Previous research has suggested that regularly drinking fruit juices or carbonated sodas can cause erosion of the teeth. Now a study shows that sports drinks can also dissolve tooth enamel. The sports drinks were found to contain high acidity levels in order to increase their shelf life. However, the researchers report they have formulated a new sports drink that is less harmful to teeth.
The study, published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, investigated the potential erosive effects of a prototype sports (carbohydrate-electrolyte) drink, a commercial sports (carbohydrate-electrolyte) drink, and water (control). The prototype sports drink was formulated to be less erosive to teeth. At the beginning of the study, researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK gave mouth protectors containing tooth enamel protecting blocks to 19 healthy adult athletes. While wearing the mouth protectors, the participants exercised for 75 minutes a day, five days a week, for three weeks. Before, during and after exercise, the participants' consumed the prototype sports drink, commercial sports drink, or water. Dental erosion measurements from the enamel blocks were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that the sports drink caused enamel loss. There was no enamel loss experienced with the prototype drink or water. The study authors suggest that athletes are more at risk for enamel erosion due to dry mouths during exercise with less saliva to regulate the acidity.
"The prototype carbohydrate-electrolyte drink solution showed minimal erosion compared with the commercially available drink, and was statistically indistinguishable from water under the conditions of this study," the study authors conclude. "Use of carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions formulated to minimize erosion during exercise may provide significant dental benefits."
REFERENCES:
1. Venables MD et al. Erosive effect of a new sports drink on dental enamel during exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005 Jan;37(1):39-44.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on September 20, 2006 02:13 PM
