You may want to think twice before you pick up your next can of Red Bull or Sprite.
The citric acid in these drinks is more harmful to your teeth than Coke or Pepsi, according to research conducted by a 17-year-old aspiring dentist who is a senior at Centennial High School in Ellicott City.
“The Red Bull had three times the amount of citric acid found in Pepsi or Coke,” said Drew Barnes, who participated in the University of Maryland Dental School?s High School Biomedical Research Program last summer.
Drew?s research involved weighing extracted teeth before and after submerging them into the drinks.
His work followed up on earlier findings on the effects of soft drinks on tooth enamel by his mentor, Dr. Tony von Fraunhofer, professor and director of biomaterials research at the dental school.
Drew was the only highschool student to present his findings to a group of dentists and dental researchers during the American Association for Dental Research meeting in Orlando, Fla. last month.
His work also was honored at the recent Howard County schools science fair, where he won $50.
“I?m very proud of Drew and the way he dedicated a whole summer to his biomedical research mentorship program,” said his father, Dr. Douglas Barnes, director of advanced general dentistry at the dental school.
“Drew is kind, caring and hardworking,” said his mother, Chris.
Drew said he became interested in the field while watching his dad at work.
“I?ve seen how happy he has left his patients,” he said.
In the fall, Drew, who also enjoys art and playing soccer, lacrosse and basketball, will attend St. Mary?s College in St. Mary?s City, where he plans to major in biology and follow in his father?s footsteps.
“I enjoy working with my hands, helping people and learning the sciences,” he said.
