<P> The consumption of sugar - sweetened soft drinks can also be associated with many weight - related diseases, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, and elevated blood pressure . </P> <P> According to research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention / Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, sugar - sweetened beverages may be responsible for 180,000 deaths every year worldwide . </P> <P> Most soft drinks contain high concentrations of simple carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, sucrose and other simple sugars . If oral bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce acids that may dissolve tooth enamel and induce dental decay, then sweetened drinks may increase the risk of dental caries . The risk would be greater if the frequency of consumption is high . </P> <P> A large number of soda pops are acidic as are many fruits, sauces and other foods . Drinking acidic drinks over a long period and continuous sipping may erode the tooth enamel . A 2007 study determined that some flavored sparkling waters are as erosive or more so than orange juice . </P>

Where did the term soda pop come from