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Sports Drinks and Cavities
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| Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 | | CWK Producer |
“They’re loaded with acids, and to the surprise of everybody, the acids are actually a big part of causing enamel erosion.”
– Claudia Tomaselli, DMD, Pediatric Dentist
11-year-old Britt Herina says, “I play baseball and basketball, and if I’m really thirsty during those, I’ll just drink a Powerade or a Gatorade.”
Sports drinks. New research from NYU finds that they can cause severe tooth decay. And it’s not all from the sugar.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Claudia Tomaselli says, “They’re loaded with acids, and to the surprise of everybody, the acids are actually a big part of causing enamel erosion.” She says acid strips calcium from the enamel of the teeth. “It pretty much washes away your enamel, and you only have two millimeters of enamel normally. So you are not allowed to lose much of it,” says Dr. Tomaselli.
The research is a major shake-up for both parents and dentists. Mother Cindra Herina says, “I didn’t realize that the acid content of the sports drink would have so much of an effect on the enamel of the teeth.”
Dr. Tomaselli says, “Anytime even myself, choosing drinks or food for my kids, I always look at sugar content. Now all of a sudden, it’s shifted to the acid content.”
“I know that stuff is bad for your teeth now, so I don’t drink it that often anymore,” says Britt.
Dentists urge parents to limit sports drinks and cola whenever possible. When you do have these beverages, use a straw. Drink water immediately afterwards and wait thirty minutes to brush your teeth. It also helps to use an acid neutralizing toothpaste.
What We Need To Know
Many dentists and parents are worried that kids are drinking too much soda and that they are at risk for developing dental caries (cavities). However, new research shows that sport drinks – most of which are owned by soft drink companies – may also contribute to tooth decay. However, the National Soft Drink Association (NSDA) cites a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, which shows that soft drinks do not cause increased cavities in children or young adults. The NSDA goes on to say that it is unfair to blame soft drinks or any single food or beverage as the cause of cavities.
The NSDA points out that many factors contribute to cavities, including the types of foods that are consumed, the amount of time those foods are in the mouth and lack of proper oral hygiene.
Cavities are caused by plaque, a build-up of bacteria on the tooth enamel. Sugar plays a harmful role in the development of cavities because it provides energy for the bacteria to multiply more quickly. The sugar is turned into a kind of glue that makes it harder for the bacteria to be washed away with saliva.
Plaque that does not get washed or brushed away produces acid as it eats up the sugar. The acid dissolves the minerals that make up the tooth enamel and a cavity is formed.
The American Dental Association recommends parents use the following tips to prevent tooth decay:
- Eat a balanced diet and limit the number or between-meal snacks. Sugared foods and starches, such as bread, crackers and cereal, cause bacteria to flourish.
- If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, chess or a piece of fruit.
- Brush teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
- Use toothpaste that contains flouride which helps protect teeth from decay.
- Use floss or interdental cleaner to clean between the teeth once a day.
For kids who drink soda, sport drinks or other sugary beverages during the day, the Academy of General Dentistry has these tips to prevent cavities:
- After drinking sodas or sport drinks, kids should rinse out their mouths with water to wash away excess sugar that bacteria consumes to create acid.
- Kids should drink soda from a straw to reduce sugar exposure to their teeth.
- Drink soda from a can, not a bottle with a replaceable cap, to deter sipping throughout the day, which can exacerbate acid attacks.
Resources
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- National Soft Drink Association
- New York University
