Most energy drinks have sugar or sweeteners that can damage your teeth

We live in a fast paced society, and are always on the go. Many people have turned to a variety of energy drinks to help keep pace throughout the day. But don’t be fooled. Even though most energy drinks are marketed as healthy alternatives to soda, many contain sugar or other sweeteners that can harm your teeth. Learn how to better protect your teeth from drinks and sweets.

Sweet drinks and energy boosts can cause cavities

At a recent dental visit, I asked the dentist what issues they are commonly treating at their practice. The dentist mentioned that many younger patients are seeing cavities due to energy drinks. Many millennial patients were surprised to learn they were developing cavities. After a few questions, most were able to trace the cause to consuming energy drinks.

Because many energy drinks contain caffeine and sweeteners, they can be acidic and harsh on the teeth and gums. If left unchecked, this can damage the tooth’s enamel and cause cavities. If the cavities are not repaired, then teeth can be further damaged causing the need for a root canal and possibly a crown.

Limit your intake of sweet drinks and cleanse by brushing

While the idea of kicking sweet drinks to the curb entirely is a step too far for some, it’s a good idea to limit the number of energy drinks or other harsh drinks that you consume. It’s also important to cleanse your mouth regularly by brushing, drinking water, or chewing a mint gum to freshen the mouth.

A great habit to form is to brush after every meal. You can keep an extra tooth brush at the office or keep a bottle of mouth wash at your desk. If that’s not possible, you can always keep some healthy mint gum with you to help freshen your mouth after meals with some water.

Moderation is the best path for a healthy mouth

We might not all be able to walk a narrow path of avoiding all sweets and drinks, but we can limit the frequency of our treats. Moderation is a great way to balance healthy drink and food with the occasional splurge for a sweet fix. Some may need an afternoon boost from an energy drink, but you can also drink water afterwards with mint gum.

Just be sure not to forget that even foods and drinks that are marketed as a healthier alternative can be harsh on your teeth and gums. So be sure to keep a watchful eye on your sweet drinks and keep your mouth fresh.