During the hot summer months, it’s extremely important to keep yourself hydrated. For some people, that means indulging in sports and energy drinks. While these beverages might be tempting, you should know that they have been directly associated with tooth decay and damaged enamel. In fact, recent studies have shown an alarming increase in dental issues linked to consumption of these beverages.
There are several reasons why sports and energy drinks are so bad for your teeth. The acid contained in these beverages erodes the enamel on your teeth, which is the outer protective layer. Once your enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced. When it begins to erode, you will notice an increased amount of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, and you will be more likely to develop cavities. Sports and energy drinks also contain high levels of sugar. Remember that sugar has many aliases, so if you see terms like “high-fructose corn syrup,” for example, that translates into sugar. When you consume too much sugar, the health of your teeth and gums will suffer.
Young adults and teenagers are the age groups most directly impacted by these tooth-damaging drinks. The labels sound appealing, promising increased levels of energy and hydration. But unfortunately, the price young people pay for indulging in these drinks is bad oral health. Soft drinks carry the same dangers to teeth and gums. This is especially true for those that contain sugar, but even sugar-free soft drinks still contain harmful acids that wreak havoc with teeth and gums.
A much better option to keep hydrated during the hot summer months is one that is readily available and absolutely free: water. Drinking more water is not only a healthy choice for your teeth and gums, but for your overall health as well. Water helps to wash away food particles left behind inside your mouth and keep your gums hydrated. Water also helps to flush out toxins from your system and keep your organs – kidneys in particular – healthy and functioning properly.
If you do indulge in an occasional sports or energy drink, you can minimize the damage caused by the sugar and acid by chewing a piece of sugar-free gum and/or rinsing your mouth out with water afterwards. Better still, the next time you reach for a refreshing summer beverage, skip the energy and sports drinks altogether and reach for water instead! Your teeth and gums – and your whole body, for that matter – will thank you!
