The Journal of the American Dental Association (July 2017) reports a study which links consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (including sports drinks) to cavity development, tooth loss, and diabetes. No surprises there. However, the study also reports an increase of periodontal disease, cardiovascular disease mortality, and hypertension. We find the reason for this alarming effect of sugar on your body in its underlying biology. Sugar-sweetened beverages contain fermentable sugars which are factors in the growth of bacteria. Increased oral bacterial growth leads to inflammation which, in turn, can lead to periodontal and other diseases.
Your Wilmington Dentist's Recommendation
My recommendation is to ease up on the beverages containing sugar. Even two of these beverages per day is too many! This will help to assure optimal oral health and help to prevent other systemic diseases.
