| Does
the ADA oppose soft drinks?
The ADA opposes
contractual arrangements
in schools that promote increased access
to soft drinks for children, thereby influencing
consumption patterns. These contractual arrangements
are sometimes known as "pouring rights
contracts" and "exclusive soft drink
contracts."
What's the concern with selling soft drinks
in schools via pouring rights arrangements?
To the best of the Association's knowledge,
pouring rights contracts inevitably
include the promotion of sugar containing
products
as well as other non-nutritious soft
drink products. In addition to a
singular brand endorsement, it has been
widely
reported that these arrangements
oblige schools to allow pervasive marketing
to children and include minimum sales
incentives that can influence children's
consumption patterns.
Why is this coming up now?
Dentists are aware of reports that since
1998 over 300 school districts
in 32 states have entered into pouring
rights contracts, some contracts
lasting 10 years - longer than
the
term of most school board members.
The Association has for many
years opposed targeting children in the
promotion and advertisement of
foods
low in nutritional value and
high in cariogenic carbohydrates. Also,
the Association encourages its
state
and local dental societies to
work with school officials to ensure
that
school food services, including
vending services and school stores, provide
nutritious food selections.
What is a soft drink?
The Association's policy says soft drinks
include beverages containing
sugars and/or carbonation, and/or acidic
products. These could include
soda
pop, juice drinks, sports (electrolyte
replacement) drinks with added
sugars and other beverages with added
sugars.
Do soft drinks cause decay?
There are many factors that affect whether
decay forms. What we do know
is that when teeth come in frequent contact
with soft drinks and other sugar-containing
substances, the risk of decay
formation
is increased. The Association
seeks to educate the public about ways
to decrease disease risk.
What can kids drink?
Choose beverages that hydrate and contribute
to good nutrition. Drinking 8-12
cups of water a day is important
and consuming optimally fluoridated
water can help prevent tooth
decay. A resource list of nutritious
foods
and beverages that could be sold
in schools was developed by the
California Center for Public Health Advocacy
and may be found by clicking
here.
The California Center for Public
Health Advocacy resource list
recommends beverages that may be sold
in schools
including, beverages that contain
at least 50% fruit juice with
no added sweeteners, water, low fat
milk and non-fat milk. This resource
list was used to develop part
of the 2001 California law, which establishes
nutritional requirements for
foods
and beverages sold and served
to children during breaks and through
vending machines.
Please note: The ADA does not provide specific answers
to individual questions about fees, dental problems, conditions, diagnoses,
treatments or proposed treatments, or requests for research. Information about
dental referrals, complaints and a variety of dental procedures may
be found here. You can also refer to our Frequently
Asked Questions page for answers to common questions.
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