Sports drinks are advertised as the supreme way to hydrate and even improve your child athlete’s performance. While they serve a purpose in strict moderation, sports drinks can also have a negative impact. If you want to avoid pediatric dentistry issues and also keep your child healthy, water is always the best option.

A Parent’s Guide to Water vs. Sports Drinks

The Problem With Sports Drinks

Flavored, colorful sports drinks are loaded with potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes that your child’s body requires to function optimally. However, they contain a number of problematic ingredients as well. Carbohydrates, which are meant to provide energy, come from glucose, fructose, and other sugars.

These sugars can cause a number of pediatric dentistry issues. They fuel decay-causing bacteria, which can lead to cavities, root canal infections, and gum disease. The artificial coloring could also seep into the porous enamel layers on your child’s teeth and cause tooth stains.

When these drinks are enjoyed casually instead of during sports, the sugar content may also contribute to unhealthy weight gain, poor sleep, and blood sugar spikes. This is because the carbohydrates, electrolytes, calories, and other ingredients aren’t being used correctly and will overload your child’s body. In rare cases, they could also lead to overhydration, a potentially fatal issue where too much water dangerously lowers sodium levels in the blood.

Why It’s Best to Choose Water

At the end of the day, water is always best for your child’s health. Sports drinks are only ever truly needed to replenish electrolytes and water levels during the most intense, extended activities like a triathlon or professional sports game. Child athletes gain enough electrolytes from spinach, bananas, yogurt, and other natural sources—all of which are good for pediatric dentistry.

Water contains plenty of electrolytes as well and will better quench your child’s thirst. There are no unhealthy calories, sugars, carbohydrates, and other ingredients that could have negative health effects.

Generally, children should drink 16 oz of water two hours before activity, 8-16 oz right before exercise, and then 4-6 oz every 15-20 minutes during exercise. They should then consume 16-24 oz after exercising. This provides the necessary hydration to keep their joints lubricated, keep their body at a safe temperature, and deliver oxygen to organs.

If your child is overdue for their next oral health exam, contact dentist Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD. Since 1980, Dr. Bathiany has provided comprehensive pediatric dentistry services to families in Fort Thomas, KY. This pediatric dentist makes education a priority and will ensure your child understands the importance of children’s dental care. Learn more about the practice online and call (859) 781-4100 to schedule a pediatric dental care exam. You can connect on Facebook for news and updates.