You see the ads on television. A voice intones “drink Brand X for more energy!” and then you see the football players effortlessly winning their games. We want to win. We want to have more energy. We also want to stay hydrated and they taste good! So what’s wrong with sports drinks?
In a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that the most commonly reported dental problems among athletes were tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and infected wisdom teeth. More from this article.
Tooth decay - Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. This can create holes, or cavities, in your teeth as the acid breaks down the layers of a tooth.
Gum disease - Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a chronic infection and inflammation of the gums. This occurs when bacterial plaque builds up over time and turns into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The bacterial plaque release toxins that irritate and infect the gums.
Enamel erosion - Enamel is the hard, semi-clear outer layer of a tooth that provides protection from daily wear and tear. Enamel or tooth erosion occurs when acid wears away the enamel on a tooth, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.
Infected Wisdom Teeth - This kind of infection can occur when a partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue next to the tooth. Food and debris can easily be caught in it, making it a hotbed for bacteria and infections. More from this article.
Sports drinks (along with energy drinks) are terrible for your teeth. Why? Because they contain a LOT of sugar. Plus, even if they are “diet”, they have a low pH. A low pH means acid and acid will erode the enamel right off your teeth.
A recent article in the Journal of American Dentistry sites a study that reports 89.4% of children aged 12 to 14 regularly consume sports drinks. Of the children that drink sports beverages, 68% consume them regularly (1-7 times per week).
Please remember, the more that is consumed, the more chance of cavities, enamel erosion and obesity. So what should children drink? Water. And remember, it will actually save you money in so many different ways.
In a study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that the most commonly reported dental problems among athletes were tooth decay, gum disease, enamel erosion, and infected wisdom teeth. More from this article.
Tooth decay - Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth enamel. This can create holes, or cavities, in your teeth as the acid breaks down the layers of a tooth.
Gum disease - Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is a chronic infection and inflammation of the gums. This occurs when bacterial plaque builds up over time and turns into a rough, porous substance called tartar. The bacterial plaque release toxins that irritate and infect the gums.
Enamel erosion - Enamel is the hard, semi-clear outer layer of a tooth that provides protection from daily wear and tear. Enamel or tooth erosion occurs when acid wears away the enamel on a tooth, exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.
Infected Wisdom Teeth - This kind of infection can occur when a partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue next to the tooth. Food and debris can easily be caught in it, making it a hotbed for bacteria and infections. More from this article.
Sports drinks (along with energy drinks) are terrible for your teeth. Why? Because they contain a LOT of sugar. Plus, even if they are “diet”, they have a low pH. A low pH means acid and acid will erode the enamel right off your teeth.
A recent article in the Journal of American Dentistry sites a study that reports 89.4% of children aged 12 to 14 regularly consume sports drinks. Of the children that drink sports beverages, 68% consume them regularly (1-7 times per week).
Please remember, the more that is consumed, the more chance of cavities, enamel erosion and obesity. So what should children drink? Water. And remember, it will actually save you money in so many different ways.
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