Overly acidic and sugary drinks: a danger for teeth

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Extract from the article: Energy drinks, sugary drinks and commercial fruit juices have become the main enemies of dentists. These professionals are warning about the excess of sweet and acidic drinks. If consumed regularly, they attack our tooth enamel and put it at risk...

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Energy drinks, sugary drinks and commercial fruit juices have become the main enemies of dentists. These professionals are warning about the excess of sweet and acidic drinks. If consumed regularly, they attack our tooth enamel and put it at risk.

There are two main oral health diseases: tooth decay, caused by over-consumption of sugars, and periodontal disease. But a third disease is emerging: dental erosion. It affects the 18-35 age group. This erosion is largely caused by acidity. This is due in particular to the over-consumption of acidic, sugary drinks, which is devastating. Cans, consumed throughout the day, are also highly acidic, and energy drinks even more so. Contained in large quantities in these beverages, sugar also attacks the teeth. When it comes into contact with sugar, the bacteria in dental plaque produce acids that attack the enamel. This dental erosion can happen quite quickly.

More sensitive and fragile teeth

This erosion, which is becoming increasingly widespread, can be catastrophic for oral health. Once the enamel has been destroyed, teeth become much more sensitive to heat and cold, and much less resistant to cavities. Having lost their volume due to acid attack, teeth are also much smaller. This can lead to bite problems, i.e. clicking, cracking, muscle pain and joint pain.

Adopting a more varied diet

Prevention involves regular visits to the dentist, at least once a year. This is to ensure that all is well, but also by adopting a varied diet. You should avoid eating only citrus fruits or drinking their juice every morning. You can vary your diet with apples and bananas. This will minimise the risk. Eliminate cans and energy drinks, or at least keep them to a minimum.  Also be careful not to brush your teeth immediately after consuming an acidic drink or food. You need to wait around 20 to 30 minutes for the saliva to have time to harden the enamel, which has been softened by the acidity. If you brush softened enamel, it wears even faster.

                                                                                              Jean ELI