Dental Experts Warn Against Sports Drinks
Dental experts have issued a warning against sports and energy drinks.
Professor Andrew Eder, from the London Tooth Wear Centre, said that fizzy drinks and sports and energy drinks are leading causes of tooth wear, as they are full of sugar and acidic ingredients.
Professor Eder said that it was particularly important to look out for ingredients including citric, phosphoric and carbonic acid.
According to the most recent Adult Dental Health Survey, more than three quarters of the adult population in the UK have signs of tooth wear and drinking fizzy pop and energy drinks are one of the main reasons.
Dr Neil Counihan, a leading orthodontist from the Metamorphosis practice, encouraged people to chew gum containing xylitol; sugar-free xylitol gum neutralises the mouth and helps to keep the teeth clean.
Professor Eder said that sports drinks can be effective as part of a training regime, but they do cause problems for the teeth and should never be consumed in large quantities; he also advised people against swilling the drinks around the mouth and encouraged regular dental check-ups and swapping energy drinks for more tooth-friendly alternatives, such as coconut water. Professor Eder also warned against brushing the teeth after drinking sugary or acidic drinks; it is advisable to wait at least one hour to prevent damage to the tooth enamel, which is temporarily weakened for a period of time after eating or drinking.
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