With summer just around the corner, many of us will be reaching for our favorite beverages to quench our thirst. Since it’s common knowledge that sugary drinks like soda can wreak havoc on your teeth, you may think that energy or sports drinks are a healthier option. While they may contain less sugar than pop, dental experts say they aren’t any better for your oral health. In fact, some studies suggest they may be much worse. Your Flower Mound dentist explains how sports and energy drinks may be damaging your teeth, as well as what you can do to protect your smile.
What Do Sports & Energy Drinks Do to Teeth?
Energy and sports drinks are highly acidic. To measure how this influences tooth health, a recent study tested 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks. Samples of extracted human molars were doused in each beverage for 15 minutes, then an artificial saliva for two hours. After repeating this cycle four times a day for five days, researchers found that both types of drinks drastically damaged enamel, and energy drinks were twice as harmful. Overall, these beverages caused three times more enamel erosion than soda.
The hard shell of enamel that encases your teeth protects the sensitive layers underneath from damage and decay. However, when the enamel is damaged and eroded, your teeth become weaker and more susceptible to chips, cracks, tooth decay, gum disease, and serious dental infections.
More Negative Side Effects of Energy & Sports Drinks
However, the adverse impact of acidic beverages doesn’t end at your enamel. Many dental professionals report that the acidic nature of energy and sports drinks cause:
- A better environment for oral bacteria to grow, which raises your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Bruxism, or nightly teeth grinding, from feeling “wired,” which can lead to tooth breakage and loss.
- More acid reflux production, which can also cause more cavities.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy While Staying Fit
Strong teeth and healthy gums play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of the rest of the body. To promote better oral health in your everyday life, try:
- Using specialized remineralization dental products and eating more calcium-rich food to rebuild your enamel.
- Make water your drink of choice.
- If you do drink sports or energy drinks, try diluting them with water or drinking them through a straw to minimize their impact on your teeth.
- Don’t brush your teeth right after consuming acidic beverages. Wait 30-25 minutes in order for your saliva to neutralize the lingering acids.
- See your dentist at least twice a year for preventive treatments and work with them to find a healthy hydration regimen that’s right for you.
Don’t ruin your sunny smile by drinking too many energy or sports drinks. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay happy and healthy all summer long.
About the Author
Dr. Rodger Song of Bridlewood Dental in Flower Mound, TX has over 30 years of helping his patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. While he has the advanced training and state-of-the-art technology needed to help you overcome nearly any dental issue, he’d much rather prevent them from happening in the first place! He encourages all his patients to come in for routine checkups and cleanings at least twice a year to identify any factors that may be damaging your smile as early as possible. If you have more questions about the impact of sports and energy drinks on teeth, feel free to contact him via his website or at (972) 906-9797.