Over the last couple of years, dentists have expressed their worries about people consuming too many energy drinks and the effects these beverages have on their teeth. Teenagers are probably the age group that drinks the most energy drinks out of the entire population, and it is important to educate them in regards to why they should stop or at least considerably reduce their consumption.
Why are energy drinks so bad for your teeth?
The answer is pretty simple. These beverages are very acidic for your teeth. Normally, when your teeth are exposed to acidic substances, the enamel, which is the outer layer of the teeth, wears down, and this leaves your teeth susceptible to many different things, to the point where you can even develop a dental cavity in Red Deer. Not only are energy drinks acidic but they also change the pH of your mouth and end up prolonging the amount of time your teeth are exposed to acid. Normally, your saliva has a buffer system that tries to neutralize any acidic drink or food that you consume. However, due to the high acidity of these drinks, it can take up to 30 minutes for your mouth’s pH to return back to normal.
I’ve been drinking energy drinks for years… Now what?
The first thing you should do is to well… stop drinking them. After that, visit a dentist near you. This way you can get examined and your dentist can see if there has been any damage to your teeth and if so, what can be done to treat it. However, if you do decide to keep on drinking these beverages, at least make sure not to brush your teeth immediately after, since this is even more damaging to your teeth.
Why is the enamel so important?
The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth and its main purpose is to protect the deeper tissues of the teeth from acidic foods and tooth decay. However, when an acidic substance such as an energy drink is put in contact with the teeth, the enamel starts to wear down and this is not reversible.
What other drinks should I avoid?
Energy drinks are not the only harmful drink for your teeth out there. If you want to stay clear of tooth decay, then avoid any sort of sugary drinks such as soft drinks and lemonade. These also wear down your enamel and cause a lot of trouble in the long run. In case you are drinking them regardless, there is a way to limit their exposure to your teeth (or at least your front teeth) and that is drinking with a straw.
What can I do to take care of my enamel?
Like any dentist in Red Deer could tell you, the way to take care of your enamel is by having the same habits that you have been taught from a young age. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and have regular checkups with your dentist. Brushing your teeth and flossing keep plaque at bay. Plaque is known for damaging your tooth enamel and causing tooth decay. This is because it has bacteria and on top of that, it is acidic. On the other hand, during regular checkups with your dentist, you will receive routine dental cleanings that eliminate the remaining plaque that is hard to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss. By following these instructions, you are doing everything in your power to maintain healthy enamel, strong enough to defend your teeth against any harm. These tips not only help you avoid tooth decay but also gum disease in Red Deer.