Energy drinks are bad for the teeth. They are bad because they cause harm to the enamel – the visible part of the teeth. The enamel is irreplaceable in nature as its utility is matchless in eating and drinking. When we consume energy drinks, the acidic nature of it can destroy the enamel over time. People who consume such drinks in excess amount actually slosh their teeth in acid which can weaken and eventually erode the enamel. If you’re really serious about your oral health, then either stop consuming energy drinks or at least cut back on their intake.
Here are some of reasons why energy drinks are bad for your teeth –
1. Energy drinks are acidic in nature – Energy drink, sports drinks and even some health drinks are acidic in nature. Their level of corrosiveness is equal to the battery acid or stomach acid. The enamel won’t have any chance against that much intensity of acid. When you consume energy drinks, you actually coat the teeth in acid which then weaken the enamel. So, stay away from such drinks to keep your teeth as healthy as you need them to be.
2. Energy drinks have low pH – Drinks with lower pH are more harmful to your teeth. Conversely, drinks whose pH are higher are not bad for your teeth. Take for example, water has a pH of 7, even milk has the same pH level, and we know both are not harmful to our teeth. A lemon has a pH of 2.0 or therearound while commercial energy drinks have their level between 1.5 to 3.3. So, be careful with what level of pH drink you choose else your teeth might be at risk.
3. Even fruit juices are acidic in nature – Some of us believe that the fruit juices we consume will have only benefits to the body with no harm. Well, we’re mistake as all sugar-laden drinks tend to be acidic in nature and the same is true with fruit juices. Consuming fruit juices on regular basis means coating your teeth in acid which can weaken the enamel and corrode it as well. So, either cut back on the frequency and intake of fruit juices or if possible, try to drink them using a straw.
4. Oral practices are not used – It’s true that some people continue to consume energy drinks with no harm whatsoever to their oral health ever. Well, they know the value of good oral practices and use them regularly to minimize the attendant risk of acidic drinks. For example, you can drink a glass of water after eating or drinking anything to prevent acidic reside to stay stuck on your teeth. You can drink water to dilute the acidic nature of the drink as well. Plus, you can avoid the direct contact between teeth and acidic drink by using a straw.
5. Good oral hygiene can help – It’s true that bathing the teeth in acid can never save the enamel. But it’s also true that good oral hygiene can help minimize the risks to some extent. When your brush and floss regularly, it helps prevent enamel loss and tooth decay. When you use a toothpaste containing fluoride, it helps replenish some of the minerals loss due to acid. You can avoid brushing immediately after having acidic foods or drinks to not cause harm to the teeth and gums.
Clearly, energy drinks are not something you must be very fond of as they can harm the enamel. It’s good to consult best dentist near me and get treatment for weakened teeth due to acid.