This week is Dental health Week and this years focus is on Sports drinks and your teeth. Today sports, health and exercise are hot topics and while keeping fit and exercising is fantastic for general and mental health, it can impose a threat to your dental health. With the rapid rise to popularity of sports and energy drinks and increased consumption with teenagers and adults alike- it is important to outline how sports drinks and gym supplements could be damaging your teeth and how you can minimize this threat by exercising safely.
Sports drinks and your teeth: What makes them bad?
Sports drinks are full of sugar. As the table below outlines- the average 600ml bottle of sports drinks contains at least 9 teaspoons of sugar! While the link between sugar and dental decay is well know, what makes this more alarming is the fact that most sport drinks when consumed tend to be sipped on over a period of time- for example the length of a footy match, exposing our teeth to a constant acid bath.
What you may not realise about sport drinks is that they are also acidic in nature. While a neutral pH is one of 6.5-7.0 sport drinks have a pH level of 2.75-2.95, with 1 being most acidic. The sugar content mixed with an acidic liquid state spells trouble for our teeth if consumed on regular basis. This mix can lead to not only tooth decay but also to enamel erosion- which is chemical wear to the teeth. Erosion can be very damaging to enamel structure- considering enamel is one of the strongest substance in our bodies that is saying something! It can remove important enamel from the tooth surface that can lead to sensitivity and decay.
Gym Supplements and your teeth: what are the dangers?
Photo courtesy of ADA dentalhealthweek.com.au/
Regular visits to the gym is great for our health but there are certain supplements that may be a danger to our dental health. Pre-workout drinks are worst offenders- often containing lots of sugar, caffeine and can be quiet acidic. Also supplements that are taken during workouts which is often sipped on during a 45-60 minute workout is exposing your teeth to an acidic bath during a time when you are also dehydrated, increasing your decay risk.
These supplements should be avoided where possible. Most protein and creatine products are OK- depending on product brand. But always check the nutritional table for sugar or any citric acids. If you are unable to substitute gym supplements adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your home care routine can help minimise the risk to your teeth.
Tips on how to exercise without compromising your teeth
1. Stay hydrated- drink water before, during and after sport or your gym routine
2. Drink tap water- not only will it quench your thirst but has the added benefit of fluoride, which is protective to our teeth
3. Avoid sports drinks and acidic pre-workout supplements
4. If you are consuming these products regularly- add a fluoride mouth rinse to your home care routine. It is not a quick fix but will help minimise the risk to your teeth
5. Check nutritional tables for citric acids (food number 300 and 331) and absorbic acid (food number 30) and preservatives ending in ‘ate’ like sorbate- as these are all acidic and should be avoided.
6. Snack healthy and be aware of hidden sugars- like those found in muesli and sports bars. Click here for 5 quick, tooth friendly snacks after sports.
7. Wear sports mouth guards to training and games to prevent trauma to your teeth and face. For more information on dental trauma in sports click here.
If you need a new sports mouth guard or would like to discuss more ways to exercise safely, call us on 03 5223 1555 or email us for more information at info@dentalspa.com.au
Return to blog