Energy Drinks and Your Oral Health

 
Energy drinks are a rapidly growing industry with new products popping up seemingly daily. Many of us have come to rely on them for an extra boost during the day. However these drinks can be very damaging to tooth enamel due to their ability to breakdown calcium which is critical for strengthening teeth and preventing gum disease.

Why are energy drinks a problem for teeth?
Energy drinks contain large amounts corrosive acids. These acids leech calcium and phosphorous out of you tooth's enamel. Enamel is the cover that protects the visible part of your teeth. Once you enamel is gone it is gone forever! These problems are heightened for teens and adolescents because their teeth are not fully hardened and therefore not as resistant to these acid attacks.

What drinks are the worst offenders?

While we have always been taught that cola is bad for our teeth, recent studies show that energy drinks cause much greater damage to your enamel. Energy drinks, canned iced tea, sports drinks, athletic water and bottled lemonade are the worst offenders.

What can you do to reduce your risk?

It's not all bad news! You don't have to give up your favorite beverages, as the damage they cause can be reduced by a few easy steps:
  • Drink your energy drink with food
  • Wait at least 20 minutes after finishing before brushing your teeth, as your enamel is soft and vulnerable during this time
  • After consuming an acidic drink wash your mouth out with water
  • Drink 100 percent fruit juice, fluoridated water, milk or a less acidic beverage
  • Chew gum that is made with the natural sweetener. Chewing gum increases salvia flow which in turn neutralizes the acids that destroy enamel
Limit your consumption of energy drinks and highly acidic beverages and be sure to let the teens and adolescents in your life know about the risks. Feel free to ask us for more information about the effects of energy drinks on your teeth during your next visit.


   

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