Sports Drinks Can Erode the Teeth

In today's world, more and more people find themselves in dire need of more energy, a fact illustrated by the booming business of producing and selling sports drinks. Increasing numbers of US citizens can be seen throughout the day sipping from their bottles, in hopes of getting enough energy from the liquid to help them get through the day. A recent study, conducted by researchers at the NYU College of Dentistry, shows that these drinks have the potential to cause tooth erosion and hypersensitivity, on account of the large amounts of acid they contain.

“This is the first time that the citric acid in sports drinks has been linked to erosive tooth wear,” New York University College of Dentistry Chairman of the Department of Cariology & Comprehensive Care Professor Dr. Mark Wolff, who has also been the author of a new paper detailing the finds, explains. The research was showcased at the annual meeting of the International Association for Dental Research in Miami, the United States, on Friday.

According to the researchers, the teeth's smooth hard enamel coating is the main target of the acid inside sports drinks. Over time, it penetrates the hard coating and then finds its way to the bone-like material underneath. If left untreated, it can cause severe tooth aches, as well as even tooth loss. Estimates show that approximately one in 15 American citizens suffer from this condition, in which the people's teeth become weaker and softer.

For the experiments, cow teeth have been immersed in sports drinks and water, and then their levels of decay have been analyzed. When compared to those that have been covered in water, the other ones have exhibited very advanced levels of decay. “Five teeth were immersed in each drink for 75 to 90 minutes to simulate the effects of sipping on sports drinks over the course of the day,” Wolff says. Several top brands of drinks have been analyzed and they have proven to have roughly the same effects, regardless of the type of soda.

“To prevent tooth erosion, consume sports drinks in moderation, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth, to allow softened enamel to re-harden. If you frequently consume sports drinks, ask your dentist if you should use an acid-neutralizing remineralizing toothpaste to help re-harden soft enamel,” the expert cautions.