HEALTH

Are soft drinks really bad for your teeth?

Yes, though some types are worse than others. Acids dissolve tooth enamel, and that can lead to cavities. To test which beverages are worst, scientists at the University of Maryland exposed enamel to 15 drinks.

Canned or bottled iced tea and lemon-lime drinks dissolve enamel fastest; colas were less damaging. Diet drinks were no better than full-kilojoule ones.

No need to give up on soft drinks. Drink them with meals (food helps absorb acid) or in one sitting (sipping all day bathes teeth in acid). Swishing with water after every drink helps too.