Are you the kind of person who can’t start your day without that first cup of joe? Or perhaps an afternoon pick-me-up is what gets you through those final hours before leaving the office for the day. And then, of course, there are those days when a pre-sports warm-up ritual involves grabbing energy drinks to give you that final push before hitting the field, court, or track.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s understandable why so many people rely on caffeinated beverages and other quick ways to get a jolt of energy. But with that said, these types of drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth if consumed too frequently or in excess.
Here are five ways energy drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth:
Energy Drinks Are Acidic
Any beverage with a pH level below 7 is considered acidic. To put it in perspective, pure water has a neutral pH level of 7, while pure vinegar has an acidic pH level of 2. You can see, then, that these drinks easily fall into the acidic category. Acidic beverages can wreak havoc on your teeth in a couple of ways.
First, they can cause tooth enamel erosion if they’re consumed frequently or if they’re consumed in high volumes. Tooth enamel erosion is an irreversible process that can lead to permanent tooth damage and a higher risk of tooth decay. The more acidic a drink is, the more harmful it is to your teeth.
Some Energy Drinks Tend To Stain Your Teeth
This might come as a surprise, but energy drinks stain your teeth. Those avid energy drink consumers likely notice yellowing or discoloration of their teeth due to gulping down these beverages. As with the acidity of energy drinks, the staining potential of these drinks is directly linked to the level of caffeine within them. This means that drinks with higher caffeine content are more likely to stain your teeth than those with lower caffeine content.
Regular Energy Drinks Consumption Can Cause Erosion
As mentioned above, energy drinks can damage teeth which can cause tooth enamel erosion. When enamel erosion occurs, it’s a sign that the teeth have become compromised due to the build-up of harmful acids, minerals, and bacteria within the teeth. The effects of enamel erosion are usually not visible to the naked eye right away. the effects on your teeth can show up as yellowing or discoloration of the teeth or tooth sensitivity.
If there is no proper treatment of erosion, it can progress to a more serious condition known as dental caries. It is where there is severe damage to the enamel, dentin, and even the tooth’s roots.
They Can Lead To Tooth Decay
Coffee and energy drinks contain high levels of sugar, which can quickly break down into harmful acids in the mouth. These acids are harmful to your teeth and can lead to tooth decay. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to tooth abscesses, tooth loss, and even serious infections within the jaw.
Because energy drinks often contain high amounts of sugar, consuming them frequently can put you at greater risk for tooth decay. This is especially true for younger people, who are more likely to consume and drink energy drinks than older adults.
Conclusion
Energy drinks can be harmful to your teeth in many different ways. They’re acidic, which can lead to tooth enamel erosion, discoloration, and even tooth decay. Energy drinks also contain high amounts of sugar, which can also lead to tooth decay if consumed frequently. If you love having them, there are a few steps you can take to protect your teeth:
- First, try to reduce your intake of energy drinks. This will help to prevent tooth decay and other dental issues associated with drinking too many energy drinks. You can also try to use a mouthwash after consuming an energy drink, as this can help to prevent tooth decay and tooth erosion.
- Secondly, having a regular brushing habit can save you big time from the dangers that these drinks can cause to your teeth.
- Lastly, the way of using a toothbrush should be correct to ensure any particles from drinks or acidity that they have is removed from your teeth.
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