Soft drinks, energy drinks and teeth.
A soft is a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains water (often, but not always carbonated water), a sweetener, and a flavoring agent. The sweetener may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or a sugar substitute (in the case of diet drinks). A soft drink may also contain caffeine, fruit juice, or both. Small amounts of alcohol may be present in a soft drink, but the alcohol content must be less than 0.5% of the total volume if the drink is to be considered non-alcoholic.
Energy drinks are beverages whose producers advertise that they "boost energy." These advertisements usually do not emphasize energy derived from the sugar and caffeine they contain, but rather increased energy release due to a variety of stimulants and vitamins. Some contain high levels of sugar, carbonated water and many brands offer artificially sweetened 'diet' versions. A common ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine, a stimulant (often in the form of guarana or yerba mate). Energy drinks contain about three times the amount of caffeine as cola.
How do soft and energy drinks affect our teeth
Tooth erosion- The low pH and high titratable acidity of some drinks may lead to erosion of enamel surface
Tooth decay- The sugars in drinks are metabolized by plaque microorganisms (bacteria) to generate organic acids that bring about demineralization of the enamel, therefore leading to dental caries.
Tooth discoloration- Beverages containing caffeine may discolor the enamel (outer layer of the tooth).
Dry mouth- Energy beverages contain caffeine that is a natural diuretic. Instead of quenching your thirst, the highly caffeinated energy drinks actually dehydrate you. When it comes to dental health, dehydration increases the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease, and halitosis
How can we avoid/reduce these affects
. Limit intake of energy drinks. Think 1-2 cups per week, not per day.
. Drink within 20-30 minutes instead of sipping for hours.
. Use a straw to keep beverage away from teeth while drinking.
. Rinse mouth with water after finishing energy drink.
. Chew sugar-free gum to help produce protective saliva.
. Brush teeth after ½ an hour to an hour to make sure enamel isn’t further damaged.
http://thedentalimplantblog.com/top-5-facts-your-patients-dont-know-about-energy-drinks-2
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571204001885
Yours with a smile, Dr. Varda
ד"ר ורדה צ'יוקליה-שור 