Dental Damage Caused by Energy Drinks

Energy drinks can cause a number of health problems, especially in teens and young adults. However, they can also cause a number of oral health issues that you should consider. In fact, energy drinks have been linked to the loss and weakening of tooth enamel, which can increase the risk of dental cavities and tooth sensitivity.

Because energy drinks are so popular among the younger crowd, we’re seeing more enamel damage in our Parker, Colorado pediatric dental office. As a parent, it’s important that you restrict your child’s consumption of energy drinks and other highly acidic drinks such as soda and juice. If your children do drink these beverages, please encourage them to brush their teeth or rinse with water right afterward. It’s important to limit the amount of time the acid is exposed to your child’s enamel.

Weakened Dental Enamel

Below are a few things that can happen as a result of weakened or worn-down dental enamel:

• Sensitivity – When the protective enamel is worn down, the teeth will become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or to overly sugary foods.
• Cracks or Chips – As the tooth enamel starts to erode, the edges of your child’s teeth can become jagged or irregular and may even begin to chip or crack.
• Pain – In the later stages of enamel erosion, your child’s sensitive teeth may begin to feel downright painful. Some patients report that even taking in a breath can cause sharp pain in the teeth.
• Discoloration – Lastly, when the white enamel wears away, it will begin to reveal some of the dentin underneath. This dentin is more yellow in color, which can cause your child’s teeth to become discolored or yellowed.

Because the tooth enamel is the protective barrier of the teeth, a lack of this enamel will make your child’s teeth much more vulnerable to damage, decay, and dental cavities. If you’re concerned about your child’s energy drink consumptions or to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist, please contact Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry located here in Parker, CO.