THE IMPACT OF ENERGY DRINK USE BY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTITIONERS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH THE PREVALENCE OF NON-CARIOUS LESIONS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining oral health plays a decisive role in body homeostasis, directly impacting the quality of life and performance of physically active individuals. In dentistry, the progressive loss of tooth structure not associated with bacterial involvement encompasses Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs), manifested by erosion, abrasion, and abfraction. The growing consumption of energy drinks exposes the oral cavity to low pH levels and organic acidulants, promoting rapid enamel dissolution. This process is aggravated by exercise physiology, such as dehydration and hyposalivation, which reduce salivary buffering capacity. This overlay favors acidogenic bacteria proliferation and dentin hypersensitivity, compromising athletic performance. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between energy drink consumption and the prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions in physically active individuals, evaluating their impacts on tooth structure integrity, oral microbiota, and sports performance. METHODOLOGY: An integrative literature review guided by the PICO model was conducted between August and September 2024 in PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases using descriptors "Non-carious cervical lesions", "Tooth wear", "Tooth erosion", "Energy drinks", "Athletes", and "Saliva". Full-text original and review articles in Portuguese and English focused on NCCL etiology, salivary physiology, and athlete oral health were included. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Drink acidity causes significant reduction in surface enamel microhardness. Immediate brushing after consumption accelerates tissue loss through abrasion, while prior mineral loss increases susceptibility to occlusal flexion, favoring abfraction. Decreased salivary flow prolongs acid attack, and high carbohydrate content stimulates oral dysbiosis. A high prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity and lack of athlete awareness regarding oral risks were observed. Prevention requires an interdisciplinary approach between dentists, nutritionists, and physical educators, prioritizing delaying brushing by 30 minutes post-ingestion, using straws, constant hydration with water, and desensitizing agents. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Frequent energy drink consumption acts as a multifactorial risk factor for the development and aggravation of NCCLs and dentin hypersensitivity in active individuals. Overcoming invasive treatments in favor of educational interventions, early diagnosis, and multidisciplinary integration is essential to preserve tooth structural integrity and athlete quality of life.