Summertime is a well known time of the year when people, especially children, are inclined to drink more. However dentists are warning parents not to let their children or themselves consume too many sugary drinks.
Speaking with reporters one dentist, Dr. Nellie Barr said: “It is very important to consider that energy drinks and sports drinks have high calories and a lot of sugar, and that can lead to factors such as obesity, being and dental erosion.”
She added: “About 57 percent of children will have some type of erosion, and there’s no doubt about it, that drinking a high acidity drink with a PH of 3 to 4, like what is in a sports drink, is definitely contributing to dental erosion.”
Dental erosion occurs when the enamel that covers the tooth is destroyed or degraded. If teeth are not cleaned properly, the erosion will get worse resulting in dental problems including hypersensitivity and cavities.
New recommendations have been put forward by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP). This eminent organisation suggests that sports drinks should not be consumed during mealtimes or as part of a snack. What’s more, they believe it is probably best for children and adolescents to drink water, which in any event is better for hydration purposes.
Dr. Barr added: “If you’re an athlete, a child or adolescent athlete, and you’re participating in a vigorous, prolonged sporting event, then a sports drink can be helpful. But for the average child, their recommendation is water both during and after a sporting event.”
The dentists also warned against washing any sort of mouth guard used in sport with a sports drink.
In fact, The AAP recommends that energy drinks should be avoided. As well as the high sugar content, many if not all these products contain caffeine, a known substance involved in hyperactivity in some children. High levels of caffeine can be potent; some sports drinks have as much as 500mg.
Dr. Barr added: “But for the average child, their recommendation is water both during and after a sporting event.”
So what should you drink during summer or at a sports event?
The recommendation is water, sugar-free juice or low-fat milk.
