With so many beverage choices on the market, one of the most common questions we get at Espire Dental is: “What’s safe to drink for my teeth?”
Living in one of the most active states in the country, many of our Colorado patients are passionate about fitness — whether that means training for a marathon, tackling 14ers, or logging miles on a road bike. And with those workouts often come sports drinks designed to boost hydration and performance. But what many don’t realize is that these beverages can quietly wreak havoc on your teeth — even if your diet is otherwise healthy.
The Hidden Dental Danger of Sports Drinks
We’ve seen it often: patients who eat clean, exercise regularly, and take great care of their health — yet they still end up with cavities between their teeth. The culprit? Often it’s what they’re drinking.
The Two Main Problems:
- Sugar Content: Many sports drinks are loaded with sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth and leads to decay.
- Acidity (Low pH): Even sugar-free options can damage enamel due to their low pH levels. Tooth enamel starts to weaken at a pH below 5.5 — and most sports drinks come in around pH 3, making them highly acidic.
In contrast, tap water has a pH of about 6.6, which is much more tooth-friendly and helps rinse away harmful acids.
Protecting Your Teeth During and After Exercise
We get it — sometimes you need that sports drink for a long run or grueling hike. If that’s the case, here are a few simple ways to help protect your enamel:
- Swish with water after each sip of your sports drink to help neutralize acidity.
- Don’t sip continuously over long periods — it’s better to drink in short intervals and rinse.
- Avoid brushing right after drinking acidic beverages. Wait at least 30 minutes to allow your enamel to re-harden.
And remember: cavities between teeth often don’t show symptoms early on — they’re usually only visible on digital x-rays, which is why regular dental checkups are so important.
Keep Your Smile in Peak Condition
Whether you’re training for your next race or just living an active lifestyle, protecting your teeth is just as important as caring for your body. At Espire Dental, we’re here to help you keep your smile strong, healthy, and cavity-free.
Schedule your stress-free consultation today and let us help you stay on top of your oral health — one sip (and smile) at a time.
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