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 in General Dentistry 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 aren’t 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 develop cavities. If 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 won’t bring back tooth enamel and ease the sensitivity — 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. Don’t brush immediately after consuming these drinks – the softened enamel may be further damaged by the brushing action.
Please contact Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. David Frey today at 310-276-4537 if you or a member of your family are experiencing tooth sensitivity or pain.
