Sport and Energy Drinks Wreak Havoc on Teeth

Irreversible Tooth Damage Resulting from Sport Energy Drinks

The American Dental Association announced results of a study that indicates “an alarming increase” in the consumption of sport energy drinks is causing irreversible damage to teeth.

If you, your children or grandchildren consume these drinks, you may be interested to know the consequences to oral health.

Energy Drinks Cause 2 x Greater Damage than Sport Drinks

The study indicated that energy drinks showed a significantly greater potential to damage teeth than sports drinks. In fact, the authors found that energy drinks caused twice as much damage to teeth as sports drinks.

Conducted by Dr. Poonam Jain, the study concluded that “Young adults consume these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels and that they are ‘better’ for them than soda.”  The doctor went on to say “Most of these patients are shocked to learn that these drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid.”

While consumption of these drinks is more prevalent in young adults, older adults consume them for an energy boost, however, not as often as young adults in the study.

The overconsumption of these drinks is what leads to the eating away of the protective layer of tooth enamel.  This condition is irreversible causing the loss of the enamel shine, higher incidence of tooth sensitivity and, eventually, severe decay.

Consume Sport and Energy Drinks with Good Measure

If you or someone you know are consuming these beverages, we offer you a few tips for better oral health.

1. Cut back on the consumption of these drinks.

2. Chew sugarless gum or rinse with plain water to create natural saliva, thus dissolving the extra amount of acid created by sport or energy drinks.

3. Wait up to one hour before brushing teeth, as the brushing will only spread the abundance of acid among all teeth, increasing the erosion action.

4. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.

Ocean County dentist, Dr. Ron Rotem specializes in creating beautiful smiles.

If your teeth have already been damaged by similar effects from poor diet choices, contact Dr. Ron Rotem today.  Your consultation with Dr. Rotem will outline specifically any types of damage caused to your teeth and a detailed treatment regimen to help you regain a natural, healthy smile.