Sports Drinks and Teeth

Sports drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young adolescents who consume them regularly believing that they will improve their sports performance.

We are all aware of the damage that sugar can do to the teeth but in these sugar free drinks many people are unaware that it is in fact the acid level that they should be worried about. Research shows that they can start to destroy the teeth after only 5 days of consecutive consumption.

To reduce the risk of tooth erosion from these drinks it is best to:

• Reduce the frequency of consumption
• Drink through a straw where possible
• Do not hold the liquid in your mouth or ‘swish’ it around
• Dilute sports drinks with water
• Do not brush your teeth directly after drinking these drinks. The acid softens the enamel and brushing can cause more enamel to be lost.

Visit us regularly at The Bank House Dental Centre in Princes Risborough, Bucks to keep your and your family’s dental health in check.