Energy Drinks Cause Irreversible Dental Damage

With a fairly new trend in the marketing and sale of energy and sports drinks over recent years, many health professionals have shown concern for the impact that it may have on the children whom consume them so regularly.

Sure enough, there is reason for concern and the dental community is urging adolescents to rethink their drink of choice.

In a recent study, which involved human tooth enamel samples being subjected to fifteen minute baths in a variety of common sports beverages, it was found that just five days of exposure (sixty total minutes per day) was enough to cause permanent damage.

Sixty minutes may seem like a lot of time for the teeth to be exposed in one day, but the researchers broke that time down, in order to simulate the drinking behaviors of the average adolescent. The tooth enamel was soaked for fifteen minute periods four times per day.

More than sixty percent of America’s teenagers admit to drinking energy drinks regularly. Parents must be aware of the potential problems that come with the acidic beverages.

The damage done to tooth enamel can leave the teeth unprotected and subject to decay and gum disease.

Dentists everywhere recommend cutting back the amount consumed and also urge those who choose energy or sports drinks to wait at least one hour before brushing teeth, as doing so too soon can push the acid around within the mouth.

For more information on the study and the findings, continue reading the Academy of General Dentistry press release about energy drinks.