Risk Factor: Sports, Energy Drinks
Sports and energy drinks are responsible for irreversible effects on your teeth. The high acidity and sugar levels in these drinks erode tooth enamel and damage the glossy outer layer of the tooth. One study found that energy drinks can cause twice as much damage as sports drinks.
Young adults are responsible for the majority of energy drink and sports drink consumption, though these drinks are not good for anyone. Studies show that 30–50% of US teens consume energy drinks, and up to 62% consume sports drinks at least once a day. The damage to tooth enamel done by these drinks cannot be undone. Once the enamel is gone, it will not come back. Without the protection of enamel, teeth become overly sensitive, more likely to decay, and are more prone to cavities.
One study from the Academy of General Dentistry examined the acidity levels of 9 different energy drinks and 13 sports drinks. The overall results varied by brand and flavor but all yielded shocking results. After only five days of exposure to these various drinks, damage to enamel was prevalent. Energy drinks caused twice as much damage as sports drinks. The simulation of this study was meant to match the exposure that a large majority of young adults have to these drinks.
The average 20-ounce sports drinks have over 7 teaspoons of sugar. An average 32-ounce leading brand sports drink has over 14 teaspoons of sugar. For energy drinks, drinking one 8-ounce serving of the leading brand can put you over the recommended daily intake of sugar per day at 2 1/3 tablespoons. Sugar can contribute to the destruction of tooth enamel and cavities.
Water is the healthiest beverage option for your oral health. If you do drink an energy drink or sports drink, it is advised that you wash your mouth out with water afterward.
Healthy Alternatives to Energy or Sports Drinks
- Water
- Green juices or smoothies
- Green tea
- Protein shakes
- Coconut water
- Chocolate milk
- Watermelon water