ENERGY DRINKS AND YOUR TEETH

It is not unusual to grab energy drinks to refuel ourselves from sweat and severe heat while we are outside or enjoying a picnic. Nowadays, energy drinks have gained popularity among teens, considering them as energy and performance boosters. 

However, energy drinks make us more prone to tooth decay and cavities, as high sugar content and acid present in them strip away the enamel, the protective layer of teeth. And without this protective layer, bacteria can get deep into the teeth, resulting in pain, sensitivity, decay, and cavities.

Consequences of Energy Drinks on Dental Health

Due to a lack of awareness of the consequences, young people have replaced milk and freshwater with energy drinks and carbonated soft drinks. Bacteria convert high concentrated sugar to acid, resulting in dental erosion. And dental erosion leads to other problems like:

• Hypersensitivity to cold and hot
• Stripped enamel hardness
• When erosion reaches the tooth pulp, complex root canal treatment is needed 
• Teeth are more prone to more wear and tear
• Dental erosion will require a highly complex tooth restoration process.

Why Should Children Avoid Energy Drinks?

Carbonated drinks are not recommended for children as they are still not able to handle high doses of sugar and caffeine. Also, their primary teeth could not withstand acidic effects as they are not as strong as adult teeth. 

Sugar debris left on the enamel continues to corrode deep into our kid's teeth. Primary teeth are more sensitive and intake of energy drinks puts them at greater risk for tooth decay, cavities, and enamel loss. Look out for natural energy alternative beverages.

Be Alert and Ready for Action

Do energy drinks affect your dental health? Of course, yes. Energy drinks are energy stimulants that contain high concentrations of sugar and caffeine. But the concentration of sugar and caffeine may cause amplified negative health effects in oral health, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and heart problems. Here are some helpful oral care tips while consuming energy drinks occasionally.

• Don't brush your teeth right after consuming power drinks.
• Chew sugar-free gum for saliva production immediately after consuming energy drinks.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stick to natural drink alternatives like green tea, fresh juices, and water.
• Avoid drinking power drinks before bedtime as it diminishes saliva production.

If you are looking for treatment plans to reduce dental issues that arise as a result of energy drinks, contact us at Ken Caryl Dentistry, The Courtyards at Deer Creek 7631 Shaffer Pkwy Suite B, Littleton, CO 80127. Call (303) 9735280 for an appointment.