Hello. I’m Dr. James D. Geren.
Welcome to my Alexandria dental blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more Washington DC teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.
Most of these Alexandria family dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Mt. Vernon Center for Dentistry for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.
Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.
Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Alexandria convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that Alexandria teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.
The following is from ABC Sports:
“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”
Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:
“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”
I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.
If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.
Our phone number is 703-360-5881. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.
