Athletes often hydrate with sports beverages during exercise and busy people like the caffeine kick of energy drinks. While the health value of these beverages is debatable, research shows both sports and energy drinks can have a negative impact on your oral health and dental hygiene.

The danger in most sports and energy drinks isn’t just sugar; these beverages also contain a significant amount of acid that can harm tooth enamel.

Sports Drinks and Dental Health

Whether you are an athlete, a weekend warrior, or the parent of a sporty child, you have probably been exposed to energy drinks. Rich in carbohydrates and minerals, they are designed to replace electrolytes and water lost through sweat. If you sip these beverages for a prolonged period and breathe through your mouth from exertion, the combination of air, acid, and sugar creates an ideal environment for tooth decay.

Energy Drinks and Your Teeth

These drinks usually contain stimulants like caffeine and guarana along with minerals, vitamins, and protein. Whatever the content, these beverages often contain sugar and acids that can harm teeth.

Are Sugar-Free Power Drinks Better?

Unfortunately, beverages without sugar can still contain phosphoric and citric acids that weaken tooth enamel. This leaves teeth more susceptible to decay and bacteria invasion.

The best substitute for high-octane sports drinks is plain water. A study shared from Melbourne University in Australia by our oral surgeon in 60467 found that H20 can actually harden tooth enamel. Always rinse your mouth with water after drinking sports beverages. Coffee and tea, while acidic, are a better substitute for energy drinks.

What to Do After Drinking Sports and Energy Beverages

After what you have learned, you might be tempted to keep a toothbrush handy and whip it out each time you drink sports or energy beverages. However, research shows that rinsing with water is better than brushing, at least for a few minutes after drinking a sugary, acidic substance.

A substitute for rinsing while on the go is chewing sugarless gum, especially the type that contains the enamel-friendly sweetener xylitol. Chew for about 20 minutes after consuming a sugary, acidic beverage. It stimulates saliva, which is nature’s way of rinsing bacteria and acids from the mouth. Finally, don’t sip your drinks all day, as this continually bathes your teeth in acid and sugar. 

Sports and energy drinks can lead to tooth and jawbone loss in a way that is preventable. If you do suffer dental problems that require oral surgery, get a referral to our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL or make an appointment.

Dental implants are a safe, long-term tooth replacement option that improves the function and appearance of your smile. This technology can benefit many adults who have lost at least one tooth.

Dental implants can be used singly, or in groups to anchor a bridge or set of dentures. For the right patient, they provide a strong, durable solution for tooth loss.

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants.

• Improved teeth function: Dental implants work like natural teeth, allowing you to eat without pain
• Durability: Implants are stable, strong, and stain-resistant
• Better oral health: Since there is no need to alter surrounding teeth to anchor implants, more of your natural teeth are preserved, improving long-term oral health
• Natural looking smile: Dental implants are designed to closely resemble natural teeth, creating an attractive smile
• Improved comfort: Dental implants avoid the uncomfortable slipping of removable dentures and partials
• Clearer speech: Removable dentures can slip within the mouth, causing slurred or mumbled speech, while dental implants remove that concern
• Protecting bone structure: Empty spaces caused by tooth loss can eventually lead to deterioration of the jawbone. Because implants have artificial roots, they prevent this type of bone loss
• Longer-lasting solution: Dentures must be replaced about every five to seven years. Dental implants, when cared for properly, can last decades

 If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be the right denture alternative for you. Our oral surgeon in 60467 will consider many health factors before determining whether you are an appropriate candidate for this procedure. Some considerations include whether you have adequate bone to anchor the implant and the health of your gum tissue. Also important are the locations of your sinuses and nerves, as our doctor must avoid damaging them.

For some patients, we recommend advanced treatment for the upper or lower jaw to ensure there is enough bone to support an implant. However, we recognize each patient’s treatment plan is unique, based on specific needs and personal goals.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants or are ready to schedule a consultation, contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL and make an appointment. Our aim is to restore the health and beauty of every smile with precision, comfort and lasting results.