Overview
- Clinicians say January brings a rise in patients with enamel wear after swapping to protein bars, shakes and high-protein snacks.
- Experts explain these products can be acidic and sticky, leading to irreversible erosion that causes sensitivity, yellowing, chips and decay.
- Risk increases when people graze between meals or sip shakes over long workouts, which keeps acid levels high and saliva low.
- Dentists advise having protein products with meals, finishing drinks promptly, rinsing with water, waiting about 30 minutes before brushing and checking labels for citric acid, syrups and sweeteners.
- Items marketed as low sugar may still lower mouth pH, and one reported case linked a rare front-tooth cavity to frequent sports drinks and energy bars.