It’s summer, and in Texas, that means HOT! So, naturally,
your first instinct may be to keep a beverage with you at all times, and given
their popularity, that beverage may often be a sports drink or energy drink. They’re
full of flavor, electrolytes, and lots of other things that many people
automatically assume are good for them. Unfortunately, that misconception hides
the fact that many of what today’s sports and energy drinks contain can
seriously affect your dental health, such as causing irreversible damage to your teeth.
What’s REALLY in the Bottle
Although the right sports beverage can satisfy your thirst,
and an occasional energy drink can give you the boost you need to make it
through the day, most of them are chockfull of sugar and highly-acidic
substances. When acids come into contact with your teeth, they deplete your
teeth of minerals, causing the enamel around them to weaken and dissolve. As
sugar interacts with bacteria-laden dental plaque, the germs convert it into
more acid, further damaging your teeth until they fall victim to cavity-causing
tooth decay. Weak teeth are also more prone to chipping, cracking, and
breaking, making sports and energy drinks among the most damaging influences on
your dental health.
Flavorful Alternatives
Need ideas to replace your sports and/or energy drink habit?
To quench your thirst, try water—an all-time favorite of doctors and dentists.
Water can naturally rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth, as well
as neutralize the acids that oral bacteria produce. Many grocery stores carry
sugar-free, fruit-flavored water to help please the palate while hydrating your
mouth and body. Milk, which contains teeth-strengthening calcium, and
unsweetened tea, which contains numerous antioxidant properties, are also good,
teeth-friendly alternatives.
ABOUT YOUR GRAND PRAIRIE DENTIST:
Dr.
Quinn Smith is a well-respected and highly experienced general, restorative,
and family dentist in Grand Prairie, TX. He takes a patient-first approach that
starts from the moment patients enter our Pecan Tree Dental office, and he offers a
three-year guarantee on all dental work that he performs. Whether you and your
family are new or returning patients, you can schedule a consultation or your
next appointment with Dr. Smith by contacting us at (972) 262-5111.
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