In dentistry we sometimes see a marked deterioration in some patients that previously had health mouths. This can be caused by an increased use of sports and energy drinks.
The fact that these drinks are readily available and accessible particularly to the younger generation is a concern.
What is tooth decay?
Picture courtesy of Gary M. Verigin, DDS, CTN – Integrative, Biological Dentistry
Tooth decay is the breakdown of the tooth structure due to the activity of bacteria in the mouth.
Plaque builds up over time on the tooth surface which creates a great habitat for naturally occurring bacteria to grow.
Certain bacteria absorb the sugar that we eat and produce an acid as a by product. Overtime this acid attacks the tooth surface.The surface will soften and eventually breakdown destroying the tooth and leading to tooth loss.
Tooth decay is a preventable disease.
Sugar
Tooth decay is the breakdown of the tooth structure due to the activity of bacteria in the mouth.
Plaque builds up over time on the tooth surface which creates a great habitat for naturally occurring bacteria to grow.
Certain bacteria absorb the sugar that we eat and produce an acid as a by product. Overtime this acid attacks the tooth surface.The surface will soften and eventually breakdown destroying the tooth and leading to tooth loss.
Tooth decay is a preventable disease.
Sugar
The quantity of sugar varies greatly depending on the product. Manufacturers do seem to be taking steps to reduce the amount of sugar in some products. Below are examples of the content of a couple of products.
Energy drinks
Mountain Dew 590 ml bottle 77 grams = 19.25 teaspoons/590 ml
Red bull 250 ml can 27 grams = 7 teaspoons/250ml
The quantity of sugar varies greatly depending on the product. Manufacturers do seem to be taking steps to reduce the amount of sugar in some products. Below are examples of the content of a couple of products.
Energy drinks
Mountain Dew 590 ml bottle 77 grams = 19.25 teaspoons/590 ml
Red bull 250 ml can 27 grams = 7 teaspoons/250ml
What is dental erosion?
Picture courtesy 2017 DentaGama
Dental erosion is the loss of tooth surface caused by the action of acid in foods and fluids on the tooth.
This has an irreversible affect and may cause sensitivity, loss of tooth surface, deep lesions, exposed dentine, discolouration, cracks and chips and severe tooth ache.
Ultimately tooth erosion can lead to tooth loss.
Acid
Sports and energy drinks contain acids such as citric and malic acid.
These acids are very erosive and will wear away the tooth structure.
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| Picture courtesy 2017 DentaGama |
Dental erosion is the loss of tooth surface caused by the action of acid in foods and fluids on the tooth.
This has an irreversible affect and may cause sensitivity, loss of tooth surface, deep lesions, exposed dentine, discolouration, cracks and chips and severe tooth ache.
Ultimately tooth erosion can lead to tooth loss.
Acid
Sports and energy drinks contain acids such as citric and malic acid.
These acids are very erosive and will wear away the tooth structure.
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Be aware!
- Sports drinks are designed for anyone carrying out exercise for more than 90 minutes a day.
- energy drinks can cause other health problems such as palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea, convulsions and neurological and cardiovascular problems.
- Sports drinks are designed for anyone carrying out exercise for more than 90 minutes a day.
- energy drinks can cause other health problems such as palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea, convulsions and neurological and cardiovascular problems.
Our Top Tips
- For children water is most suitable for re-hydration.
- If carbohydrates are needed food options such as bananas are a better choice.
- Restrict drinks other than water or milk to mealtimes only.
- Educate children to make sensible choices.
- Avoid sticky thick drinks that will cling to the tooth surface.
- Drink the drink in one go - do not sip it over a period of time as this prolongs the acid attack.
- Avoid holding the drink in your mouth.
- Drink through a straw to reduce the amount of drink flowing over the teeth.
- Source sugar free options where possible.
- Chilled drinks are potentially less erosive.
- Tooth brushing should be delayed until an hour after consumption of sugary food or drinks.
- If you are exercising regularly choose the type of sports drink that is suitable for the exercise you are doing. Check out this website for more information.
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| Joanna Kettle Treatment coordinator |
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