Scientific research has found that energy drinks contribute to tooth erosion. But what does that really mean? How does it affect your teeth’s health, function, and appearance? Well, check out this helpful information from your dentist in Pasadena.
The outside layer, or enamel, is a thin shell that protects the rest of the tooth and gives it its white color. Just inside the enamel is the dentin layer, which is yellow and has tubules that connect to the pulp, or tooth’s center where the nerves are located. On the frontlines of defense, your enamel plays a crucial part in your oral health and appearance.
Although hard, the enamel is not indestructible. Everyone has bacteria in their mouth, which feed on food particles and create acids that break down the structure of your teeth’s protective layer. This is the main cause of dental erosion in Pasadena. When your enamel weakens, the dentin becomes exposed, causing your teeth to appear yellow, to become sensitive to hot or cold substances, and become more susceptible to tooth decay.
How does the sugar in energy drinks affect my teeth?
The harmful bacteria in plaque that live in your mouth thrive on sugar. They use that fuel to produce acids that break down your teeth’s enamel, causing tooth decay or cavities. The more sugar you consume, the more acids that surround your teeth.
In a single 16-ounce container, an energy drink can have 54–62 grams of added sugar, which exceeds the maximum amount of added sugars recommended for an entire day. Consuming energy drinks on a regular basis exposes your teeth to constant and aggressive attack.
If you simply cannot part with energy drinks in your diet completely, try limiting their consumption as much as possible. When you do drink them, use a straw to bypass your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after drinking sugary beverages.
When you weigh the risks, it is worth the effort to limit energy drink consumption. Your enamel protects your teeth, and you need to protect your enamel so that you can chew, speak, and smile with your healthy, natural teeth for many years to come. For more information about cavities and tooth erosion, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Pasadena.
For 40 years, Sierra Smiles Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry has been serving Pasadena patients with dental care ranging from routine dental exams and cleanings to advanced dental restorations. With qualifications in Invisalign orthodontics, CEREC same-day dentistry, dental implant tooth replacement, and oral conscious sedation, the mother-son team of dentists—Dr. Linda and Dr. Christopher Sierra—can provide the care you need. You can contact them by calling or clicking here.