Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Soda has long been on the “bad for teeth” list, and for good reason—sugar fuels cavities. But could your teen’s favorite energy drink or sports drink be even worse? Their high acidity can weaken and wear down enamel, causing faster and more serious damage than soda.
In this blog, you will learn why energy and sports drinks are hard on teeth, how to spot the first signs of enamel erosion, and what can be done to protect your teen’s smile.
We are always accepting new patients at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Hampden
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Energy drinks, sports drinks, and other acidic beverages are more harmful to teeth than soda because of their low pH level, which causes enamel loss and long-term dental problems. Protect your teen’s oral health with preventive dental care and professional treatment before permanent damage occurs.
The Real Problem Isn’t Just Sugar—It’s Acid
Soda and energy drinks both contain sugar, and sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. But here’s the surprising part: energy drinks are often even more harmful because of their acidity.
Most energy drinks measure between pH 2.5 and 3.5, which is very acidic. For comparison, bottled water has a neutral pH of 7 on the pH scale. The lower the pH level, the stronger the acid, and the more damaging it is to dental enamel.
Citric acid and other additives in these beverages soften and dissolve enamel, the strong outer coating that protects teeth. Once enamel weakens, the risk of cavities, sensitivity, and long-term dental problems skyrockets.
What Is Enamel Erosion (And Why Should You Care)?
Enamel erosion is the permanent wearing away of the tooth’s protective surface. Think of it like acid rain slowly wearing away the details of a stone statue, what’s lost never comes back.
Early signs of dental erosion include:
- Tooth sensitivity: Sharp pain with hot, cold, or sweet foods.
- Yellow appearance: The inner dentin layer shows through as enamel thins.
- Glassy or rounded teeth: Teeth lose their natural ridges and shine unnaturally.
Energy Drinks Can Cause More Damage, Faster
Research shows energy drinks can cause significantly more enamel damage than traditional soft drinks. The high acid levels don’t just add risk, they speed up erosion. Sports drinks are no better. Despite their reputation as “hydrating,” many contain similar acidity levels and can be just as damaging to dental enamel.
Can You Fix Enamel Erosion?
Once enamel is worn away, it does not grow back. However, there are restorative treatments that can protect teeth and prevent the damage from progressing:
- Dental bonding: Covers thin or worn areas with a tooth-colored material to protect the surface and improve appearance.
- Fluoride treatments: Strengthen the remaining enamel and help reduce sensitivity.
- Hydroxyapatite toothpaste: Re-mineralizes the tooth surface at home, adding an extra layer of daily protection.
Along with these treatments, healthier drink choices can make a big difference. Natural options like green tea or low-sugar electrolyte drinks are far less acidic than typical sports and energy drinks, helping protect your teen’s smile.
Protect Your Teen’s Smile With Professional Care
Concerned about your teen’s smile? We can assess their risk for enamel erosion and create a personalized plan to protect their teeth for life.
Schedule your teen’s dental checkup today at one of our convenient locations:
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
What is the #1 cause of tooth decay?
The leading cause of tooth decay is frequent exposure to sugar and acidic foods or drinks. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing acids that weaken tooth enamel over time. When combined with acidic beverages like energy drinks or fruit juices, the risk of cavities and enamel erosion increases significantly.
Which drinks damage your teeth the most?
The most harmful drinks for dental health are those with high acidity and sugar content. Energy drinks, sports drinks, sodas, and even some fruit juices fall into this category. Their low pH levels soften enamel, and when consumed regularly, they cause enamel loss, dental erosion, and long-term oral health problems.
Where can I find a family dentist near me?
Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics provides complete dental care for kids, teens, and adults. With convenient locations in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden, our team makes it easy for your whole family to get the care they need in one place.
