People who frequently consume fizzy drinks have been warned that they could be causing a need for emergency dentistry, as these beverages are as damaging to teeth as stomach acid.
The Vancouver Sun highlighted the case of teenager Kyla Kieltyka, who developed so many cavities that her dentist feared she was bulimic and had been exposing her teeth to acid when she vomited.
However, it was later discovered that she was actually a cola addict and had been drinking up to four cans a day from the vending machine at school.
Dr Kelvin Mah said that not only are such fizzy drinks acidic, but they also contain up to ten teaspoons of sugar per can.
He recommended that people should cut out fizzy pop altogether if possible, or significantly reduce it if not.
The expert also said it is a good idea to brush half an hour after eating anything sugary and to chew sugar-free gum to help get rid of any lingering acids.
A recent study by Tufts University professor of nutrition and oral health Carole Palmer found that people who consume sugary gym drinks slowly could be more at risk of tooth decay than those who drink them all in one go.