Some people have poor oral health despite regular brushing regularly. This is due to the fact that individuals consume beverages that might induce tooth decay. Interestingly, soda, energy/sports drinks, and fizzy water are all included as substances that potentially affect dental health. Too excess of these drinks can lead to tooth damage, foul breath, and possibly gum disease.
To be hydrated and functional, people require at least 8 ounces of drink every day. Your beverage selection can have a significant influence on your dental health and general well-being. Every day, thousands of individuals drink sweet drinks, sodas, and caffeinated beverages without understanding that they are hurting their dental health.
People are also drinking energy drinks and coffee at an unprecedented rate. Because of the sugars and acids they include, all of these beverages can damage your tooth enamel. Read about the ingredients in your drinks, how they affect your health, and what you can try to prevent tooth decay.
What Effect Does Soda Have On Your Teeth And Bones?
When a research matched the negative effects of soda drinking on teeth enamel with the erosion caused by illegal substances, soda fans from all over the globe were in for a rude awakening.
In the March-April 2013 issue of the General Dentistry Journal, a research titled “Dental Erosion Due to The abuse of Illicit Drugs and Acidic Carbonated Beverages” was published.
Three people (an extreme soda drinker, a cocaine user, and a methamphetamine addict) were studied to see how the three narcotics affected their dental hygiene. For the previous five years, the worried soda addict has consumed at least two liters of diet soda every day.
The scientists determined that all three had similar levels of tooth erosion and inadequate health care. The study’s findings demonstrated that soda is an acidic fizzy beverage which erodes tooth enamel. Because they include large quantities of acid, all three, pop, crack, and meth, can induce tooth erosion.
What Happens To Your Teeth And Bones When You Consume Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks have double the acidity of soda or even other sports beverages. Even tougher than bone, enamel is the toughest component in the human body. Enamel melts in certain acidic beverages, according to research. Sugar will infiltrate the tooth’s enamel if it is weak, causing cavities. Human saliva has a pH of 6.8 or 7, which is termed neutral. The lower the pH, the more likely you are to lose your teeth’s enamel. Even a miniscule fraction of a strongly acidic drink can lower the pH level of your saliva, according to experts.
With just one sip of one of these very acidic beverages, the pH of your saliva might drop to 2. It takes approximately half an hour for the human body to restore the pH level of saliva to normal. Your teeth are practically immersed in an acidic environment for the next 30 minutes.
No one really consumes a single drop; a 12-ounce to 20-ounce can or bottle immerses your teeth in acid. Many teenagers and adults consume energy drinks at minimum once per day, which include sugar, acids, and caffeine, all of which contribute to dental enamel erosion. Sugars can leak into the tooth and lead to tooth decay if the enamel is compromised. Tooth decay impacts over 90% of the general united states population, and much more than 40% of children aged 2 to 19 are affected.
The Two Main Effects of Soda/Energy Drinks on Your Teeth
Drinking soda has two major dental consequences: erosion and cavities.
Erosion
When the acids in soft drinks come into contact with the tooth enamel, that is the top defensive coating on your teeth, erosion occurs. Their impact is to diminish the enamel’s hardenability.
While beverages and fruit drinks can also cause enamel erosion, this is where it ends.
Cavities
Soft drinks, on the other side, have the potential to harm the next layer, dentin, as well as composite fillings. Cavities can form as a result of this enamel degradation. People who use soft drinks on a regular basis develop cavities, also known as caries. When you combine this with poor dental care, your teeth might suffer a huge amount of damage.
How to Prevent Damage
Is there a simple answer? Soda consumption should be reduced. However, most of us are unable to overcome our addiction. But, there are several steps you may do to reduce your risk of tooth damage.
- Moderation is key. Each day, limit yourself just one soft drink. One is enough to cause havoc.
- Quickly consume your beverage. The longer it will take you to consume a soft drink, more and more time it will have to wreck your teeth. Sugars and acids have far less time to harm your teeth if you drink quickly. (Just don’t use it as a reason to consume double the amount of soft drinks!)
- Make use of a straw. This will assist prevent acids and sweets from hurting your teeth.
- After that, wash your mouth with water. After consuming soda, rinse your mouth with water to wipe away any lingering sugars and acids, preventing them from harming your teeth.
- Wait a few minutes before brushing. Brushing your teeth just after a beverage, contrary to popular belief, is not a good idea. Because the contact between the fragile and recently acid-attacked teeth might end up doing more harm than benefit, it’s best to avoid it. Wait 30 to 60 minutes accordingly.
- Soft drinks should be avoided before sleep. Sugar not only will keep you awake, but sugar and acid has all night to damage your teeth.
- Have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis at The Good Dentist. Regular checks and exams with Dr. Burns will detect issues before they become more serious.
Drink Options with Natural Energy
Green juices and smoothies are a great way to eat more vegetables. When creating green juice, include kale, basil, and spinach. They’re high in Vitamin B, which aids your body’s performance.
Green tea has a little amount of naturally occurring caffeine. Green tea also offers health advantages including lowering cancers and cardiovascular disease risks, and also enhancing productivity and mental clarity.
Water: The most effective source of energy is water. When you’re thirsty, your metabolic responses decelerate, resulting in less energy. To make your glass of water more interesting, add lemon, lime, raspberries, or berries.
The Bottom Line
Most dental specialists believe that drinking energy drinks on a daily basis can harm your teeth significantly. Removing all caffeinated beverages from your lifestyle is the one of the best things you can do. If you find that this is too tough, progressively reduce the number of beverages you take. Because we at the Good Dentist can detect indicators of tooth erosion and deterioration immediately, scheduling a bi-annual dental exam with Dr. Ostromecki or Dr. Meinerz is critical for avoiding irreparable dental damage.
