Sports drinks contain electrolytes to help the body remain hydrated and regulate pH levels, among other important processes, making them a natural beverage choice for your children during practices and games. Yet there are many reasons to provide water over sports drinks when your kids are on the playing field. Learn why dentists recommend water here.

What Are the Ingredients in Sports Drinks?

Powerade®, Gatorade®, and other sports beverages contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. However, they also feature about 21 grams of sugar per bottle, and simple carbohydrates such as sucrose and high fructose corn syrup. Simple carbohydrates turn to sugar in the mouth, which mouth bacteria, such as streptococcus mutans, feed on to produce decay-causing acids and plaque. The bacteria feasts on all of the sugar that enters your child’s mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation.

In addition to considerable sugar content, sports drinks include citric acid for flavor purposes. Acidic beverages and foods wear down enamel, the outer tooth coating that protects underlying dentin from decay and gives teeth their white hue. As the enamel erodes, it exposes sensitive, yellow dentin and promotes cavity formation.

Why is Water More Beneficial?

Unlike commercial sports drinks, water flushes harmful agents from the mouth instead of coating the teeth and gums with sugar and acids. It also encourages healthy saliva production to further protect the mouth from damaging enzymes, bacteria, and acids.

Additionally, drinking water regularly keeps your child hydrated as they sweat from playing sports. While sports drinks replenish electrolytes, their sugar content contributes to dehydration.

If your kids play high-energy sports such as soccer, football, and track, it’s still a good idea to provide regulated amounts of electrolyte drinks because of their performance benefits. However, you should encourage them to sip water in between sports drink swigs to rinse their mouths, and ensure they never brush their teeth immediately after drinking or eating anything with acid or sugar. Have them wait 20 to 30 minutes before brushing, which gives their saliva the chance to neutralize acids. 

Help your children maintain healthy smiles for life with routine teeth cleanings and checkups from Wheeler Family Dental. The dentist at this Chesterfield, MO-based practice provides pediatric, general, and cosmetic dentistry services, and provides orthodontic referrals. Call (314) 576-3737 today to make an appointment or visit the dentist online for patient information.