Sports drinks (those
that contain between 4-10% carbohydrate plus electrolytes for
fast fluid and a top up of energy) do pose a potential risk to
the serious athlete. Sportsmen and women who aspire to having
a high carbohydrate diet are at increased risk of tooth erosion
due to dietary acids and from dental caries due to the carbohydrate
being fermented by certain bacteria in the mouth.
What do you mean
dietary acids?
Sports drinks contain
citric acid, as do citrus and juice-based soft drinks. Cola drinks
are phosphoric acid based. All acidic drinks (those with low
pH) have the ability to erode tooth enamel, but it seems that
the way you drink will determine whether or not your teeth will
be affected. It seems that sipping and longer contact time with
teeth can lead to erosion from acids.
What about the
carbohydrate (sugars) in the drinks?
With exception
of the naturally occurring milk sugar (lactose), all carbohydrates
have the potential to cause dental caries. Plaque microbial flora
can ferment these carbohydrates to produce acids. Although sucrose
is a particular concern in caries, starch can be broken down
to maltose and glucose, which can be metabolised by plaque.
Does this mean
no sports drinks either bought or home-made?
No, because the
benefits in terms of hydration and fuel supply for endurance
capacity, performance, recovery and even aspects of the immune
system have been established. However, the following should be
considered:
Sports drinks should be drunk as quickly as possible, preferably
with a straw or by directing the flow of drink to the back of
the mouth with the 'nozzle'.
Never 'swosh' a sports drink around your mouth or 'hold' the
drink in your mouth as this will increase the risk of caries
and erosion.
Refrigerated sports drinks will be less erosive than warm ones.
Do not brush teeth immediately after using a carbohydrate sports
drink as it is thought that tooth enamel may be more vulnerable
to damage if already weakened by acids.
Effective daily brushing and flossing will reduce the risk of
caries.
Seek advice from your dentist or hygienist on good oral hygiene
practice whilst on a frequent and high carbohydrate intake.
© j.boorman 2002
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