As a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist I see many patients who have damaged their teeth. Lately we have been seeing a new form of damage from energy drinks and sports drinks. A study published inย General Dentistryย found an alarming increase in the damage teen athletes are doing to their teeth because of constant consumption of these drinks.
To test the damage that the drinks can do to human teeth researchers soaked samples of human tooth enamel in the drinks for 15 minutes and then in saliva for 2 hours. This was repeated four times a day for five days to mimic the exposure that teens are typically getting. When not in testing the samples were stored in artificial saliva. The damage appeared quickly.
After only five days of exposure to either sports or energy drinks there was irreversible damage to dental enamel. Energy drinks actually caused twice as much damage to teeth as sports drinks did.
Teens arenโt the only ones drinking energy and sports drinks. Their parents are consuming plenty as well. The damage causes the teeth to become extremely sensitive and more likely to developย cavities. Ifย tooth sensitivity has suddenly become an issue then energy or sports drinks may be the cause of the problem. Simply stopping use of the drinks wonโt bring back tooth enamel and ease the sensitivity โ you need to visit your dentist.
Protect your teeth by reducing the use of these drinks. If you or your teen have an energy drink the mouth should be rinsed with water immediately or chew some sugar free gum to help return the acidity levels in the mouth to normal. Donโtย brushย immediately after consuming these drinks โ the softened enamel may be further damaged by the brushing action.
Pleaseย contactย ย Beverly Hillsย cosmetic dentistย Dr. David Freyย today atย 310-276-4537ย if you or a member of your familyย are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain.