Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question about soft drinks and dental health is D. All of the above. Each statement is accurate: sugar from sodas does form acids in the mouth, diet sodas contain acids, and decay often occurs on smooth tooth surfaces.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the effects of soft drinks on dental health. Addressing the student's question, the correct answer is D. All of the above. Every statement provided holds true regarding soft drinks:
- A. Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in the mouth to form acid.
- B. Diet or sugar-free soda contains its own acid.
- C. Decay caused by soda tends to occur on smooth tooth surfaces.
More specifically, sugary soft drinks increase the risk of dental caries due to sugar that feeds bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which produce acids that erode the enamel. Diet sodas contain acidic compounds like phosphoric acid or citric acid, contributing to enamel erosion. Such decay usually affects smooth surfaces of the teeth that come into regular contact with these beverages. Regular dental cleanings and fluoride treatments can help to mitigate these effects and strengthen tooth enamel.