Is there really a connection between sports and keeping your teeth healthy? You bet! From nutrition to injuries, there are precautions you can put in place to protect your mouth and keep your smile in tip top shape.
Many athletes believe they need to fuel up with sports or energy drinks in order to compete. However, these drinks are a double whammy for teeth since they are both very high in sugar and extremely acidic. Even if they are marketed as being “healthy”, drinking sports or energy drinks is exactly the same as drinking soda! Replenishing fluids lost to sweat is the primary concern during an athletic event. Sports drinks generally contain water, some form of sugar, flavoring, coloring, and salt. Energy drinks contain the same ingredients, plus a lot of caffeine.
There is no need for athletes, or most anyone for that matter, to consume sports or energy drinks. The typical American diet provides more than enough electrolytes (i.e. sodium) to replace sweat losses, as well as more than enough calories to contribute to weight gain. Add in the fact that the sugar and acid present in the drink are highly damaging to teeth and suddenly sports and energy drinks do not look like such good choices. The sugar feeds the oral bacteria promoting acid production responsible for cavities and the acidic nature of the drinks themselves can cause enamel erosion. Too many sports or energy drinks can lead to more time in the dental chair.
The best option to stay hydrated is plain water. Everyone should be drinking water throughout the day, but athletes should be very conscious to stay adequately hydrated since they are more active. This is especially true for those who are active in the warm weather. Water will keep your body healthy and comfortable without damaging teeth.
Many athletes also use protein bars to sustain their training,but always check labels as most protein bars are high in sugar which have the same effect as the sports and energy drinks -- more cavities! Athletes’ nutrition requirements vary greatly depending on frequency and intensity of activity. With the exception of highly competitive athletes (such as those who train for the Olympics) most can achieve adequate nutrition through natural food sources; without the need for any special bars. Milk and cheese are valuable following a workout as they provide protein to help your muscles rebuild, while lowering pH of saliva, which helps reduce the risk of cavities. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein that also helps build muscles. Foods rich in antioxidants (think red and orange veggies and berries) help boost an athlete’s immune system, which directly improves overall and oral health.
Staying active is important and fun for all of us, but the need for sports drinks and protein bars is over stated. With a little planning you can balance your nutrition needs and your dental health. There is no need to sacrifice either!
Check out this article and others by Dr. Berry, Denise and Laura every month in the Lakes Region Reader and Two Cent Times.
