Over half of U.S. teens consume energy drinks and up to 62% consume at least one sports drink a day. The belief is that these drinks help boost performance and energy, but most people would be surprised to learn that these drinks are “essentially bathing the teeth with acid.”
The May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry reports high levels of acid in some sports and energy drinks may be responsible for irreversible damage to teeth, especially among adolescents and young adults.
High acidity levels are responsible for eroding tooth enamel, and once enamel is compromised, the inner softer dentine can start to decay quite easily, with the tooth cavity making a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Some tip for reducing the damage from consuming sports drinks:
- Minimize your intake of sports and energy drinks
- Chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva production
- Wash your mouth with water to help return your mouth to its natural pH faster
- Wait at least an hour before brushing teeth to avoid rubbing the acids directly onto the tooth surface
- Switch to natural fruit juices, especially coconut water, which has excellent re-hydrating properties
Dr. Feucht highly recommends staying current with your regular dental hygiene appointments. These visits can help us determine if you have any issues in terms of decay and enamel loss, so we can address them before extensive damage occurs.
When it comes to local dentists, Dr. Gary Feucht is “the best friend your teeth will ever have.” If you are looking for a dentist in Plymouth, Canton or Northville who utilizes the latest dental techniques and technology, be sure to check out Dr. Gary Feucht at www.plymouthdentistry.com and give us a call at (734) 459-7110.
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