It is common knowledge that soda and energy drinks can have adverse health effects, but not everyone realizes that the same goes for sports drinks. With as much as 19 grams of sugar in a single 8.5-ounce serving, sports drinks actually contain similar levels of sugars as soda. This, as you can imagine, can result in several unfavorable health effects.
As your trusted dental office in Mountain Brook, Alabama, we here at Over the Mountain Dentistry thought we would share our insight on these sugary sports drinks and the health and dental problems with which they are associated.
Dental Issues
As mentioned before, sports drinks are incredibly high in sugars, which can lead to tooth decay. This is especially concerning in teenagers who typically drink more sports drinks than any other age group. Additionally, sports drinks are not just high in sugar content, but in acid content as well. Acids work, like sugars, to break down the protective enamel on teeth. This eventually leads to cavities forming in the affected teeth which will require dental fillings to correct the issue.
If you consume many sports drinks and other soft drinks, we recommend you cut down substantially. In addition, you should visit our Mountain Brook office at least twice a year for cleanings and check ups. You should also practice oral hygiene habits, like brushing and flossing daily, to counteract the effects sugar has on the teeth.
Medical Concerns
Dental issues are not the only reason you should limit your sports drink intake, as medical concerns about these sugary drinks have risen in recent years. Weight gain is the most prevalent medical concern associated with sports drinks. Excessive weight gain has many unfavorable health effects and can lead to some serious medical conditions. Some of these medical conditions are:
- Diabetes: One of most common medical conditions associated with weight gain is diabetes. Diabetes itself can lead to other complications like stroke, kidney failure, and foot ulcers.
- Myocardial Infarction: Commonly referred to as a heart attack, excessive weight gain greatly increases your chance of suffering a heart attack.
- Sleep Apnea: Apneas are episodes of missed breaths, usually lasting about 30 seconds. While usually not serious, sleep apnea can easily be corrected with weight loss or by using a CPAP machine while sleeping.
If you are in need of a dental check up or one of the services we offer at Over the Mountain Dentistry, you can contact us here or call us at 205-968-1296 to schedule an appointment.