Hydration and energy are important facets to athletic success. But new studies have shown that they can be just as harmful to the strength of your teeth as soft drinks. Due to their acidic nature and high in sugar contents, all these drinks can wear away the enamel from your teeth.
The Academy of General Dentistry released findings in 2005 that showed that over the course of years, sports drinks and energy drinks caused tooth decay just as fast (and in some cases faster) than soft drinks. Many young athletes suppose that as they exercise and play sports, these drinks are vital to their performance and health. While they do assist in endurance and hydration, especially for athletes engaging in strenuous physical activity, you can often get the same benefits from juice or even water with fewer risks to your teeth and your overall health.
Certainly during this hot summer season, a cooling sports drink should not be seen as a healthier alternative to soda when it comes to dental health. If you or your children find sports drinks as a frequent hydrator, you may want to rethink your sugar intake.
