Energy Drinks and their Effect on Your Dental Health
Most of us realize that everything we eat could directly or indirectly affect the health of our teeth and gums. Some of the most notorious and well-known foods that can cause discoloration or damage to the enamel include teas, coffees, or even berries. Our Los Angeles cosmetic dentist would like to inform all patients that there is one more type of beverage that can be added to this list of offenders: energy drinks.
There are quite a few ways in which certain beverages can be very unhealthy to oneís teeth. Unlike most foods, drinks can permeate the entirety of the mouth and become trapped in microscopic areas throughout the teeth and gums. In some cases, drinks such as coffee may just stain the teeth due to the color of the beverage. For more acidic drinks, the enamel may get worn away if the acids are not removed quickly.
Many energy and sports drinks have both dyes and acids that will discolor teeth as well as erode the enamel. Once the enamel is gone, patients are most likely going to require dental treatments in order to prevent serious pain or irreversible damage. One of the treatments that we offer to those that may be suffering from discoloration is our chairside teeth whitening system, but it is important to remember that this bleaching will not protect the teeth.
In order for patients to enjoy a lifetime of great oral health, they should limit the amount of energy and sports drinks that they consume, stick to rigid oral hygiene habits, and make frequent appointments with our dentist for checkups and thorough cleanings.