Handling the effects of sports drinks with family dentistry in Pontiac
When we think about our teeth, it is common to consider how we brush and floss far more than what we eat and drink. More frequently, we evaluate how our dietary habits may affect our general health. When you think about it, though, all of the foods we eat, and the beverages we drink, touch our teeth and gums.
For years now, people have been at least somewhat aware of the harmful effects of carbonated soft drinks. There is a low level of awareness, however, about the dangers of sport and energy drinks. These beverages contain significant acidity, which poses a real threat to the durability of tooth enamel.
Enamel is the part of the tooth that we readily see. This substance is the outer coating that protects the inner portions of the tooth - the pulp chamber, root canal, dentin, and other components – from harmful bacteria. Enamel is porous, which means it has hundreds of tiny holes through which microorganisms can travel. Acid, in particular, is quite damaging to enamel.
Sport and energy drinks have been popular for years, and are viewed by many teens and adults as a viable alternative to soda. These beverages, however, contain ingredients that could actually produce greater impact on teeth than the occasional carbonated soda. Energy drinks may include ingredients such as sorbic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, and pantothenic acid. We are so intrigued by the massive amounts of vitamins in such drinks that we overlook the acid content. In many cases, an energy drink will also contain high fructose corn syrup or sugar, compounding the damaging affect on teeth.
Studies have shown the most harm to come from sport drinks, with energy drinks and soft drinks coming in closely behind. When acidic drinks are regularly consumed, tooth enamel erodes. Over time, damaged enamel is more susceptible to the development of cavities, and the dentin that lies below enamel can become exposed. A warning sign that tooth enamel is becoming compromised is sensitivity to sweets, or warm and cold temperatures.
To quench thirst, feed the body, and protect teeth, water is always the best choice of beverage. If you are one who favors flavor, adding fresh fruit such as apples, pineapple, or berries to plain water will give you the infusion you crave with only a little natural sugar added. Cucumber with lemon and mint leaves is flavorful and healthy, too.
The consumption of acidic foods and beverages cannot be totally avoided. The best countermeasure is to rinse the mouth with water, or brush teeth immediately following meals that contain acidic foods. Chewing sugar free gum increases the flow of saliva, which can wash away some of the acid and sugar that remains after drinking an acidic beverage. The longer acid and sugar remain on teeth, the more damage can occur.
Metropolitan Dental Centers provides excellent care for you and your family. Contact us to handle tooth sensitivity or damage from acidic foods and beverages, and enjoy a healthy, gorgeous smile.
For years now, people have been at least somewhat aware of the harmful effects of carbonated soft drinks. There is a low level of awareness, however, about the dangers of sport and energy drinks. These beverages contain significant acidity, which poses a real threat to the durability of tooth enamel.
Enamel is the part of the tooth that we readily see. This substance is the outer coating that protects the inner portions of the tooth - the pulp chamber, root canal, dentin, and other components – from harmful bacteria. Enamel is porous, which means it has hundreds of tiny holes through which microorganisms can travel. Acid, in particular, is quite damaging to enamel.
Sport and energy drinks have been popular for years, and are viewed by many teens and adults as a viable alternative to soda. These beverages, however, contain ingredients that could actually produce greater impact on teeth than the occasional carbonated soda. Energy drinks may include ingredients such as sorbic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, and pantothenic acid. We are so intrigued by the massive amounts of vitamins in such drinks that we overlook the acid content. In many cases, an energy drink will also contain high fructose corn syrup or sugar, compounding the damaging affect on teeth.
Studies have shown the most harm to come from sport drinks, with energy drinks and soft drinks coming in closely behind. When acidic drinks are regularly consumed, tooth enamel erodes. Over time, damaged enamel is more susceptible to the development of cavities, and the dentin that lies below enamel can become exposed. A warning sign that tooth enamel is becoming compromised is sensitivity to sweets, or warm and cold temperatures.
To quench thirst, feed the body, and protect teeth, water is always the best choice of beverage. If you are one who favors flavor, adding fresh fruit such as apples, pineapple, or berries to plain water will give you the infusion you crave with only a little natural sugar added. Cucumber with lemon and mint leaves is flavorful and healthy, too.
The consumption of acidic foods and beverages cannot be totally avoided. The best countermeasure is to rinse the mouth with water, or brush teeth immediately following meals that contain acidic foods. Chewing sugar free gum increases the flow of saliva, which can wash away some of the acid and sugar that remains after drinking an acidic beverage. The longer acid and sugar remain on teeth, the more damage can occur.
Metropolitan Dental Centers provides excellent care for you and your family. Contact us to handle tooth sensitivity or damage from acidic foods and beverages, and enjoy a healthy, gorgeous smile.