Energy drinks, fruit juices and oral health

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marki Martinez
  • 66th Medical Squadron Dental Flight
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Working a late night shift? Have an essay to finish before the morning? Cannot make it through the day without yawning and rubbing sleepy eyes?

Many people reach for an energy drink, a cup of coffee, a glass of tea or maybe a caffeinated soft drink to get that extra boost of energy in order to maintain focus and productivity throughout the day. While these beverages may provide a short-term increase in alertness and energy, sustained use of these drinks over time may damage the teeth in a variety of ways.

It is important to read the nutrition labels on these products. Many of these beverages contain large amounts of sugar, that when combined with poor oral hygiene, can lead to tooth decay. They also contain ingredients such as citric acid that can chemically erode the teeth.

According to researchers at the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry, energy drinks and sports drinks can cause more erosion than soda and fruit juices due to the high concentration of acids. Companies will often add citric acid as part of the manufacturing process in order to achieve a certain taste with their product. This chemical erosion will affect the teeth most notably along the gum line, where the enamel is thinner. It can lead to recession of the gums, discoloration of the teeth and painful hypersensitivity.

Although sports drinks and energy drinks have the potential to damage the teeth, keep in mind that soda and fruit juices also contain large amounts of sugar. Lemon, orange and grapefruit juices contain a high level of acidity that will erode the teeth more rapidly.

It is recommended to use a straw if drinking a beverage that is highly acidic, to minimize the liquid making contact with all of the teeth. It is also a good idea to rinse with water immediately after drinking this type of beverage, rather than brushing, since the bristles can cause damage to enamel which has just been "bathed" in acid.

Sipping on an energy drink, soda, fruit juice or tea over a period of hours, as opposed to drinking it all at once, will only enhance the enamel eroding effects of these beverages, since the damage is directly related to the time of acid exposure.

Sensible, moderate use of these products, combined with good oral hygiene, will allow everyone to enjoy their favorite beverage while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.