Energy Drinks – Fuelling Tooth Decay In Adults?

Alexandra Dental Care take a look at an increasing problem that patients are advised to avoid.

In previous blogs we have discussed the rise in tooth decay in children, primarily due to the consumption of high sugar drinks. Whilst adults are not exempt from this, they probably have a better awareness of the issue, and hopefully limit the amount of these that they consume.

The same cannot be said though, when it comes to energy drinks. These are becoming increasingly popular with adults and it is quite usual to see people walking down the streets of Ashby with a can of energy drink in their hand. Without being disrespectful, it is difficult to see the need for these products, especially if you are just going about your usual day-to-day activities. A reasonably healthy diet should cover all of your energy needs.

What’s the problem?

The problem with these products lies in their ingredients. In addition to flavouring, the ingredients usually contain caffeine and sugar in some form. Remember, even a ‘natural’ source of sugar such as fructose, can still cause harm to the enamel of your teeth. Caffeine levels too, should be monitored. This may have consequences with raised heart rates etc although there are few concerns when it comes to caffeine and oral health, other than tooth staining from drinking coffee.

After drinking these products for a while it is suggested that the new raised energy becomes the norm. Consequently when you stop drinking them, energy levels decrease and you may reach for another can to get out of the ‘slump’. Ongoing consumption of these drinks is almost certainly going to increase your risk of tooth decay and other dental problems.

If you must….

If you must drink these drinks, remember that it is not so much the ‘amount’ of sugar that you consume that is the problem, but the ‘regularity’. Leaving other health issues aside for now, if you ate a large amount of sugar in one go, it would have minimal contact with your teeth. The problem with this type of drink is that most people sip them over a period of time, providing a steady flow of sugar to stick on and between your teeth.

It is not just tooth decay that these drinks can lead to. Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth which can increase the likelihood of problems such as gum disease.

Whether you drink energy drinks or not, you should see your dentist regularly. You can contact Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347 to arrange an appointment with us if you live in the Swadlincote, Burton or Ashby areas.

Google+