Gatorade, Powerade, and a number of other sports drinks
have gained popularity over the years. Their original intent was to provide
hydration for athletes looking to replenish their fluids and electrolytes after
training or competition. When used in this capacity, these drinks are safe and
effective for people of nearly all ages. But as they surged in popularity, many
began to drink sports drinks throughout the day. Misuse of these drinks can
lead to other health problems like tooth decay and obesity.
So how can sports drinks be bad for you? The purposes of
sports drinks are somewhat misunderstood as drinks that provide nutrition for
children or adults. The reality is they are loaded with sugar and are very
acidic. This leads to an increased risk for tooth decay, erosion of the enamel,
and even obesity. While it is generally understood that sodas and concentrated
juices can be bad for you, sports drink don’t have the same persona. This leads
people to overuse or incorrectly use these drinks, and the health concerns can
quickly follow.
One alarming area where we have found sports drinks to cause
serious dental issues is with young adults going through braces or Invisalign. With
braces on the teeth it is more challenging to remove the sugar deposits on the
teeth. With Invisalign it is even more concerning if they drink sports drinks
with the retainers in place. The Invisalign then acts as a reservoir for the
sugary and acidic drink to attack the teeth. Be sure you discuss some of these
factors with your dentist before you begin any orthodontic treatment.
Sports drinks can be very beneficial when used in the
correct setting for recovery following exercise. But be sure you and your child
understand the proper use of these drinks and how to clean up afterwards. This
can save you a lot a issues with your teeth and health moving forward.
For more information, visit www.dentistwestchester.com.
Lee T. Brown, DDS
Brown and Kupper, DDS Inc.
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