Caffeinated 'energy' drinks may give a temporary boost but play havoc with your teeth scientists have warned. A study published in the Academy of General Dentistry, in the US, charted a huge increase in the frequent consumption of energy/sports drinks among young adults. They said the habit is causing irreversible damage to teeth as the high acidity levels in some of these drinks erode tooth enamel.
Researchers found that the acidity levels can vary between brands and flavours of the same brand. Of the nine energy drinks tested one contained as much as 54g of sugar. (The American Heart Association recommends having no more than 30g of sugar in total in just one day!) The research found that damage to enamel was evident after only five days of exposure and that energy drinks caused twice as much damage to teeth as sports drinks, due to the higher sugar content.
It is estimated that around 60% of teenagers in the US drink at least one sports drink per day and it is thought that there is a similar pattern in the UK. Health professionals are now seeking to educate parents and young adults about the downside of these drinks. Damage caused to tooth enamel is irreversible, and without the protection of enamel, teeth become overly sensitive, prone to cavities, and more likely to decay.
Anyone exhibiting symptoms should call Longborough immediately and book to see their dentist. To avoid the problems you should minimise your intake of sports/energy drinks and chew sugar-free gum or rinse your mouth with water following consumption of these drinks. You should also wait at least an hour to brush your teeth, after consuming sports/energy drinks or you will spread the acid on the tooth surfaces and increase the erosive effect.
Alison
Practice Manager
Practice Manager
