Sport Drinks: Good for Thirst, Bad for Teeth

A New York University College of Dentistry research revealed that the acids in sports drinks can eat away at the tooth's hard enamel coating and eventually damage the bonelike material underneath, which will cause the tooth to become soft and weak.

In the study, researchers bisected cow teeth and placed one half of the sample in a popular sports drink and the other half in water. The teeth were immersed in the liquids for 90 minutes to simulate the effects of continual sipping throughout the course of a day. They found significant amounts of erosion and softening of the teeth placed in the sports drink. Researchers also noted that brushing after consumption of sports drinks can compound the problem of erosion because the softened enamel can be damaged by the abrasive properties of toothpaste.

Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion, or tooth wear, is the loss of tooth structure. Basically, tooth erosion refers to the wearing away of the hard part of your teeth, which is called the enamel.

Many people consume carbonated beverages, fruit juice, and highly acidic foods every day but probably don't realize that they might be harming their teeth. The acid in the foods we eat and drink can cause tooth enamel to wear away, making teeth sensitive, cracked, and discolored. Diseases such as bulimia and acid reflux also contribute to tooth erosion due to stomach acids.

Signs of Tooth Erosion:
- sensitivity - mild to severe
- discoloration
- rounded teeth
- transparency - especially near the biting edges
- advanced discoloration
- cracks
- cupping (small dents) on the chewing surface of teeth

What is a Composite Resin (White Filling)?

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth.

How is it placed?

Following preparation, composite is placed in layers, typically using a light specialized to harden each layer. It is then shaped and polished to fit the tooth and to prevent staining and wear.

What are the advantages?

Aesthetics are the main advantage of composites since various shades can be blended to a color nearly identical to the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

What are the disadvantages?

Postoperative sensivity is not uncommon. Composites can also pick up stain from drinking tea, coffee or consumption of staining foods. It can also wear out sooner than silver filling in larger cavities, although they hold up as well in small cavities.