Just about all of us know about the adverse effects that drinks like soda and artificially-flavored juice have on our teeth. However, there are a few other dangers for your teeth out there that you and your family need to watch out for. And this applies especially to children. Because they have a particular fondness for sweet-tasting beverages like sports drinks and energy drinks, children are particularly susceptible to the damage that these drinks can cause, not only for their teeth, but for their overall health as well.
At Bloom Dental of Arlington, we don't just provide virtually painless root canal procedures for our patients throughout Arlington and the surrounding areas. We’re also a trusted family dentistry, offering pediatric treatments for our children patients as well. And when it comes to your child’s health, you want to not only protect their teeth, but also instill healthy nutritional habits in them. Let’s take a look at what ingredients are actually in these drinks, what they mean for your child’s oral health, and what alternatives and options you have.
Sports and Energy Drink Ingredients
While water is one of the main components of all these types of drinks — as are minimal amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids — there are also a number of other elements in sports and energy drinks...and some might even surprise you.
Carbohydrates
While carbs are necessary and one of the primary energy sources for a child, they get plenty from their daily diets, and it must be balanced with an adequate amount of protein and other nutrients. Excessive carbohydrate intake should be avoided.
Caffeine
As one of the most popular stimulants in the world, caffeine is found in large amounts in many energy drinks. In fact, some cans or bottles may contain as much caffeine as 14 sodas. However, the use of caffeine for children and adolescents can lead to cardiovascular problems and issues with physical dependency and even addiction.
Guarana
This plant extract also contains caffeine. While it’s advertised to promote weight loss and enhance physical performance, the presence of guarana in energy and sports drinks can be disconcerting, especially since it raises the overall level of caffeine in the beverage.
Electrolytes
While electrolytes like sodium and potassium are needed for prolonged and vigorous exercise, most children and adolescents should be meeting their daily requirements of these elements through a healthy and balanced diet.
Their Effect on Teeth
Since tooth decay begins with the particles on and around your teeth, the sugar residue left there from sports and energy drinks can corrode your or your child’s teeth. So, in the same way soda and other sugary drinks can cause cavities, so do energy drinks and sports beverages. But they can even be more harmful due to their caffeine content.
Sugar
In all of our mouths, there are naturally-occurring bacteria. When they encounter the sugars that are left behind by energy or sports drinks, it consumes them and creates acid as a by-product. When this acid comes in contact with the surface of the tooth’s enamel, it starts to weaken its outermost layer. This is the first stage of a cavity, and a very unpleasant condition for your child’s mouth.
pH Level
Regardless of the type of energy drink, including all sugar-free versions, they contain an incredibly low pH level. With measurements hovering around the 3.0 mark, it means these drinks are highly acidic. In fact, a level of 5.5 pH is the point at which tooth enamel begins to get softer and be more vulnerable to decay and even tooth rot. Consistently drinking these beverages leads to a high risk of cavities.
What Are Some Healthy Options to Energy and Sports Drinks?
Many people don't realize that diet sodas, sugar-free drinks, and even 100% citrus fruit juices can be extremely bad for your child’s oral health. Because of their high levels of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid, these beverages can lead to cavities and other issues.
Instead, consider a healthier alternative. For instance, coconut water can be a terrific replacement for sports drinks. Or consider making a home-made fruit smoothie made from fresh or frozen fruits. And of course, water — especially H2O that contains fluoride — is always the best bet for keeping children’s teeth clean and helping them to remain strong and healthy.
For more information on the effects of sports and energy drinks on your children’s teeth and oral health, call the trusted pediatric and root canal dentist serving Arlington and the surrounding areas, Bloom Dental of Arlington today at 703-263-8867 today!