Sports drinks after and during physical exertion for athletes are meant to hydrate, fuel and replace nutrients lost during exercise.
While these are great benefits, the unfortunate side is the exact same drinks are often causing damage to your teeth. Medford, NJ dentist , Dr. Put simply, they can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. But how? First impulse for many would go immediately to sugar. In fact, there are plenty of sports drinks containing little to no sugar. The real danger is the acid in the drinks. And even worse many drinks especially energy drinks contain citric acid. Citric acid drastically reduces the effect of biofilm on your teeth which is there to help protect your enamel.
The acid begins to break down the minerals in the outer most layer of your teeth. This erosion can further and damage the next layer in your teeth known as dentin. Teeth will become overly sensitive to temperature and touch. Damage can lead to cavities and ultimately tooth decay. The Academy of General Dentistry AGD found that after only five days of consistent use sports and energy drinks will begin to damage your enamel.
Choose drinks with low to no sugar content β the combination of acid and sugar creates the perfect storm for speeding up decay. Try a straw behind the teeth or squirting to the back of the throat. Allow saliva at least thirty minutes to an hour to begin to repair and protect the teeth again.
Teenagers and athletes are among the highest consumption groups. It is important as a parent to limit what you allow your children to drink and then also educate them on the harsh effects. No one wants to end up with irreparable damage that ends in costly dental work. Stay on top of your family dental visits and contact the Medford dental office of Main Street Family Dentistry for more tips on prevention.
