Dentist in West Seneca Says Watch Out for Energy Drinks!

If you watch TV or videos online for any length of time, then it is almost inevitable that you will see a commercial for an energy drink. They are extremely popular among teens and young adults, and according to research, about half of U.S. teens drink at least one per day. Unfortunately, they are highly acidic (even more than soda!), which means they can do major damage to your teeth if consumed too often. Rather than telling you to completely avoid them, a dentist in West Seneca is going to offer 4 helpful tips so you can enjoy energy drinks and look out for your dental health at the same time.

1. Less is More

While it is alright to enjoy an energy drink sometimes, it should never become a daily habit. Research has revealed that energy drinks are twice as acidic as sports drinks, meaning they can cause irreversible damage to your teeth in much less time. The occasional energy drink is okay, but the keyword is occasional. Consuming them too frequently makes a person much more likely to develop tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. Try having just one every few days or only drinking them on the weekend.

2. Drink Plenty of Water

If you are simply thirsty, instead of reaching for an energy drink, the better choice is always water. It will hydrate you better, plus it will not expose your teeth to harmful acids. In fact, drinking water can actually rinse your teeth of harmful factors and keep them clean whenever you cannot brush and floss. It is also a good idea to swish your mouth with water right after having an energy drink to remove any acids that are left on your teeth.

3. Drink It All in One Sitting

There is a saying in dentistry, “sip all day, get decay.” If you drink an energy drink slowly throughout the day, that means your teeth are being exposed to acid for a large amount of time, making them more likely to develop serious damage. When you do have one, drink it relatively quickly, and give your mouth a rinse right afterward to keep your teeth protected.

4. Brush Afterward…But Wait

Many people assume that if they brush their teeth right after enjoying an energy drink, they are in the clear. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Right after you have consumed something acidic, your tooth enamel actually becomes softer, and immediately brushing can actually damage it. After having an energy drink, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, as this will allow your enamel to harden again.

What to Remember

Consistently drinking energy drinks can be very dangerous for your teeth’s long-term health, but by following these simple tips, you can enjoy the occasional Red Bull or Monster and still have a healthy and strong smile.

About the Author

Dr. Lee Shainbrown is a family, restorative, and cosmetic dentist based in West Seneca. In addition to providing a wide array of services for patients of all ages, he believes that education is just as important. In his experience, an educated patient is usually a healthy one, so he’s always happy to provide tips that help people protect their smiles day in and day out. To get more tips you can use today or schedule your next dental appointment, he can be contacted through his website.