A recent study featured in the journal General Dentistry finds that sports and energy drinks are “causing irreversible damage to teeth,” particularly among teens and young adults. It’s a serious problem, one that dental hygienists like me have noted for years.

The study’s lead author, Poonam Jain, BDS, MS, MPH, said in a news release from the Academy of General Dentistry, “Young adults consume these drinks assuming that they will improve their sports performance and energy levels and that they are ‘better’ for them than soda. Most of these patients are shocked to learn that these drinks are essentially bathing their teeth with acid.”

The researchers analyzed 13 sports drinks and nine energy drinks, and found that acidity levels can vary widely between different flavors, products and brands. The American Beverage Association noted that other factors such as dental hygiene, lifestyle and genetics may also influence tooth erosion.

Summertime eating can be synonymous with sugary, sticky foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay if patients don’t practice good oral care. We’ve laid out tips below to help you maintain your oral health at home and get regular care to help prevent sugar-related dental problems.

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled tooth brush, which helps remove food and plaque.
• Floss to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where toothbrushes can’t reach.
• Rinse your mouth with water to help wash food and drink away, especially if you’re not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink.
• Drink sports/energy drinks or soda through a straw positioned toward the back of your mouth. This minimizes contact between your teeth and the sugars and acids found in the beverage.
• Minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth.
• Avoid frequent eating of sugary foods such as candy and mints or constant sipping of sugary drinks.
• Check drink labels to see how much sugar you’re drinking.

And don’t forget your regular visits to your dental hygienist – he or she can help you keep your smile not just bright, but healthy, too.

© 2012, Maureen Howes, RDH, MS. All rights reserved.