What is in these drinks anyway?
Energy and sports drinks gained popularity with the launch of Red Bull in 1987, after which many other brands followed suit. Today, these drinks make up a multibillion-dollar industry which has shown tremendous growth over recent years. These drinks have become a raving trend particularly among young-adults, athletes, and students. A can of an energy drink containing 12 to 16 oz can give you an energy boost and improve your concentration, stamina, and performance. But, this can come with a price: damage to your teeth!
These drinks usually contain a huge dose of caffeine with an assortment of vitamins and flavors. Even the sugar-free variants are packed with ingredients that lower their pH, making them highly acidic.
Acid and Your Teeth
Remember it’s not just you who gets a boost from these drinks; the cariogenic bacteria i.e. the kind that causes tooth decay also multiply due to high sugar levels. These bacteria can be fueled by sugar and turn into acid factories. This acid is extremely detrimental for your tooth enamel. Continuous consumption of energy drinks can result in tooth and enamel erosion, cavities, and various oral health issues for many patients.
If you’ve slipped into the habit of sipping energy drinks round the clock, you are subjecting your teeth to a very long acid bath. The reason why these beverages have gained the notorious title of “the acid mouthwash” is their low pH ranging between 2.5 to 3.5. This is similar to you sipping the gastric acid from your stomach (which is not a very appetizing image!). Therefore, your teeth experience enamel erosion and become weak. Sometimes these drinks can cause or exacerbate acid reflux, and the extra influx of stomach acid can contribute to further wear on your enamel.
The Role of Caffeine
Another villain for your teeth is the caffeine content. It’s the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance and the reason why a can of energy drink makes you more focused. However, it allows harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth and cause tooth and enamel erosion. It also can cling to your tongue, and cause bad breath.
A higher intake of caffeine would leave you with a dry mouth. It can sometimes slow down the production of saliva, which means there’s nothing to balance the acidic environment in your mouth. Less saliva can impact your gums, and teeth, taking away a natural defense against acid and its effects.
In a nutshell, energy drinks are not an ideal beverage choice if you wish to care for your bright smile. If you are looking for more ways to care for your teeth, stop by our local Waco or Harker Heights dentist, we will do all we can to give you the tools you need to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile!
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Krystle J.
Sammy, Connor, the front desk staff, Dental Hygenist and especially Dr. Town are amazing! It’s great to see the same faces everyone I get a cleaning! Sammy makes the experience comfortable and welcome. Connor may be quiet but he always does a great job! The dental hygienist always remembers me and my kids. Sorry I cant remember her name but she knows who I am and that’s what matters:) Thankful for this staff and the great care they give to my family!
Linda F.
I love it here. I have never seen a dental office give flowers to first timers. Everyone was so welcome if. In pain but you guys still made me smile. I told my daughter she need to come there. I love how you guys work with options of payment. Again thanks for making me smile in pain.
Emily C.
We’ve always had a good experience at Stonehaven. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and helpful. I love the hygienists, they always make my children and I feel comfortable and informed. I have pretty high dental anxiety and they’ve never tried to minimize my fears- but they listen to me, and help me feel as comfortable as possible. The dentists and orthodontists have been great! No issues at all. (I just wish my daughter was better at flossing, but we’re working on that!)
Yolanda R.
Oh my god, this doctor and staff are the best! They are friendly, they explained everything very thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. The office is so clean and every one of the staff is so amazing especially Crystal! I recommend this dental office big time!!! Thank you Stonehaven Dental!!
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"This is my first time at Stonehaven dental. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful. Dr Town came in and visited with me and together we developed a treatment plan to address the issues that were present on my teeth. Couldn't be more happy with the experience with everyone in the office!"