Energy Drinks and Your Teeth

Energy drinks have been promoted as a healthy alternative to carbonated drinks. However, when it comes to dental health, it's actually a big 'No.' 

Since it is marketed as a healthy alternative, most consumers are not aware of the fact they do contain alarming amounts of sugar. This is harmful to our teeth and bodies because sugary drinks can attract harmful bacteria. 

What Are the Effects of Energy Drinks on Our Teeth?

Since we live in a fast-paced environment, many people tend to lean towards energy drinks that keep them energized and awake, as well as improve their athletic performance. These drinks, readily available to anyone regardless of age, are addictive and acidic. Therefore, they are not as safe as they market them to be.

Our Teeth Can Be Ruined by the Acidity

Even though enamel is the hardest element in our body, it can't withstand the acidic nature of energy drinks. The sugar in these acidic drinks can weaken the enamel, and it goes throughout our mouth and gives it an acidic bath whenever we drink energy drinks. The acidity of the energy drink can drop the pH level of the mouth. This can easily lead to tooth decay, weakening the gum and the protective layer surrounding it.

Acids Can Cause Dental Erosion

The higher acidic content in energy drinks can lead to dental erosion. When our teeth are exposed to acids, we can risk dental erosion. The condition is extremely risky as it dissolves the tooth enamel, can cause tooth sensitivity, and bring about other oral disorders.

What Can You Do to Prevent It?

The simplest answer is to lower the consumption of energy drinks. Now, if you can't completely avoid it, you can follow these steps to reduce consumption.

• Avoid direct contact with teeth. Use a straw while drinking.
• Consume energy drinks after a meal so that the saliva in our mouth can easily maintain the natural pH level.
• After having an energy drink, rinse your mouth with water to reinstate the ph level. 
• Brush no sooner than 30 min after having an energy drink. The sooner you brush, the quicker it will allow acid to penetrate your teeth.
• Produce more saliva by chewing sugar-free chewing gum.

To start your journey to stronger oral health, visit Dental Concepts located at Chatham, Chicago 60619. To schedule an appointment, contact us at (773) 374-9778 or email us at [email protected]