With the summer months officially here, outdoor activities spike, which makes refreshing drinks sound even better than normal. However, when you take a sip of your favorite sports or energy beverage, you could be doing irreversible damage to your teeth. It’s important to understand the effects of the products that you consume so you can stay as healthy as possible. Keep reading to learn about sports and energy drinks and how they can affect your smile from an expert dentist.
Why are Sports and Energy Drinks Bad for Your Teeth?
Studies have shown that both sports and energy drinks strip away your tooth enamel. Your enamel is the hard, outer layer of your tooth that protects sensitive nerves on the inside. While your tooth enamel is the strongest material in your body, it can still erode. The worst part is that enamel can never be regenerated, which is why it’s important to keep it preserved and protected. Sports and energy drinks definitely have the ability to cause cavities and decay, but routinely drinking them (even with a good oral health routine) will still put your enamel at risk.
Which Drink is Worse: Sports or Energy Beverages?
While any sugary beverage increases your chances of decay or cavities, drinks high in acidity will strip away more enamel than any other beverage. Unfortunately, drink companies do not have to state the exact amount of citric acid that they use, which is why the American Beverage Association says that drinks can’t be blamed for damage to teeth. However, studies have shown that energy drinks specifically have incredibly high acidity levels, and when tested directly against sports drinks, energy beverages eroded much more tooth enamel.
What Should I Do this Summer?
Avoiding sports drinks, energy drinks, hard candies, or any other sugary or acidic products that coat your teeth can protect your smile this summer. You can also brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that protects and strengthens your tooth enamel. This ingredient is also found in most tap water, which is a refreshing and healthy alternative to acidic and sugary beverages. It’s also important to visit your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings to prevent dental issues before they even occur!
If you do choose to drink sports or energy drinks, use a straw! This can save your teeth from unnecessary contact with these harmful liquids. You should also wait 30 to 45 minutes after drinking these beverages to brush your teeth. Brushing them too soon can actually harm your teeth more than help them because your saliva hasn’t washed away the acid and bacteria yet.
Now that you know more about drinks that can cause harm to your smile this summer, use these prevention tips to stay healthy and happy while enjoying the weather.
About the Practice
At Darby Creek Dental, we have a team of 3 dentists who each have quality education and experience to deliver superior dental care. They believe in patient education, which is why they want you to know the hidden dangers of some of your favorite drinks. For any questions, they can be contacted through their website or by phone at (937) 644-8822.