Energy Drink Dangers
Ever need an energy drink? If you find yourself grabbing a can of your favorite pick-me-up a few times a day, you may want to stop and read this before you take another sip. Recently, the U.K.’s newspaper, The Daily Mail, reported that a teacher who consumed at least six energy drinks a day experienced damage to his mouth and tongue as a result of his energy drink consumption.
The Risks
Sure, energy drinks can give you a boost when you’re really tired, but they can also give you high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues and have also been linked to depression and mood swings. It turns out that they have serious implications for your mouth, too.
The teacher, Dan Royals, shocked many people when he shared the picture of his blistered, painful and peeling tongue. Not only did his tongue suffer as a result of drinking so many energy drinks, the ingredients in these products include chemicals, citric acid and a large amount of sugar – up to 58 grams a can in some cases – can negatively affect the rest of the mouth, the teeth, and the entire body.
Frequent consumption of energy drinks can cause erosion of tooth enamel over time, which can leave drinkers at risk of tooth decay and painful tooth sensitivity. These drinks can also cause acid reflux, due to their acidity, which can also contribute to enamel erosion. Many people drink these drinks in Frisco, Texas, and surrounding areas.
Not to mention, the large quantity of sugar in these drinks, which is often higher than the amount of sugar found in juice or soda, feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
If you’re re-thinking your energy drink habit, you should. But, be careful about what you reach for instead. Sports drinks can be just as damaging when consumed frequently. Juice and soda are also high in acid and sugar.
Watch your consumption of coffee and teas, too. These beverages are better for you than others, but they can also stain your teeth.
Too much of anything is a bad thing, but if you’re going to consume energy drinks, juices, or sodas, rinse your mouth as soon as possible after you finish your drink. We also suggest waiting at least 30 minutes after finishing your beverage before brushing, as to not damage your enamel. Using a straw can also help keep the liquid away from your teeth.
Finally, if you’re going to keep drinking these drinks, be sure to come in to see us at Millennium Smiles regularly to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy.
Are you looking for a dentist for your family in Frisco, Texas? Look no further than Millennium Smiles! Call us now at 972-430-2773 to schedule an appointment.