After a grueling workout or spending your day in the great outdoors, sometimes nothing sounds better than an ice-cold sports drink in your favorite fruity flavor. It helps for replenishing electrolytes and hydrates your body. However, your dentist in Braintree warns that maybe you should think twice about picking up one of these beverages. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about the harmful effects of sports drinks as well as some tooth-friendly alternatives.
How Do Sports Drinks Harm Teeth?
These beverages contain both high levels of sugar and high levels of acid. This is a terrible combination of ingredients for your teeth. This is because acid softens the protective enamel of the teeth. This leaves them more vulnerable to tooth decay, which is fueled by the large quantity of sugar in each beverage. Over time, the combination of both the acid and the sugar in the drink will lead to enamel erosion, which is just as pleasant as it sounds. Here are some of the problems this can cause:
- Teeth discoloration: As your enamel wears away, the layer of dentin in your teeth becomes exposed which causes a more yellow appearance.
- Tooth decay: When your enamel becomes weak, you are more vulnerable to get cavities.
- Chips / cracks: Having the protective layer of your teeth compromised means that you are more likely to experience damage, like chips and cracks, in your smile.
- Transparency: The surface of your front teeth may appear to be blue and transparent near the edges.
- Sensitivity: With a thinner enamel, you are more likely to experience sensitivity to different textures and temperatures.
How Can You Lessen the Damage of Sports Drinks?
First of all, the best and most hydrating beverage that you should be drinking is water. It has no added sugars and is necessary for almost every single part of your body. If you decide to have a sports or energy drink on occasion, keep these things in mind:
- Use a straw to limit the contact of the liquid to your teeth.
- Drink your sports drink with a meal when your mouth is producing more saliva.
- Rinse your mouth out afterwards with water or mouthwash.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after finishing a sports drink. This could damage your already softened enamel. Wait about an hour before brushing.
What Are Your Tooth-Friendly Drink Options?
Besides water, here are some more tooth-friendly alternatives to sports drinks that can help to replenish electrolytes:
- Watermelon juice: This juice contains nutrients like potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
- Coconut water: It doesn’t contain any added sugars, keeps you hydrated and provides you with wholesome nutrients.
- Banana: If you eat a banana alongside drinking water, you will stay hydrated while effectively replenishing electrolytes. Bananas contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.
As delicious as sports drinks are, they should be left for occasions only. Try some of these options instead. Your teeth will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Clark Ingoldsby is a well experienced dentist who has been in private practice for over 30 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has completed numerous hours of continuing education including graduate training at LVI. For more information on how to best take care of your smile or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ingoldsby, visit his website or call (781) 843-7905.