It is very common in today’s society for teenagers and young adults especially to head straight for sports and energy drinks when it’s time to quench their thirst, after exercise, or to get a pick-me-up. What people may not realize is that these types of drinks may be causing irreversible damage to their teeth.
The key problem with sports and energy drinks is that they contain high acidity levels, which contributes to the erosion of tooth enamel. Similar to sodas, drinking these beverages bathes the teeth with acid. Research has shown that teeth damage from acid can begin to occur after just a few days of consistent consumption. Research also showed that energy drinks caused even more harm than sports drinks. In reality, it is a misconception that these drinks are any better for oral health than soda.
If a person insists upon drinking sports and energy drinks, one option is to dilute them to break down the acidity levels. Experts also suggest waiting an hour between consuming these drinks and brushing teeth, allowing time for the mouth to return its pH levels back to normal on its own before spreading the acid onto all the tooth surfaces.
One of the worse things about damage to tooth enamel is that it can’t be reversed. Once enamel is worn, teeth can become sensitive and more susceptible to decay and cavities. Good dental hygiene can help combat dental problems from sports and energy drinks, but there is only so much brushing and flossing can do. Rinsing the mouth with water afterwards or chewing sugarless gum are other tricks. The best solution is to avoid consuming these drinks altogether.
General dentist in Newport Beach California
