So, in your wold view death is the only measure of harm? Because, most people also assume pain such as that caused by a cavity's is also bad. And, historically people had far fewer cavity's before refined sugar became part of everyone's diet. Modern dentistry can mitigate that significantly, but it's not a panacea.
edit: The studies linked are interesting, but I think this quote stands on it's own.
Harnack L, Stang J, Story M. Soft drink consumption among US children and adolescents: Nutritional consequences. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999;99:436-444.
Brimacombe C. The effect of extensive consumption of soda pop on the permanent dentition: A case report. Northwest Dentistry 2001;80:23-25.
edit: The studies linked are interesting, but I think this quote stands on it's own.
"Soft drinks have emerged as one of the most significant dietary sources of tooth decay, affecting people of all ages." http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/...
Harnack L, Stang J, Story M. Soft drink consumption among US children and adolescents: Nutritional consequences. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1999;99:436-444.
Brimacombe C. The effect of extensive consumption of soda pop on the permanent dentition: A case report. Northwest Dentistry 2001;80:23-25.