By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
They’re sweet, full of electrolytes, and make you sweat in technicolor (if you believe the ads). If the world’s most successful athletes chug sports drinks regularly, why shouldn’t you and your student athlete? Doctors and dentists point to two big reasons: sugar and acid.
Sports drinks are a very popular beverage, especially for younger athletes. Many teenagers consume sports drinks off the field as a sweet way to quench their thirst. Though it’s true that sports drinks contain fewer calories than sodas do, they still have similar amounts of sugar and loads of acid that can wear away tooth enamel.
Sports Drinks and Your Teeth
While the high sugar content in sports drinks isn’t great for your teeth (sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay), the most worrisome ingredient in sports drinks is the citric acid. When this acid comes in contact with your teeth, it softens and wears away the hard enamel that protects your teeth. This is called tooth erosion, and when left untreated, it can expose the sensitive, softer tissue of your teeth. A study by the Academy of General Dentistry found the acid in sports drinks can start to erode teeth in as little as 5 days of consecutive use.
What We Recommend
So how do you avoid harming your teeth after gulping a sports drink? Though it may seem counterintuitive, don’t brush your teeth right after you take a sip. Because the acid in sports drinks softens your enamel, your teeth become very susceptible to abrasion from toothpaste directly after consuming a sports drink. Instead, chew sugar-free gum or rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. We also recommend drinking sports drinks through a straw to bypass your teeth and brushing with an acid-neutralizing, remineralizing toothpaste with fluoride.
But the best way to avoid tooth erosion is to not expose your teeth to acid in the first place. Only drink sports drinks if you absolutely need the electrolytes. If you’re just thirsty (on the field or off), stick with water and try a banana for electrolytes. Unless we’re performing at an elite level or exercising for more than an hour at a high intensity, water is the ideal choice for rehydrating. That goes for student athletes and weekend warriors alike.
Wondering what effect your sport drink is having on your teeth or your child’s teeth? Schedule your dental checkup with Eggert Family Dentistry today. We’ll take a look at your enamel and recommend ways you can protect it.