Sports Drinks Are Dangerous

Did you know that sports drinks are dangerous? Dr. James Fondriest encourages his patients to live an active lifestyle with plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Many of us are concerned about staying hydrated throughout the day and sports drinks are a common choice for maintaining a healthy level of hydration. Although beneficial ingredients in sports drinks like electrolytes can help with dehydration, sports drinks are also acidic and contain high amounts of sugar which are unhealthy for your teeth.

Why Sports Drinks Are Dangerous for Oral Health

Although it’s common knowledge that sugary drinks and sodas are bad for your teeth, many of our patients are surprised to find out that sports drinks pose similar dangers too. Most sports drinks have a low pH factor. This means that they are acidic and acidic beverages contribute to enamel loss and erosion. Enamel guards your teeth against cavities and decay. Erosion or enamel loss is irreversible and it exposes the interior structures of teeth, such as dentin, to bacteria and harmful particles in your mouth.

Sugar content of sports drinks

The sugar content in sports drinks is another cause of concern and why they are dangerous. When you consume high levels of sugar in food and drinks, you create an environment in your mouth that harmful bacteria thrive on. The presence of this type of bacteria can lead to cavities and tooth decay as well. In addition to these risks, sugar contributes to plaque buildup which puts your teeth and gum tissues at risk for infection and inflammation.

Stay hydrated

In order to stay hydrated, Dr. Fondriest recommends drinking eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day and eating a balanced diet. Patients who break a sweat more than others should consider adding a couple glasses a day to replenish lost fluids.

Learn more about why sports drinks are dangerous

If you are concerned about enamel loss, tooth decay, or cavities, contact us at (847) 234-0517 to schedule a dental examination. We are currently accepting new patients in Lake Forest and the neighboring Chicago communities.