4 Reasons Why Limiting Your Children's Consumption of Energy Drinks Will Help Their Teeth

Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people all across the country; unfortunately, this may be doing irreversible damage to their oral health. Most parents understand that sodas are bad for their children's teeth and will therefore limit them accordingly. However, fewer parents understand that energy drinks can be just as bad. In fact, many energy drinks are advertised as 'sports drinks', giving them a slight air of health.

There's no reason why you need to curtail your kid's consumption of energy drinks altogether, but here are just four reasons why you should certainly consider limiting their intake.

1. Energy Drinks Are High in Sugar

Everyone knows that colas and other soft drinks tend to be exceptionally high in the sweet stuff. Sugar is a well-known adversary of pearly whites, and there can be just as much in energy drinks as there is in a can of pop; after all, sugar is great for giving people a bit of a boost. Sugar helps to feed the bacteria on your teeth that prevent plaque, making cavities and decay far more likely. Of course, some energy drinks are sugar-free, but that doesn't mean they are harmless.

2. Energy Drinks Are Highly Acidic

If you're thinking that you can prevent your child damaging their teeth by simply buying sugar-free energy drinks, think again. These beverages are highly acidic as well as high in sugar, and that's an extremely serious issue for your teeth. Drinks which are acidic are harmful because they eat away at the enamel, which is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. Unfortunately, enamel isn't made from live cells, meaning it cannot repair damage to itself. Once enamel is gone, it's gone. If you don't want your child suffering from acid erosion before they leave their teens, limiting their consumption of energy drinks might be a good idea.

3. Energy Drinks Are Taken Between Meals

It would be a lot better for your kid if they drank their energy drinks during meals. Consuming other items at the same time helps wash away the beverage and balances out acidity levels. However, most people drink their energy drinks between meals, and this is a bad idea. It allows acids to linger within the mouth, and it's best not to snack between meals.

4. Energy Drinks Can Cause Tooth Grinding  

Despite what advertisers would have you believe, not everyone who consumes an energy drink immediately starts to run a marathon or climb a mountain. In fact, your kid is just as likely to treat themselves to one during a marathon video game gathering, a long-night revision session, or simply as a snack. All the caffeine and other energy-providing ingredients will then be energising your child without them using that energy. This can lead to behaviours such as tooth grinding. It's one of the reasons why people with chronic grinding problems are advised to cut down on caffeinated drinks.

Talk with your family dentist about adolescent oral care if you have more questions.

Share