At first glance, sports and energy drinks may seem like a harmless way for children to energize themselves after challenging physical activities. However, the components these drinks contain can be detrimental to your child’s dental hygiene and health, leading to early tooth decay. With this in mind, the dental care professionals at Pediatric Dental Group emphasize learning about the threats sugary beverages pose to your child’s oral health. Providing a comprehensive range of pediatric dentistry services in Honolulu, HI, they explain how consuming these drinks can be harmful to children’s teeth.

How Energy Drinks Affect Children’s Dental Hygiene

What They Contain

Energy-boosting drinks rely on high amounts of caffeine, sugars, and carbonation to help consumers fee temporarily rejuvenated. A typical serving of an energy drink contains upwards of 10 teaspoons of sugar, which is harmful to children and adults alike. Dental care experts particularly warn about the ability of these components to attack children’s tooth enamel and leave it permanently damaged.

Impact of Acidity

Energy and sports drinks rely on high quantities of citric acid to lend them a fizzy flavor and texture. Consuming these highly acidic drinks consistently is enough to erode children’s jawbones and lead to compromised oral health. Teenagers are more likely to be reliant on these drinks to boost their energy levels during sports and other physically demanding activities.

Harmful Effects of Sugar

Energy and sports drinks employ a high dose of glucose, sucrose, and high fructose corn syrup to boost an individual’s energy levels temporarily. If their consumption is not followed by proper brushing, sugars from these drinks can result in cavities and may eventually lead to tooth decay. Once this sets in, it can cause early tooth loss and jawbone density depletion among younger and older children alike.

Maintaining proper dental hygiene and making the right dietary choices sets children up for healthier teeth later on. With help from the team at Pediatric Dental Group, you can offer children guidance about foods that ensure long-term dental health. For further information about the helpful pediatric dentistry services they offer, call (808) 593-8828, or visit their website.