Think energy drinks are the answer when you need a pick-me-up? Think again! Energy drinks have a direct impact on oral health. If energy drinks adversely affect the heart rate, they also damage the teeth and increase the risk of cavities. What’s more, these drinks are highly acidic. In the long run, the acid erodes the enamel and may eventually lead to tooth rot.
Drinking a lot of energy drinks weakens the teeth. The enamel becomes more porous, allowing cavities to develop quickly.
Since teens are major consumers of energy drinks, their oral hygiene should be closely monitored: daily brushings and flossings are a must. Here’s a piece of simple but sound advice: drink water instead. However, if you really can’t go without, then we advise you to drink fewer energy drinks, use a straw when you drink them, rinse your mouth with water after swallowing and have something from the dairy counter (cheese, yogurt, milk, etc.) to lower the acidity levels in the mouth.
A word from the dentist: Though beneficial, these recommendations don’t amount to foolproof prevention against cavities caused by energy drinks. For this reason, it is extremely important to see your dentist each year for a check-up and cleaning.
