How Acidic Drinks Affect Your Teeth

A recent study found that regular consumption of energy drinks was associated with an increased risk of dental decay. The high sugar and acid levels in energy drinks harm teeth and gums. Tooth enamel can be irreparably damaged by drinks high in sugar and acids, making teeth more sensitive and at risk of decay. 

Since energy drinks are extremely acidic, they can erode tooth enamel over time. The outer layer of enamel can be weakened by prolonged exposure to this acid. Furthermore, the sugar in your mouth is consumed by the bacteria already present, resulting in acid. The bacteria’s acid is recycled and damages the tooth enamel again. 

There is a higher chance of tooth decay when a lot of sugar is in the mouth because the bacteria will multiply and become overactive.

What beverage is bad for teeth?

Find out which beverages are the worst for your teeth here. Many other beverages, not just energy drinks, can be detrimental to your teeth and gums:

• Carbonated soft drinks are harmful to your body and teeth. Tooth decay has been linked to soda drinking in several studies. Since the strong acidity of soda can erode tooth enamel. 

• Due to the high citric acid and phosphoric acid levels, even sugar-free sodas could be better for your teeth. Drinking soft drinks regularly can lead to tooth disease and enamel erosion due to these beverages’ high sugar and acid content. 

• Alcohol is a diuretic, creates dry mouth, and encourages staining. Drinking alcohol decreases saliva production, which can lead to major issues, including tooth decay and gum disease over time. 

• Coffee: Caffeine in coffee can dull teeth. Coffee, like alcohol, can cause dry mouth because it decreases saliva production. Adding sugar to your coffee is a certain way to ruin your teeth.

What Does It Do to Your Teeth?

Sugary residue from sports and energy drinks can damage teeth, just like the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities in the first place. Therefore, energy drinks and sports beverages can lead to tooth decay in the same manner that soda and other sugary drinks might. However, the caffeine in these beverages can make them much more dangerous. 

There are harmless, naturally occurring bacteria in everyone’s mouth. They feed on the sugars in the waste products of energy and sports drinks, producing acid. The enamel’s protective outer layer is weakened when this acid touches it. This is the earliest sign of a cavity, a terrible problem for your kid’s teeth. 

Various energy drinks, including those without added sugar, have an extremely acidic pH. These beverages are extremely acidic, with a pH below the neutral 7.0 mark. At a pH of 5.5, tooth enamel becomes fragile and more susceptible to decay and even tooth rot. Regularly consuming these drinks is associated with an increased risk of dental caries.

Which alternatives to sugary energy and sports drinks are better for you?

Diet sodas, sugar-free drinks, and even 100 per cent citrus fruit juices are terrible for your child’s teeth, but few people realize this. Cavities and other problems are caused by the high quantities of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid in these drinks. 

Wrapping Up

Think about something better for you to eat instead. As an alternative to sugary sports drinks, coconut water is a great option. Try whipping up a smoothie in your kitchen with fresh or frozen fruit. Water, particularly fluoridated water, is the best option for preventing tooth decay and preserving the health of children’s teeth. 

All dentists agree that drinking energy drinks regularly harms your teeth. Stop drinking energy drinks immediately if you care about your dental health. If you find it too challenging, try reducing your consumption of energy drinks over time instead. Making your biannual dental appointment a top priority is crucial to prevent irreversible tooth damage since a dental practitioner may swiftly see dental erosion and damage indicators.