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Danger of Sports Drinks

Fri, 7th Jul 2017

Researchers feel that sports drinks are a main cause for tooth erosion for several reasons. 

Athletes drink these beverages to remain hydrated, sipping them frequently during exercise. Unfortunately, this increases the time that teeth are exposed to the acidity and high sugar content of sports drinks, leaving them vulnerable to decay. 

Sports drinks can cause 3 times more damage to teeth than soft drinks. Interestingly, a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine has found a trend between the consumption of energy/sports drinks and poor dental health among athletes. Even though consuming sports drinks is seen to help improve your performance, it’s important to weigh the risks you are taking to your oral health, too.

Sports drinks and your teeth do not mix, they’re full of sugars and acids that over time cause tooth erosion and decay. like many things in life, they’re best consumed in moderation, if you’re going to consume them at all. 

So what’s a better option when you’re sweating it out on the field or in the gym? Water – yes, good old-fashioned, straight out of the tap water.

It deals with dehydration and replenishes your body with all that it needs. it’s free, easy to obtain and is natural. And it isn’t blue!

Plus there are no hard to read labels with ingredients you cannot even pronounce.

Reading the label

One quick way to work out whether what you’re eating or drinking is beneficial to your dental and overall health is to get familiar with the way food and drink manufacturers word their labels. It’s not as challenging as you might think. For instance, you can quickly tell if the product you’re consuming has sugar or acid by checking not just for the word “sugar” but for honey, rice syrup or even “organic dehydrated cane juice”. Similarly, to check for acidity, look for things like citric acid (a flavor enhancer) or “sodium benzoate” (a preserving agent); generally, if the ingredient ends in an “ate”, it’s an acidic preservative of some kind. Once you’re familiar with the way these ingredients are described, you’ll be much better equipped to know which foods and drinks are good for the health of your teeth and gums and will help you stay at the top of your sporting game.

Ways to promote oral health

• Using remineralising agents can help to strengthen and maintain the surface of your teeth. Using products like mouthwash, lozenges, chewing gum, and other specialized dental products can help keep your teeth healthy.
• Consuming foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese that are high in calcium and phosphate can help remineralise the tooth surface.
• Avoid sports drinks and lollies if you can. Tap water can be used to provide adequate hydration. If you need carbohydrates, foods like bananas or whole grains are a great option.
• Talk to your dentist about preventative care for your oral health. Find out a healthy hydration regimen for your work out.
• Drink out of a straw if you choose to consume acidic or sugary beverages. The less contact with your teeth, the better.
• Don’t brush your teeth right after you consume a sports drink. It takes about 30-45 minutes of saliva contact to begin recovery and repair for your teeth.
• Read the ingredient labels before you consume drinks of any kind. Avoid high amounts of acid and sugar, especially if you already have teeth problems.

*Information sourced from the Australian Dental Assosiation

We know that sports are a part of everyday life for many Australians. Keeping active and enjoying exercise is essential to your everyday health. However, make sure you are looking after your entire body whilst doing so. Why damage your teeth as a result of your hard work?

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