger a boom in cigarette case sales.

Dentistry's version of "everyone knows it's bad for you but does it anyway" is pop. Or soda for those of you in the northeast. Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sun Drop. All that stuff is a double whammy for teeth. The acid in it causes the pH in your mouth to drop, which makes cavities. The sugar in it causes the bugs in your mouth to create acid, which lowers your mouth's pH, which makes cavities.

Just like cigarettes, there's no redeeming value to pop, except that people like to drink it.

So why not require a label on every soda can that reminds the drinker that they're making a terrible choice each time they choose to have a pop?

I suggest this:

or perhaps...

Admit it. You might put down the Mountain Dew if you saw this.

Questions or comments! Email me at alan@meadfamilydental.com! I'd love to be your Saginaw dentist!

Comments

[Hubert Salvia]

I have to agree that pop sodas are bad for the teeth. It might be impossible not to drink sodas, but one must avoid drinking too much of these. Not only are these bad for your teeth, they can also cause health disorders like acidity and diabetes.