Almost 90% of 12-14 year-olds are consuming sports drinks, with 68% of teens and pre-teens drinking them regularly, many of them for social reasons, a new survey by Cardiff University School of Dentistry has found.
Children are attracted to the taste and the price with many families – adults and children alike – unaware that sports drinks are not suitable for children. They were developed to be consumed by athletes taking part in endurance or intense sporting events but are now readily available in local shops and supermarkets.
Experts at the British Dental Association and the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine conclude that sports drinks are not a healthy choice being both high sugar and with a low pH level. For your teeth, this means an increased risk of dental cavities and enamel erosion along with a greater risk of obesity.
So, what should you drink when taking part in sports?
Experts agree that water (or milk) is sufficient for children and most adults taking part in sport and the safest option for both dental and general health.
Brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, coupled with regular dental check-ups helps establish good dental hygiene and habits in children.
For more help and advice on taking care of your family’s dental health, please contact your local SpaDental practice
BDA: Regular consumption of sports drinks risk to childrens’ health