Sports Drinks & Energy Drinks contain sugars and acids, which can lead to erosion and decay. But there are things you can do to protect your teeth including drinking plenty of water to keep you hydrated & checking in with your dentist regularly.
Hover over the tooth to see magnification
Acids in these drinks wear away the tooth surface over time.
Bacteria use sugars to make decay or "holes" develop in teeth.
Reduce the number of times in a day that you drink.
Don't take too long to finish your drink.
Don't hold or swish the drink in your mouth.
Rinse with water afterwards. Do NOT brush immediately after drinking or you will wear away the tooth enamel, which has been weakened by the acid.
Do use a fluoride toothpaste, soft toothbrush and floss every day to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Remember sports and energy drinks are not at all necessary for regular sporting activities.
Sports drinks & your oral health
Sports and Energy Drinks contain acids and sugar. To find out more information about what you can do to reduce the risk of decay, the Australian Dental Association National Dental Health Week website provides lots of useful tips to help you avoid damaging your teeth.
If you'd like to find out more about how tooth decay and erosion occurs, the Rethink Sugary Drink website, which is a collaboration between Diabetes Australia, National Heart Foundation and the Cancer Council have lots of facts and information to help you understand the effects of drinking sports and energy drinks.
Do you really need a Sports Drink to hydrate when exercising? The consumer advocacy group Choice has provided the following article which discusses the science and sale of hydration, and whether water is a healthier choice.
Which Foods & Drinks Damage Your Teeth?
Want to know more about the types of foods and drinks that may lead to decay and erosion? The consumer advocacy group Choice provides loads of information about what foods and drinks to avoid, and how you can prevent decay and erosion
Athletes aim to achieve success and performance. They need to think about dedicating themselves to training, eating well, staying hydrated, and meeting their nutritional goals. Athletes consult with their Sports Physicians and Physiotherapists for physical health, and their Sports Dietitian for a performance nutrition edge, but oral health is often overlooked. While oral health may not directly affect your day-to-day performance, or win this year's Best & Fairest, the consequences of poor oral health can catch up with you in the near future.