Studies actually show that young adults are the highest consumers of energy drinks, with 34% of males between the age of 18 and 24 drinking energy drinks on a regular basis.  While they do provide a quick boost of energy, they also can wreak havoc on teeth.  Many energy drinks contain a high amount of sugar. Some contain up to 55 grams of sugar, the equivalent of 14 teaspoons of sugar, and almost twice as much as the recommended daily allowance! Any food that contains sugar will contribute to tooth decay and the more frequently your teeth are exposed to sugar, the risk of decay increases.  So if you’re someone who sips on energy drinks or drinks multiple energy drinks in one day, remember that you’re increasing the risk of getting cavities!

Energy drinks, even the sugar free varieties, are also highly acidic.  By creating an acidic environment, energy drinks cause the protective enamel layer of teeth to be more susceptible to eroding.  When the enamel is damaged or weakened, teeth are more prone to bacteria creating cavities, which can ultimately cause sensitivity and pain.

The best solution is not to drink energy drinks at all, but if you do, make sure you limit yourself to one.  Drinking some water afterwards can help to reduce the sugar and acid on your teeth as well.  Chewing sugar-free gum after you drink an energy drink can also help to promote saliva production, thereby protecting your teeth.

Dr. Stenvall and the Queen City Dental Arts team in Charlotte, NC, are always ready to answer your questions about energy drinks and the health of your teeth.  Please give us a call today at 704-542-6533 with your questions and concerns. We are here to help you maintain your healthy, beautiful smile!

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Sometimes, a tooth with a cavity can be sensitive to cold temperatures. This is because a cavity is a weakened part of the tooth, and the nerve is less protected, making the nerve more sensitive to temperatures fluctuations.  You may also notice sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks.  If you are noticing sensitivity to hot foods and drinks, the cavity may be so deep that it is damaging the nerve.

Another way to tell if you may have a cavity is to look for white or brown spots on your teeth or visible pits or holes.  The longer a cavity is present on a tooth, the bigger it gets and a tooth may chip or break over time.  It is always better to restore or “fix” a cavity when it is small so that less tooth is removed in the process.

Of course, these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have a cavity.  If you are ever concerned or if you are starting to notice any of these things, our Queen City Dental Arts team is always happy to take a look. Our skilled dentist, Dr. Meghan Stenvall in Charlotte, North Carolina, is happy to help you and your family with all of your dental health concerns. Please call 704-542-6533 to speak with a caring member of our team to schedule a visit.

The post Do You Know the Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay? first appeared on Queen City Dental Arts.