Is Your Favorite Sports Drink Damaging Your Teeth? Dental Erosion
Clinical researchers are warning clients that the citric acid found in many sports drinks are damaging to teeth.
A recent study presented at the International Association for Dental Research in Miami reported the citric acid connection to erosion of enamel on the teeth.
Acid eats away at the tooth's enamel and enter into the bone like material underneath which causes the enamel to weaken and soften.
If left untreated, severe tooth damage and loss can occur.
Clinical research done at the New York University College of Dentistry in an experiment immersed calves teeth in citric acid sports drinks and water for a total of 75 to 90 minutes and then evaluated the results.
The teeth soaked in the sports drink showed signs of erosion demonstrated by small holes in the teeth.
The other teeth soaked in water were undamaged.
Dr Mark Wolff, professor and Chairman of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care stated, "This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear" One might think of brushing your teeth immediately after consumption, but this will only make things worse.
Because the acid in the drink softens tooth enamel, the teeth become more vulnerable to abrasive brushing with toothpaste.
Dr Wolff recommends waiting for 30 minutes after consumption to brush so the enamel gets a chance to re-harden.
He also suggests that if you consume sports drinks with citric acid that you should ask your dentist if you should use acid-neutralizing toothpaste that helps with re-mineralization of your teeth.
Eroded teeth are more likely to suffer decay and can become sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages.
"This study does not replicate real life as the teeth were studied outside of the mouth," said a spokesman for the British Soft Drinks Association.
In fact a study done at Ohio State University concluded that there is no relationship between the consumption of sports drinks and dental erosion.
He went on to say that anyone concerned about this issue should consult their dentist for advice on how to minimize the effects of dietary acids from all sources in the diet.
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A recent study presented at the International Association for Dental Research in Miami reported the citric acid connection to erosion of enamel on the teeth.
Acid eats away at the tooth's enamel and enter into the bone like material underneath which causes the enamel to weaken and soften.
If left untreated, severe tooth damage and loss can occur.
Clinical research done at the New York University College of Dentistry in an experiment immersed calves teeth in citric acid sports drinks and water for a total of 75 to 90 minutes and then evaluated the results.
The teeth soaked in the sports drink showed signs of erosion demonstrated by small holes in the teeth.
The other teeth soaked in water were undamaged.
Dr Mark Wolff, professor and Chairman of the Department of Cariology and Comprehensive Care stated, "This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear" One might think of brushing your teeth immediately after consumption, but this will only make things worse.
Because the acid in the drink softens tooth enamel, the teeth become more vulnerable to abrasive brushing with toothpaste.
Dr Wolff recommends waiting for 30 minutes after consumption to brush so the enamel gets a chance to re-harden.
He also suggests that if you consume sports drinks with citric acid that you should ask your dentist if you should use acid-neutralizing toothpaste that helps with re-mineralization of your teeth.
Eroded teeth are more likely to suffer decay and can become sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages.
"This study does not replicate real life as the teeth were studied outside of the mouth," said a spokesman for the British Soft Drinks Association.
In fact a study done at Ohio State University concluded that there is no relationship between the consumption of sports drinks and dental erosion.
He went on to say that anyone concerned about this issue should consult their dentist for advice on how to minimize the effects of dietary acids from all sources in the diet.
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