Sports Drinks Harmful to Teeth?
A recent study by British researchers found that regular use of high-performance sports drinks can corrode teeth enamel and cause extensive dental damage. Reporting in the January 2005 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, scientists from the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry said that quaffing certain sports drinks can cause up to 30 times more enamel loss than drinking a comparable amount of plain water.
The study recreated intensive exercise conditions during which participants drank either water or two different types of carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages. Dental erosion was measured as tissue loss from the participants’ tooth enamel.
Because the culprit responsible for the erosion was thought to be the high acidity in certain brands of sports drinks, the study authors offered athletes several suggestions to minimize dental damage:
- When consuming sports drinks, keep contact time in the mouth to a minimum; don’t hold the liquid before swallowing.
- Alternate sports drinks with water.
- Choose a product that is less acidic and has a higher pH level.
For the latest research, statistics, sample classes, and more, "Like" IDEA on Facebook here.
June 2005
© 2005 by IDEA Health & Fitness Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.
Get the award-winning IDEA Fitness Journal delivered to your door every month!
Related Questions
CEC Courses
 |
Extreme Interval Training
In this course you'll learn goal-focused intervals and over 50 dynamic exercises and drills to create extensive and intensive training formats. |
 |
Cut to the Core
This is a raw, unedited video filmed live at the 2009 IDEA World Fitness Convention™. Cut to the Core is packed full of core-focused exercises that aim to improve the way you look, feel and live. |
 |
September 2011 IDEA Fitness Journal Quiz 4: Plyometric Training
This continuing education quiz is an in-depth look at plyometric training. Plyometric exercises—jumping, bounding, hopping, arm pushing, and catching and throwing weighted objects such as machine balls—are movements that involve rapid eccentric and concentric muscle actions. |
Find a Personal Trainer
Article Comments
Add Comment