Energy Drinks and Your Teeth
Fri, Dec 4th, 2020
The holidays are a chaotic time for everyone. Moms and dads everywhere are understandably running low on energy and might want something to help them get through the day. Other than coffee, energy drinks are the most popular beverage to help you get through a long day.
But dental experts warn you to stay away from these highly popular, energy-boosting drinks. The acid levels in these drinks are through the roof and can damage the enamel of your teeth.
In this blog, we'll explain why it's important to eliminate these energy drinks from your daily routine and what can happen if you don't!
What Does The Research Show?
Did you know, the acidity found in energy drinks is nearly two times higher than the acidity in sports drinks? If your saliva has high pH levels, there's a lower risk of losing the enamel on your teeth. When you eat or drink acidic things, the pH levels in your saliva drops, which is very detrimental to your teeth. Your saliva is at a natural pH level between 6.8 and 7.0. Taking a single sip of an energy drink can cause the pH level in your saliva to dip to 2.0. But no one takes just one sip of these drinks. After eating or drinking something acidic, it takes about 30 minutes for your teeth to return to a normal pH level. But for those 30 minutes, your teeth are soaking in an acidic bath.
The Leading Cause in Tooth Decay Among Adults
According to multiple studies, energy drinks are now the leading cause of tooth decay among adults. If I told you that you were drinking something with the same pH level as battery acid, would you continue to drink it? Energy drinks (3.2 pH) are almost the same pH as battery acid (1.0). I don't know about you, but I don't want anything going into my body or touching my teeth that resemble battery acid! Acid promotes the growth of bacteria. If there is a high concentration of bacteria, there is a greater chance of getting tooth and gum disease.
Arnold Dentistry
Not only does the consumption of energy drinks cause serious damage to the enamel of your teeth, but the hyperactive energy that the drinks create can cause you to grind your teeth, which can lead to cracked or chipped teeth.
At Arnold Dentistry, we strongly suggest that you limit the acidic foods and drinks you consume daily. In addition to being conscious about what you eat and drink, it's also important to have a professional cleaning every six months. Give us a call and schedule your appointment today!
(813) 689-1529