The dentists at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, Alaska, encourage their patients to give up sports beverages. Why? The dentists argue there are many reasons that make water a healthier choice for everyone, including athletes.

Here are a few reasons to always choose water over sugary sports drinks:

• Acid Content: Sports drinks feature a high acidity level. Acid erodes enamel, the tooth’s protective, outer layer, resulting in tooth decay. Enamel damage is permanent, so it's crucial to prevent erosion. A 2012 study published in the General Dentistry journal found damage to enamel was already evident after just five days of exposure to sports drinks.

• Body Temperature Regulation: Water regulates body temperature and transports oxygen throughout your body, and it's still considered the best liquid to drink when you engage in physical exercise. The more vigorous the exercise, the hotter the body gets, resulting in excessive water loss. Water is therefore imperative to avoid cramping, dizziness, and other effects of dehydration.
• Same Benefits, No Side Effects: Water offers the same benefits as sports drinks because it replaces lost electrolytes, hydrates the body, and provides a boost in energy—all without harming your teeth. Drinking water can actually be beneficial to your oral health because it flushes food particles and helps maintain healthy saliva levels.

Don’t subject yourself to irreversible tooth damage caused by drinking sports drinks, energy drinks, or soda. Make water your beverage of choice, whether you're hitting the track or powering through the work day.

Discuss the effects of sports drinks with the team at Legacy Dental Arts and rely on the experienced dentists for all your cosmetic and general dentistry needs. The Eagle River facility offers a wide range of services, including teeth whitening, wisdom teeth removal, emergency services, and more.

To make an appointment at Legacy Dental Arts, call (907) 622-7874 today. You can visit their website and learn more oral health tips from the Greater Anchorage dentists.