You’ve heard everything there is to say about your cup of coffee in the morning, the occasional glass of wine at dinner, or a casual cola every now and then, but what about energy drinks? These cold and caffeinated beverages may help you survive even the most exhausting days, but they come at the cost of your smile.

Find other ways to fuel your day, here are three reasons why you should give up energy drinks:

TOO MUCH SUGAR

Just like soda, energy drinks are full of sugar. Though it might be sweet, the effects this ingredient has on your teeth is anything but. ActionOnSugar.org explains, “When sugar is consumed, it interacts with the bacteria within the plaque to produce acid. This acid is responsible for tooth decay because it slowly dissolves the enamel creating holes or cavities in the teeth. Tooth decay can lead to tooth abscesses, which may result in the tooth having to be removed.”

HIGH ACID LEVELS

Enamel is a protective layer that coats each and every tooth. Like a hard hat, the tough substance protects your pearly whites from acids, bacteria and even extreme temperatures that would otherwise cause serious harm. Once this layer is gone, however, your teeth are vulnerable and unprotected.

Carbonated beverages may be refreshing, but the high acid levels from the carbonation in energy drinks can wear down the enamel layer on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities. This leads us to our next point.

CAN INCREASE TOOTH SENSITIVITY

A lost or damaged enamel layer can lead to a super sensitive smile. Hot or cold foods would be painful to eat, and walking outside during the winter would be unbearable. Even your minty-cool toothpaste and soft bristles would be uncomfortable.

On top of all that, the high caffeine levels could also cause you to grind your teeth due to hyperactivity. This would destroy whatever is left of your protective layer and cause irreversible damage to your teeth.

HOPE IS NOT LOST

You can still stay caffeinated, hydrated and refreshed with these easy alternatives:

• Water
• Green tea
• Freshly-squeezed juice
• Smoothies

Whatever your cup of tea may be, anything you can consume affects your oral health. Ask our team of professionals how you can improve your smile, give us a call or set up an appointment today.