Sports drinks seem to be a healthy beverage choice in comparison to others, especially for athletes who are looking to refuel their energy levels. What most people don’t know, though, is that sports drinks actually cause serious damage to teeth. In fact, they are actually more corrosive to teeth than sodas and energy drinks.
A recent study from the Academy of General Dentistry found that sports drinks contain so much acid that they actually start destroying teeth after only five days of consistent use. The acid fund in sports drinks breaks down the tooth’s enamel, which can cause them to become overly sensitive to touch and temperature changes while also causing cavities to form.
While the best solution to this problem is to stop drinking sports drinks completely and rely more on water, we understand that it may be hard to cut them out of your diet completely. If you do continue to drink sports drinks, our team at Dr. Gabhart’s office recommends using a straw and to finish it in one sitting, not sip on it all day. Drinking sips of water between drinks of your sports drink will also help by neutralizing the effects.
Remember, while sports drinks may be refueling the body’s energy, they can also leave your teeth in a world of trouble. Don’t hesitate to contact our offices if you have any questions about ways to protect your teeth. Your smile is worth it!
