Everyone knows about the what soft drinks containing sugar can do damage to teeth. But what many people don’t realize is that sports drinks and energy drinks can be just as hazardous to your oral health. Many people reach for an energy drink to start their day, or to give themselves a mid-day boost. Athletes and people who do heavy labor may have a sports drinks after exerting themselves to hydrate their bodies and replace lost electrolytes.
One of the hidden dangers of these drinks is their high level of acidity. Acid attacks the enamel of the tooth, slowly wearing it down and promoting tooth decay. Because damage to the tooth enamel cannot be reversed, this is a problem for young people, who may prefer these drinks over soft drinks after a workout or a game, or when they need a little extra energy. Although the acid content varies between products, some researchers contend that energy drinks are a greater danger than sports drinks. There is evidence to suggest that energy drinks are twice as damaging to tooth enamel as sports drinks.
The best drink for the human body is water and this is especially true if someone needs to hydrate their bodies. A lack of energy is best addressed through a healthy diet. If you are someone who enjoys sports drinks or energy drinks, make sure limit how often you consume them. You should have a glass of water, or at least rinse your mouth with water and maybe have some sugarless gum so that your saliva can counteract the acids. Brushing your teeth an hour after having one of these drinks will help prevent damage to your enamel.
If you are concerned about the health of your teeth and mouth, why not schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Sudi Rafieian at Chicago Bright Smiles in Chicago, Illinois. You can reach our office at 312-642-5107.