Are Your Teeth Getting A Sporting Chance?

Teeth exposed to sports drinks had partially dissolved enamel layers.
Whether or not sports drinks are a healthier choice than soda, the citric acid they contain can prove detrimental to teeth. According to recent research, which involved submerging teeth in top-selling sports drinks for up to 90 minutes (comparable to drinking a sports drink throughout the day), teeth exposed to sports drinks had partially dissolved enamel layers. As a result, the bone-like layer beneath the enamel was exposed, causing teeth to soften and weaken. This effect, known as “erosive tooth wear,” can lead to excessive tooth damage and even tooth loss if not treated. Oddly, brushing teeth immediately after drinking a sports drink does not help because the softened teeth are more vulnerable to the abrasiveness of the toothpaste.

To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation. We urge a routine of periodic professional exams that will help ensure the health and longevity of your teeth. Fillings, extractions, sealants, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, partial or full dentures, crowns and bridges are just some of the services we offer at the office of Richard Seidler, D.D.S. - Family Dentistry.

Did you know?
If you drink sports drinks on a regular basis, ask the dentist about using an acid-neutralizing, re-mineralizing toothpaste, which helps remineralize soft enamel.

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