If you wake up in the morning and need an energy drink to get your day going, then you’re not alone. These beverages are very popular, especially among the young crowd. In fact, after multivitamins, energy drinks are the most popular dietary supplement consumed by American teens and young adults, and 33% of teenagers enjoy them regularly. The problem with energy drinks is that they can erode your tooth enamel. To learn about this dental problem and how it can affect your oral health, read the following information from your dentist in Marysville.
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the protective layer that covers each tooth and gives it that white color and sheen. Underneath the enamel is the dentin layer, which is slightly yellow in color and is filled with millions of tubules that conduct sensation. At the center is the pulp chamber where the tooth’s nerve, lymph and blood tissue are housed.
Enamel is tough, but it is not impenetrable. Millions of bacteria call your mouth home. Every day they feed on food particles and excrete acids, which if not cleaned away with good brushing and flossing, can begin to wear away enamel. This is the leading cause of tooth erosion. As erosion progresses, dentin may become exposed, making your teeth appear yellowed. They may also become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and more prone to tooth decay.
You cannot see it, but energy drinks are loaded with sugar. In one 16-ounce can, there could be as much as 62 grams of added sugar. That is more than the amount of sugar recommended for a whole day!
The bacteria in your mouth feast on sugar, specifically the harmful kinds that hide out in plaque. That’s the fuel that allows them to produce the acids, which can lead to tooth erosion and eventually decay and cavities.
If you just cannot part with energy drinks, then at least try to limit them as must as possible. When you do consume one, drink with a straw so the liquid bypasses your teeth. Be sure to rinse with water afterwards too.
Energy drinks give you a temporary lift, but you deserve to have teeth that last a lifetime, too. Therefore, kicking the habit or at least cutting back is worthwhile. If you would like more information about tooth erosion and decay or are ready to schedule a dental checkup, contact a dentist in Marysville.
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At Allen Creek Family Dentistry, we provide the preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry patients need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Call our office today to schedule a visit.