Beware of Sports Drinks

Sports drinks have high sugar content and acidity, both of which can cause erosion and cavities of teeth. To minimize dental problems, children should avoid sports drinks and hydrate with water before, during, and after sports. Be sure to talk to your pediatric dentist before using sports drinks.

If sports drinks are consumed:

• reduce the frequency and contact time
• swallow immediately and do not swish them around the mouth
• neutralize the effect of sports drinks by alternating sips of water with the drink
• rinse mouthguards only in water
• seek out dentally friendly sports drinks