As the school year approaches, fall sports have already begun. Something to keep in mind is that many people think sports drinks are healthier than soft drinks. This isn’t always the case. Sports drinks can contain anywhere from 14-20 teaspoons of sugar in 1 drink!
Per Delta Dental, enamel damage caused by non-cola and sports beverages was 3-11 times greater than cola-based drinks. Sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, and Vitamin Water may rehydrate you after a workout, but they also have a combination of acidic properties, sugars, and additives. Any beverage that has a high acid content can weaken the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to bacteria that can get into the grooves of our teeth.
We know most athletes won’t give up their sports drinks completely, but the longer a drink is sipped on, the more our enamel is exposed to those sugars and acids. We recommend having your drink all at once and then swishing your mouth with water.
Good luck to all our athletes this fall!
Valley Creek Family Dentistry
651-731-1054
Serving Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Oakdale, Stillwater, Inver Grove Heights, and Maplewood