Dental researchers have determined that the high acid and sugar content of these drinks could lead to tooth decay if you drink them often. They're most likely to cause damage if you hold the liquid in your mouth and swish it around before swallowing because that increases the exposure of tooth surfaces to the sugar and acid. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say you probably don't need special sports drinks, anyway, unless you do serious endurance training where you might need to replace electrolytes lost through exercise. For most people, the best thing to drink before, during and after a workout is plain water, and plenty of it. Getting enough water is especially important when exercising in hot weather to prevent dehydration.
Water is the most important ingredient in sports drinks.
If you choose to drink sports drinks, the effect of the drinks on teeth seemed to be less severe when the drinks were chilled instead of warm. You could also try drinking them with a straw to minimize contact with your teeth. Soft drinks and fruit juices also have a high sugar and acid content, so they can cause the same tooth problems. It's a good idea to brush your teeth as soon as possible after enjoying any of these beverages, whether or not you've been working out. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.