When your kids play hard, whether on a sports team or just a vigorous game of tag with the neighborhood kids, it’s important they stay hydrated. But the best way to do that isn’t a sports drink, no matter how many electrolytes and other benefits the bottle claims to contain. To keep your kids’ bodies and your dentist happy, stick to water. 

How Sports Drinks Affect Oral Health

Sports drinks are marketed as being a healthier alternative to soda, but they actually contain nearly as much sugar as a soft drink. The substance reacts with bacteria in the mouth, creating acids that eat away at tooth enamel.

Also, most sports drinks are made with citric acid to help improve flavor and increase shelf life. It wears away tooth enamel, leaving kids vulnerable to tooth decay and sensitivity. This doesn’t mean that drinking sports drinks will automatically damage kids’ teeth, but if your kids don't practice good oral hygiene, they may not like what they hear during their next visit to the dentist.

Why Water Is the Better Choice

Although sports drinks contain electrolytes – minerals like sodium and potassium that are lost during intense physical activity-- most kids can get all of the hydration they need by drinking water. It doesn’t contain sugar, sodium, or acids that can harm teeth and lead to health problems. If you are concerned about electrolytes, which have been shown to improve athletic performance, offering water with a piece of fruit, like a banana, can have the same effect. 

Are Sports Drinks Ever Okay?

If your child is engaged in intense exercise for longer than an hour, a small amount of the sports drink can help replace the lost electrolytes. To protect your child’s teeth, don’t let them brush right away after drinking, and offer plenty of water to keep the mouth moist and prevent acid buildup. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, and a sports drink once in a while shouldn’t lead to trouble. 

To help take care of your family’s teeth, call on the family dentists at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. For more than 50 years, they have provided dental services ranging from annual checkups and cleanings to dentures. They work with all ages in their welcoming and comfortable office. Call (907) 278-2521 to schedule an appointment or visit their website to learn more about their practice.