Thinking about grabbing your favorite sports or energy drink to take on your afternoon run? While this so-called “thirst-quenching” beverage promises to increase your energy levels and restore electrolytes, it’s also wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums. Full of sugar and acid, you can do much more harm than good when consuming these colorful drinks. Instead, let your dentist explain why water should always be your go-to beverage year-round.
The Problems Sports/Energy Drinks Pose
What is bright in color, comes in a bottle, and contains lots of sugar and acid? The answers: sports and energy drinks. While they may be appealing to the eyes, these beverages will cause you to spend valuable time and money in the dentist’s chair receiving dental fillings, crowns, or even periodontal therapy if you’re not careful.
You might be wondering how this is possible, but when you think about what sugar and acid can do to your teeth and gums, you will quickly understand why these drinks are never recommended by dental professionals.
Energy drinks contain high levels of citric acid. Not only does this ingredient make it taste better, but it quickly eats away at your tooth enamel. Unfortunately, once these protective layers are gone, they cannot be replaced, which makes you more vulnerable to tooth decay, staining, and cavity formation.
If you think opting for sports drinks over those designed to increase your energy will prove to be a healthier alternative, guess again. Powerade, Gatorade, and other similar beverages may not contain the high acidic levels, but they are full of sugar – another enemy for your oral health.
Sugar and bacteria go hand-in-hand, working to eat away at the enamel and burrow into the crevices of your teeth and gums. As plaque and tartar accumulate, holes can begin to form and result in cavities. The only solution to fix this type of dental problem is to receive a filling and/or crown depending on the severity.
But if sports and energy drinks are not what you should be drinking, what else is there?
The Powerful Benefits of Water
Water might not seem like anything special, but it has been and continues to be the number one choice for dentists and doctors alike. Want to lose weight? Drink more water. Looking to improve your oral health? Incorporate it into your daily diet.
Water flushes the mouth of any bacteria or germs that can negatively impact the mouth and body, making it a powerhouse for your overall well-being. It not only quenches thirst, but it rehydrates and clears out any harmful toxins that can lead to illness or infection. Also, depending on where you live, your tap water can contain fluoride that is designed to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay.
Don’t underestimate what water can do for your health. During your next run, make sure you fill up your favorite tumbler with a more refreshing, healthier beverage and watch your smile reap the benefits.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Crovatto graduated from the University of North Florida with his undergraduate degree before going on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Florida with honors. He and his team at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry want to help all patients achieve their smile goals, which is why he believes in educating his patients on the importance of incorporating water and healthy nutrition into their diet. By making good choices, patients can avoid dental decay, cavities, and gum disease, so if you are ready to learn more about what you can do to improve your at-home oral hygiene practices, visit our website or call (904) 272-0800.