Your son or daughter has recently started playing sports, and you couldn’t be happier. They’re making friends, getting exercise, and having the time of their life. However, they have also been consuming a lot of sports drinks. Many of these beverages advertise themselves as healthy, and they can certainly be a great way to refuel after a practice or game. But are they mouth-healthy? Let’s look at what a dentist has to say about what these drinks can do to your child’s teeth.
What Do Sports Drinks Do to Teeth?
Sports drinks are typically filled with sugar. While this is great for replacing electrolytes lost during exercise, it’s not so great for teeth. When teeth are coated in sugar, bacteria in plaque create acids that eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Many sports of energy drinks also bathe the teeth in acid, further eroding enamel. Down the road, this can lead to pain and sensitivity.
Why Are Young Athletes Susceptible to Tooth Decay?
In addition to the high concentration of sugar and acids in sports drinks, athletes are also vulnerable to decay because of frequent exposure. Because your son or daughter probably sips constantly throughout practice, their teeth are exposed to the harmful sugar and acids in the drinks again and again.
Do Dental Problems Affect Athletic Performance?
Believe it or not, the state of your little one’s oral health can determine how well they’ll perform during their next game. For example, if your kid has a cavity, that pain can distract them from the game and keep them from giving it their all. Pain could also affect their ability to eat nutritious food or receive adequate sleep, which impacts their athletic performance even more.
How Can Your Child Take Care of Their Oral Health?
Here are some ways to promote better oral health in your son or daughter:
- Have them hydrate with water instead of sports drinks whenever possible.
- If they’re going to consume sports drinks, have them sip through a straw. That way the drink bypasses the teeth so they’re not as vulnerable to decay.
- Wait 30-45 after consuming a sports drink to brush your teeth.
- Avoid sugary or acidic drinks right before bed.
- Make sure they brush and floss every day.
- Take your child to their dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning.
While playing sports can certainly be healthy, the same can’t be said for sports drinks and your mouth. Try and make sure your little one substitutes those drinks for water in order to keep their smile happy and healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Lily has a passion for working with children in Garland, TX. She is a member of several organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. To learn more about how to take care of your little one’s teeth, contact Dr. Lily at (469)-925-0861.