Only soft drinks were considered harmful to oral health for the longest time, but recent studies prove that energy drinks are more damaging. Regular consumption of energy drinks has adverse effects on the health of the teeth due to their high sugar levels.
How Do Energy Drinks Affect the Teeth?
Energy drinks are made with high concentrations of sugars that are not natural. These sugars in the drinks interact with bacteria found within the mouth, producing acids.
Furthermore, the acids produced cause slow erosion of the teeth enamel, the outer layer of the teeth, eventually gradually destroying the layer. Each energy drink consumption exposes the teeth to constant attack by bacteria.
How Do Energy Drinks Affect the Teeth?
Enamel Erosion
Teeth erosion is a chemical reaction process that occurs when acids from energy drinks come into contact with the teeth, dissolving the enamel, eventually causing the teeth to wear down, making them susceptible to attack and cavities.
Tooth Decay
Prolonged consumption of energy drinks makes the teeth more prone to the risk of cavities which eventually causes decay—the tooth decay results in tooth loss that is harmful to the person's health. However, energy drinks are very acidic, and this excess acid causes demineralization, making the teeth susceptible to tooth decay.
Dental and Gum diseases
Regular consumption of energy drinks causes acid erosion, a severe dental problem affecting the teeth. High levels of acids favor the development of infections, and the more conditions in the mouth, the likelihood of suffering from dental and gum disease.
In addition, the acids in the drinks cause tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration and change in the teeth palate.
Generally, the consumption of energy drinks is not healthy for our teeth. Reducing the consumption of these drinks or quitting taking them improves the strength and health of the teeth, thus maintaining quality oral health.