You’ve got a presentation at work tomorrow, and you need to stay up late to get ready. Or you’re applying for a new position and want to be prepared for the interview process. You need something to help you stay awake and alert, so you reach for your favorite energy drink.
But did you know that these popular drinks can damage your oral health?
Let’s explore the dangers of energy drinks for young professionals in Long Beach.
How Energy Drinks Attack Your Teeth
There are several ways that energy drinks can damage your teeth, including the following:
- Acid — Energy drinks are extremely acidic, and they lower your mouth’s natural pH level. When this happens, it can deteriorate your tooth enamel, making you more susceptible to cavities and periodontal disease.
- Sugar — Many energy drinks are loaded with sugar, containing from 25 to 40 grams of sugar in one can. All this sugar feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to an increased chance of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Sipping — Instead of drinking an energy drink all at once, many people sip on it over an extended period of time. This doesn’t give your saliva enough time to neutralize the acids in your mouth, so your teeth don’t get the chance to recover. So, sipping an energy drink can lead to tooth decay.
Protecting Your Smile
Young adults may be more susceptible to oral health issues from energy drinks, as they tend to consume more of these drinks than older adults, but there are some things you can do to protect your smile:
- Use a straw to keep the energy drink away from your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after you finish an energy drink.
- Avoid brushing your teeth right away because the acid from an energy drink softens your enamel, and brushing can damage it.
- Avoid sipping an energy drink to limit the amount of acid exposure.
Want to Learn More About Oral Health Issues in Long Beach, CA?
If you need more information about how energy drinks could be affecting your teeth and gums, please feel free to reach out to us! At Golden Coast Dental Care, our goal is to educate patients about keeping their natural teeth healthy for a lifetime.
So, if you’re due for a routine exam and cleaning, give us a call at (562) 421-8401.
We look forward to hearing from you!