Most of us turn to sports drinks when looking for relief from the summer heat. They taste good and can help us stay hydrated. However, you should be aware that sports drinks can also increase the risk of cavities. In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss this link and look at different ways to protect your smile.
The Link Between Staying Active and Dry Mouth
When we work out, the heat can cause dry mouth to occur. Since there isn’t as much saliva to help naturally cleanse away harmful bacteria, consuming drinks with lots of sugars or acids can allow them to coat the teeth weaken tooth enamel, and eventually lead to the onset of tooth decay. Patients then experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or toothaches that don’t subside. Eventually, the decay can spread until an infection arises and threatens the stability of your smile.
Sports Drinks and Cavities
Sports drinks contain a high amount of acid, which combined with dry mouth from working out, can lead to eroded tooth enamel and the onset of cavities. In order to help protect your smile, cut back on sports drinks and instead consume more water, which doesn’t contain sugars or acids. You can even follow a swig with some water to help protect your smile.
Safeguard Your Smile All Summer
In order to enjoy optimal oral health throughout the summer, we have a few suggestions:
- Have a checkup and dental cleaning every six months
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night before bed
- If you play sports, talk to us about a custom-made mouthguard, which provides greater protection than a simple boil-and-bite mouthguard
- Don’t ignore any sudden sensitivity or aches, talk to your dentist
We hope you enjoy a wonderful summer and a healthy smile! If you have any questions or concerns, remember that we’re always available to help.
Do You Have Questions About Avoiding Summer Cavities?
Dr. Lawson and our team are ready to help you enjoy a healthy smile. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
