by staff

Sports drinks are becoming increasingly popular. There are actually several different drinks that are generally grouped together as sports drinks. The key factor in defining a sports drink is that it is high in carbohydrates, effectively allowing it to provide an energy boost while helping to keep you hydrated.

The carbohydrates are generally in the form of sugar with the water element being supplemented with a little sodium to help replace any lost while sweating.

Of course, there are many regulations that must be complied with to be labeled a specific type of sports drink. That’s why you should always read the label t see if a product is approved or simply carbohydrate water.

While sports drinks are intended to help people exercise regularly, there are 3 ways in which these drinks can damage your child’s teeth.

It’s important to monitor sports drink usage in children and make sure they visit a reputable holistic dentist regularly.

1. Sugar Content
The sugar content in many sports drinks is very high. This is because you need sugar to power your body. When you consume sugar, you will notice an almost instant high as your body metabolizes the sugar and creates energy. This is perfect if you are exercising, as it will give you a boost and the energy to potentially beat a personal best.

But, the sugar also reacts with bacteria in your child’s mouth, (and yours). The combination of the two creates an acid that can attack the enamel on your teeth. Over time, this acid will eat through the enamel protecting your teeth. This leads to cavities that will need to be filled. If this is not done, the cavity can become an abscess and cause root damage.

That isn’t desirable at any age.

2. Acid
We’ve just mentioned how the acid created in your mouth affects your teeth. But, you may not realize that sports drinks also have acids in them. These stabilize the components, create alkalinity, and even add flavor.

But, they also attack the enamel on your teeth, weakening them. In other words, the acid in the sports drinks can cause the same problem as the sugar and result in teeth falling out.

3. Receding Gums
Teeth that are damaged young are less likely to stay in your mouth until old age. This potentially means a lot of dental work and cost over the years.

But, that’s not the only way in which sports drinks can affect your child’s teeth. The acid can also attack their gums, causing them to recede.

Receding gums means more of the tooth is exposed, this increases the likelihood of tooth damage and decay and it can also weaken the tooth structure as there is less gum holding your tooth firmly in place.

Summing Up
If your children really need to drink a sports drink then it must be in moderation. Consuming them may taste nice and boost their performance, but the long-term damage to their teeth is not a fair trade.

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