Is your energy boost damaging your smile? Not too long ago, if you wanted a little energy boost you drank a cup of coffee. Today we can skip the coffee and get our caffeine fix from any number of energy drinks on the market. The growth in sales of these drinks has been amazing and more products are coming to market all the time. From a dental point of view most of the energy drinks are enamel destroyers meaning they cause damage to dental enamel and leave your teeth vulnerable to decay.

Why do energy drinks cause dental damage?

Most energy drinks are highly acidic. Not only does the acid erode your tooth enamel but it also changes the pH levels in your mouth making it much more hospitable to bacteria.

Most energy drinks contain lots of sugar. Yes, there are some sugar free brands available but most rely at least partly on sugar for a quick energy rush. Sugar is always bad for your teeth but combined with the high acid content of the drinks your dental enamel faces an uphill battle. The acid has compromised the enamel and the sugar feeds all the bacteria that are growing in the pH altered mouth.

Some drinks can also cause dry mouth. Caffeine is a diuretic and some energy drinks can cause you to dehydrate. When your mouth is dry the chances of tooth decay and gum disease increase. We need our saliva to keep our mouths clean and healthy.

Too much caffeine can cause your body to secrete calcium through urine. Both bones and teeth suffer when calcium levels decline.

If you consume lots of energy drinks try to protect your smile by rinsing with water after finishing the drink. Wait to brush your teeth about an hour so you don’t further damage your dental enamel. Chew sugar-free gum containing xylitol to help with saliva flow. Cosmetic damage that includes discoloration may be repaired using dental veneers.

Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care in Columbus, OH today if you are experiencing sensitivity or discomfort. By treating these problems early you can avoid serious dental damage. Call 614-476-6696 today to schedule your appointment.