Fitness supplements and sports drinks
The effect on your teeth
The dangers of supplementing your vanity
The recent popularity in fitness and aesthetic culture has led to a range of pre-workout and intra-work out drinks that claim to increase your energy, focus, and endurance in the gym. Many of these product have yet to be properly tested and their popularity tend to be fuelled by product driven blog reviews, testimonials and advertisements.
The addition of hidden acidic ingredients such as citric acid and ascorbic acid, high sugar contents and the dehydrating effects of caffeine are putting consumers at very high risks of dental decay and destruction. Instructions to sip frequently during workout sessions are exposing your teeth to an acid bath, that dissolves the protective enamel from your teeth.
Don’t worry, not all fitness supplements are bad for your teeth. Proteins and Creatine are generally ok, but check the labels for products with as little sugar content as possible.
Tips:
- Use water to keep hydrated.
- Don’t rinse your mouth with sports drinks
- Drinking through a straw will minimise acidic erosion and damage to your teeth.
- Avoid products that contain citric acid (food number 300 or 331) or any preservatives that end with ‘ate’.
- If your teeth are feeling sensitive, acid erosion may have already started. Contact your dentist and ask about protective creams such as Tooth Mousse.
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