This is what happened to their teeth.
In recent years, the consumption of soft drinks has surged, particularly among teenagers. This increase has led to a growing concern about the impact of acidic beverages on dental health, as highlighted by recent research.
Acid-related tooth damage is becoming more prevalent among adolescents, according to studies.
“These are damages that can never be repaired. The acid in acidic drinks dissolves the minerals in the teeth,” states Julie Marie Haabeth Brox.
Brox recently completed a doctorate at the University of Oslo’s Institute of Oral Biology, which focused on the effects of soft drink consumption on dental health.
Her research also uncovered a potential alternative to fluoride, which might offer better protection for teeth.
The experiments
“After just two weeks, we observed significant loss of tooth structure in the mice. By four and six weeks, the damage had progressed even further,” she explains.
The researcher at the University of Oslo conducted an additional experiment involving various fluoride compounds while permitting the mice to consume Coca-Cola for six weeks.
The study compared the protective effects of two commercially available fluoride formulations on the mice’s dental health.
Brox and her colleagues discovered that metal fluorides might offer superior protection against acid damage compared to traditional fluoride used in toothpaste.
Stannous fluoride and silver fluoride
“Our first study highlighted the necessity of preventing acid damage, which includes reducing the intake of fizzy and energy drinks,” Brox explains.
“In our subsequent studies, we found that both stannous fluoride and silver fluoride could effectively protect against acid erosion better than sodium fluoride, the most common fluoride in use,” she adds.
Brox’s team is not the first to investigate the effects of different forms of fluoride on dental enamel.
Several other studies indicate that fluoride compounds with metals, such as tin and silver, may offer better, or even significantly stronger, protection against acid damage than standard sodium fluoride.
In a 2019 study involving 33 participants conducted by British researcher Nicola West, the findings showed that stannous fluoride provided noticeably better protection for teeth than sodium fluoride. A similar conclusion was reached by Dutch researcher Marie-Claire Huysmans in a 2011 study with 12 participants.
130 litres of soda per person
Julie Marie Haabeth Brox conducted these three experiments as part of her doctoral research.
While she acknowledges that other fluoride compounds may be more effective than the fluoride commonly used today, her focus is primarily on prevention and raising awareness of the risks amidst the current trend, where Norwegians are ingesting approximately 130 litres of soda annually.
This translates to about 2.5 litres of soft drinks per person each week, not accounting for the soda that many Norwegians purchase across the border in Sweden.
“We live in an era where trends, advertising, and social media have made sugary and acidic beverages particularly appealing to children and teenagers,” she comments.
Label the bottles
Brox emphasizes that public health services allocated over 38 million USD in 2025 to treat acid-related dental issues.
“What if part of this funding could be redirected toward further research?” she proposes.
Brox argues for increased research into ways to mitigate the harmful effects of acidic drinks.
“It should be feasible to accomplish this without compromising flavor or commercial appeal,” she suggests.
Lastly, she believes consumers need improved information regarding these beverages.
One practical solution could involve mandating beverage producers to clearly label their products with warnings about potential risks for dental erosion, indicating their acidity levels.
Key Takeaways
- Soft drink consumption in Norway averages 130 litres per person annually.
- Acid-related tooth damage is increasingly common among adolescents.
- Julie Marie Haabeth Brox’s research suggests alternative fluoride compounds could offer better protection for teeth.
- Preventive measures can significantly reduce acid damage from beverages.
- Public awareness of the risks associated with acidic drinks is essential.
- Clear labeling of acidic beverages could help consumers make informed choices.
FAQ
What types of fluoride are suggested as alternatives to sodium fluoride?
Stannous fluoride and silver fluoride are indicated as potentially more effective options against acid damage.
How much soft drink does the average Norwegian consume each year?
Norwegians consume an average of about 130 litres of soft drinks per person annually.
Why is acid-related tooth damage a growing concern?
There’s an increasing trend of soft drink consumption, especially among teenagers, leading to more cases of irreversible dental damage.
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Translated by Alette Bjordal Gjellesvik
Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no
References:
Brox, J.M.H. Dental erosion: Onset, progression, and prevention strategies, Doctoral thesis at the University of Oslo, 2026.
Bull, V.H. & Melbye, E.L. Ungdom mangler kunnskap of syreskader (Teenagers lack knowledge about acid damage), Norwegian Dental Journal, 2023. DOI: 10.56373/2023-8-3
Huysmans et al. Reduction of erosive wear in situ by stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste (Abstract), Caries Research, 2011. DOI: 10.1159/000331391
Melbye et al. Consumption of acidic drinks, knowledge and concern about dental erosive wear in Norwegian high school students, Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 2020. DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2020.1761030
Statistics Norway: Stor auke i daglegvarekjøp av mat- og drikkevarer (Large increase in grocery purchases of food and beverages), 2025.
West et al. Randomized in situ clinical trial evaluating erosion protection efficacy of a 0.454% stannous fluoride dentifrice, International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 2018. DOI: 10.1111/idh.12379
