Why You Should Swap Sports Drinks for Water

GettyImages_123066671How much good is that sports drink you reach for after each workout really doing you? While its makers tout its replenishing and hydrating benefits, could it be that any good drinking it might do could be cancelled out by the harm it is doing in other areas of our body…like our teeth?

The truth is, drinking too many sports drinks can cause the same exact problem soda does in our mouths. It adds to the bacteria, which leads to the build up of acid that attacks the enamel of our teeth. Sports drinks often contain acid for flavoring only adding to the problem. It is only a matter of time before cavities form or even more serious dental problems.

Related: Why you should eliminate sugary drinks from your diet.

The real question is, do we even need to be drinking sports drinks in the first place. Many people would argue that drinking sports drinks after exercise is an essential and vital part of their workout routine. They feel that these drinks are the best way for them to recover properly. However, studies show that, unless you are working out for over an hour and a half, the same hydration and replenishment can be found in water.

Sports drinks are also a common replacement for soda. Many people believe that sports drinks are less harmful than soda and even good for you in some ways so they will drink them even if they are not involved in any type of physical activity. Just like soda, when a person sips on sports drinks throughout the day, they are only making things worse for their teeth. The best thing to do is avoid sports drinks altogether and reach for a bottle of water.

Now in some cases, when athletes are involved in long and very intense workout sessions that last longer than 90 minutes, sports drinks really do help in replenishing their bodies and help them rehydrate faster. That does not mean they are off the hook when it comes to dental health though. All it means is that these athletes must step it up when it comes to dental hygiene by making sure they are brushing and flossing often.

Those who are working out for extended periods of time and finishing up with a sports drink should get in the habit of drinking a glass of water after they have finished their sports drink to help neutralize the acid level. It has been suggested that they chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva flow, which can help to fight off the acid attack on enamel.

If you are drinking sports drinks or soda on a regular basis, be sure you are coming in for a check up at least every 6 months. Simply call us at 480-951-2800 to set up your appointment today.

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