If your child participates in sports or other physical activities, you may provide them with sports drinks to stay hydrated. While these drinks can be beneficial in some cases, their high sugar content causes concern among dentists. This is especially true when young kids drink sports drinks on a regular basis, which can lead to a number of oral effects. 

What Ingredients Are Found in Sports Drinks?

While formulas vary from brand to brand, most sports drinks contain some combination of the following ingredients:

• Electrolytes – Electrolytes are minerals, such as potassium and calcium. They’re added to sports drinks to replace electrolytes lost through sweating during physical activity. 
• Carbohydrates – Sugar and high fructose corn syrup, both of which are carbohydrates, are also common in many sports drinks. Sugars replace calories lost for a quicker recovery after an intense workout. 
• Flavoring – Along with many other flavorings, citric acid is a commonly used agent to add taste. 

How Do These Ingredients Affect Oral Health?

When it comes to tooth decay, sugar is a common culprit. Oral bacteria known for causing cavities feed on sugar, which contributes to the break down of tooth enamel. Additionally, sports drinks containing citric acid accelerate this process by increasing wear on tooth enamel. 

Why Is Water the Better Option for Kids?

For intense workouts lasting an hour or longer, sports drinks are the better choice because they facilitate faster recovery for the body. However, very few child athletes undergo such intense workouts. Accordingly, water is almost always a better option for kids.  

Along with preventing decay caused by the consumption of sugar, water also refreshes and hydrates the mouth. When the mouth is properly hydrated, bacteria have a harder time clinging to teeth and causing damage. Water also ensures proper saliva production, which plays a role in good oral health. 

Along with helping your child make smart decisions about their diet, you should also schedule regular checkups with a trusted dentist.  Dr. Tareq Khalifeh and the rest of the team at Philmont Family Dentistry ensure kids are privy to helpful dental care tips during checkups. They also treat cavities and decay via fillings and root canals and even offer cosmetic whitening procedures. Visit them online for more information. You can also call (518) 672-4077 to schedule an appointment with a dentist today.