Popular Energy Drinks Cause Tooth Erosion

For more than 10 years,
energy drinks in the United States have been on the rise, promising
consumers more "oomph" in their day. In fact, it is estimated that the
energy drink market will hit $10 billion by 2010. While that may be great
news for energy drink companies, it could mean a different story for the
oral health of consumers who sometimes rely daily on these drinks for that
extra boost.


Previous scientific research findings have helped to warn consumers
that the pH (potential of hydrogen) levels in beverages such as soda could
lead to tooth erosion, the breakdown of tooth structure caused by the
effect of acid on the teeth that leads to decay. The studies revealed that,
whether diet or regular, ice tea or root beer, the acidity level in popular
beverages that consumers drink every day contributes to the erosion of
enamel.



However, in a recent study that appears in the November/December 2007
issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD)
clinical, peer reviewed journal, the pH level of soft drinks isn't the only
factor that causes dental erosion. A beverage's "buffering capacity," or
the ability to neutralize acid, plays a significant role in the cause of
dental erosion.



The study examined the acidity levels of five popular beverages on the
market. The results proved that popular "high energy" and sports drinks had
the highest mean buffering capacity, resulting in the strongest potential
for erosion of enamel.



According to the study, the popularity of energy drinks is on the rise,
especially among adolescents and young adults. Their permanent teeth are
more susceptible to attack from the acids found in soft drinks, due to the
porous quality of their immature tooth enamel. As a result, there is high
potential for erosion among this age demographic to increase.



In fact, Raymond Martin, DDS, MAGD, AGD spokesperson, says he treats
more patients in their teens to 20s for tooth erosion. "They drink a great
deal more sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks," he says. "The results,
if not treated early and if extensive, can lead to very severe dental
issues that would require full mouth rehabilitation to correct," says Dr.
Martin.



Drink responsibly for your oral health:



-- Use a straw positioned at the back of the mouth so that the liquid
avoids the teeth



-- Rinse the mouth with water after drinking acidic beverages



-- Limit the intake of sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks



The AGD is a professional association of more than 35,000 general
dentists dedicated to staying up-to-date in the profession through
continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD has grown to become the
world's second largest dental association, which is the only association
that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists.



More than 772,000 persons are employed directly in the field of general
dentistry. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of
all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and
overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs.


Academy of General Dentistry

agd

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