Nowadays, when you run into the gas station for a quick pick-me-up, you usually go for one of the many energy drinks that line the shelves. You probably haven’t stopped to wonder what kind of effect your daily routine will have on your oral health though. Recent research has found that drinks containing high amounts of acid can have an irreversible impact on your oral health, making it even more vital to visit a dentist every six months. Read on to find out what impact energy and sports drinks can have on your mouth.
3 Dental Health Issues Caused By Energy and Sports Drinks
The British Journal of Sports Medicine published a study in which researchers connected several common oral health problems to athletes that consume energy and sports drinks. They found that people who consume these beverages are at a higher risk of developing:
- Tooth decay. When sugar sits on your teeth, it can increase the number of harmful oral bacteria. These bacteria produce acid that causes enamel erosion and cavities.
- Gum disease. Inflamed and infected gums are the first signs of this disease. The condition occurs when bacteria and plaque build-up and turns into tartar.
- Enamel erosion. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your tooth that helps protect it from daily wear-and-tear. Acid causes this to erode and exposes the fragile inner structure of your tooth, leaving it vulnerable.
Sports and Energy Drinks Leave Your Teeth Vulnerable
General Dentistry is a journal that published a study showing the effects that energy drinks have on teeth. These beverages contain excessive amounts of citric acid to preserve them and enhance their flavor. The unfortunate effect that this has on your teeth is that it strips their enamel. They were able to determine this by inspecting the fluoride levels of 13 different sports drinks, including nine energy beverages.
If you drink energy or sports drinks, keep a lookout for the first signs of tooth decay and oral health problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Toothache
- Pain while biting or chewing
- Discoloration or staining on teeth
Tips to Promote Oral Health
By cutting out energy and sports drinks from your daily routine, you could do wonders to protect your oral health. You can also ward off common issues like cavities, decay, and gum disease by:
- Consuming foods high in calcium and phosphate that help remineralize the surface of your tooth.
- Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar and carbohydrates.
- Ask your dentist about preventive care techniques and product recommendations.
- Drink out of a straw to allow less acid to come into direct contact with your teeth.
- Double-check ingredient labels before you consume products.
- Try substituting drinks that can damage your oral health for water.
The best way to protect your future smile is to avoid consuming an excessive amount of products high in sugar and acid. To learn how your routine of consuming these beverages is impacting your oral health, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
About the Practice
At Painesville Dental Group, we have five dentists that have been trained and educated at some of the finest institutions in their field. They strive to provide their patients with the highest quality of care through continuing their education. With collective decades of experience between them, they’re ready to care for all of your family’s dental needs. For questions or to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning, visit our website or contact 440-354-2183.