Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Today you can walk into a convenience store or grocery store and easily see multiple options of sports drinks to choose from. It is likely that your kids will want something with sugar in it. While many parents have no problem handing over a sugary drink to their child, they probably are not thinking about the effects it could have on their child's teeth. It is easy to hand over a sports drink when your kid is giving their all on the field, but you could be hurting them. In fact, about 62% of adolescents consume a sports drink on a daily basis. How does this create problems within the mouth?

The Facts Behind Sports Drinks

Scientists have been studying the effects of sports drinks on kids' teeth for many years. In one study, researchers found that these drinks can actually start to decay the teeth only after five days of consuming them. This is because the sport drinks contain a high amount of acid. In return, the acid on the teeth will start to damage the enamel.

While certain foods are known to cause tooth decay, the sport drinks can work much faster. That is because the sugar in foods turn to acid which ultimately damages the enamel. So, when your child drinks an acidic drink, they are essentially skipping a step in the process by consuming the acid directly. 

Dental Issues Caused by Sports Drinks

Bacteria growth is another problem that parents should be wary of. Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar. The sugar is exactly what the bacteria needs in order to grow. When you feed that bacteria, it adds to what is already there, causing cavities and decaying teeth. 

Picking a Better Option

Many parents will hand over a sports drink to their kid while they are doing intense activity. And commercials will tell you that the child needs to replenish their electrolytes. Water is the best at replenishing everything your child needs when enduring any type of physical activity. It contains no sugar, no acid, and no sodium, yet keeps your child hydrated. If water is not an option for your child, then you want to consider purchasing a sports drink that does not contain sugar. If only the acidic and sugary ones are available, it is best to have your child rinse their mouth out with water right after consuming these types of drinks. This will help remove the acid and bacteria until they are able to brush their teeth.  

For more information and tips, talk with a dentist in your area, such as those at Alaska Dentistry For Kids.