Letter: Open wide: ah, cola

Sir: If the new Sainsbury's Classic Cola comfortably beats old fashioned Coke in rejuvenating old coins (report, 19 April), then presumably it will also be better at eroding the enamel from the teeth of those who drink it. Acid erosion of the teeth from dietary sources, resulting in thin teeth which chip readily and become diminutive at an early age, is an increasing problem. Carbonated drinks appear implicated as major factors in this unnecessary form of tooth destruction, quite apart from the dental decay to which many of these drinks also contribute.

Yours faithfully,

R. J. ELDERTON

Professor of Preventive and

Restorative Dentistry

University of Bristol

Bristol