Energy Drinks and Your Teeth

Whether you are tired after a long day at work or plan to hit the gym, an energy drink is what you might grab on the go. The energy spikes that this combination of sugar and caffeine offers can have negative effects on your health. 

Excessive levels of sugar and caffeine in an acidic environment (the base of the drink) can cause severe damage to the teeth. Studies performed by dentists at Southern Illinois University have proven that, compared to soda, energy and sports drinks are more harmful to the teeth. 

Contact our dentist in Houston, TX, at The Dental Design Studios for exceptional dental care.

How Energy Drinks Affect Dental Health

• Energy Drinks Have Acidic pH Levels

Most energy drinks like Red Bull, Rockstar, or Monster Assault have an acidic pH and an overload of sugar and caffeine. Sugar and caffeine provide increased energy levels. Within minutes of consumption, you most likely feel an unusual surge of energy. 

• They Erode Teeth Enamel

This acidic pH can erode the outer layer of the tooth, namely the enamel. The enamel is very resistant, but a constant acidic environment can cause it to wear down. Studies conducted by putting extracted teeth in energy drinks for 15 minutes, followed by shifting them to artificial saliva, demonstrated that tooth enamel loss is obvious, even though the exact percentage is yet to be established.

Tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once lost, the deeper layers of the teeth are exposed, causing sensitivity and pain. The sugar also causes bacteria accumulations, which also break down the tooth’s layers.

• Cause Gum Disease

Energy drinks are also known to cause gum disease because they can irritate the gums. 

To reduce the harmful effects of energy drinks, rinse your mouth after consuming them. This can reduce the acidic environment, which is the main culprit for tooth decay. Avoid brushing immediately, though, as brushing can do more harm than good. Our dentist in Houston, TX, advises brushing about an hour after drinking an energy or sports drink. 

Tips for Reducing the Impact of Energy Drinks on Your Teeth

Let's face it - energy drinks have become a popular go-to for many people looking to boost their energy levels and stay alert throughout the day. However, while they may provide a quick pick-me-up, they can also have some negative effects on our dental health.

• To reduce the impact of energy drinks on your teeth, consider drinking them through a straw. This way, the liquid bypasses your teeth and reduces direct contact with harmful acids that can erode enamel.
• Another tip is to rinse your mouth with water after consuming an energy drink. This helps wash away any lingering sugars or acids that could potentially harm your tooth enamel over time.
• It's also important to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth after consuming an acidic beverage like an energy drink. Brushing immediately can actually spread acid around and cause more damage to your enamel.
• In addition to these tips, maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are essential in protecting your teeth from the potential negative effects of energy drinks.

For more information, visit our office, The Dental Design Studios, at 8391 Westview Drive, Houston, TX 77055, or call (713) 468-5800.