Modern day sports drinks were created to help athletes stay hydrated and replenish their electrolytes during vigorous exercise. They are effective for this purpose but definitely have their downsides. According to dentists, they are often more harmful for your teeth than juice and soda. Choosing your beverages wisely, along with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, is necessary for a healthy smile. This post explains why sports drinks are so destructive for your teeth and provides some tooth-friendly alternatives you can try.
What Makes Sports Drinks So Bad for Teeth?
Sports drinks contain high levels of both acid and sugar. This is a terrible combination for your oral health. There is so much acid that it corrodes the tooth enamel. The sugar in these beverages adhere to teeth and fuel the growth of bacteria. Corrosion of the teeth and increased bacteria leaves teeth vulnerable to issues including:
- Increased sensitivity: People who have corroded enamel experience increased sensitivity to different textures and temperatures.
- Cracks and chips: With softer teeth, damage like cracks and chips are more likely to occur.
- Discoloration: When the dentin of the teeth are exposed, your teeth will have a more yellow appearance.
- Indentations: On the surface of the teeth, indentations, also known as “cups,” can form.
- Increased tooth decay: With a worn-down enamel, cavities are more likely to develop.
- Transparency: The surface of your front teeth may look somewhat transparent and blue near the edges.
What Can I Do to Protect My Teeth?
Sports drinks should be consumed only on occasion. If you do choose to have one, take these precautions to limit damaging effects on your teeth:
- Drink them with a meal. Your mouth produces more saliva when you are eating which helps to neutralize the drink’s impact on the teeth.
- Rinse your teeth with water or mouthwash afterwards.
- Use a straw to limit the contact between your teeth and the sports drink.
- Wait about an hour before brushing your teeth. If you brush too early, you can damage your enamel.
What Should I Have Instead of Sports Drinks?
Here are a few sports drink alternatives that can help you stay hydrated while also replenishing electrolytes.
- Chocolate milk: When consumed in moderation, chocolate milk has a great balance of carbs and proteins. It also has vitamins A and D, and calcium.
- Coconut water: It contains wholesome nutrients, no added sugars, and is great for rehydrating.
- Bananas: Eating a banana, along with drinking water is a great option. They contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.
When you are in need of rehydration, water is the best option. It stimulates saliva production, contains no sugar, and rinses the mouth. By making mindful decisions about what you drink, your smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been practicing for over 25 years in the Conway, SC community. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina and has completed over 600 hours of continuing education courses since then. He is also the owner of Dental Development Seminars, which provides dedicated lectures and hands-on instruction in several countries across the world. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (843) 488-4357.