Posted: 04/04/09
While some may consider sports drinks to be a healthy alternative to sodas, a recent study completed by researchers at New York University College of Dentistry shows that the citric acid contained in most sports drinks can cause erosive tooth wear, which if left untreated could result in severe tooth damage or loss. During the study, researchers soaked teeth from cows in popular sports drinks for up to 90 minutes. Afterward, they examined the teeth and found some of the enamel coating of the teeth had been eaten away. This allowed the drinks to soak into the bonelike material under the enamel causing the teeth to soften and weaken. Brushing afterward could cause even more damage because of the abrasiveness of toothpaste.
Your dentist may recommend acid-neutralizing, re-mineralizing toothpaste to help re-harden soft enamel if you regularly consume sports drinks. If you are already experiencing tooth damage, discount dental care may help alleviate some the cost of treatment.
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