Studies have shown that student-athletes tend to have more difficulty with tooth decay than those not involved in athletics. Why on earth would that be? It’s simple: Those electrolyte-infused drinks and high-carb energy bars we all use to fuel up or refuel after a workout? They also contain sugar — large amounts, in some cases.
While combating the effects of sugar on our teeth can be difficult for anyone, it can be challenging for an orthodontic patient.
The good news is, there are ways to counter the damage these products can cause and protect your smile. At Innovative Orthodontics, we have a few tricks to help you out!
THE STUDY ON STUDENT-ATHLETES’ TEETH
UCL Eastman Dental Institute conducted a comprehensive study on student-athletes and why they seem to have more issues with tooth decay than non-athletic students.
The study found that student-athletes have more trouble with tooth decay, with nearly half (49%) of the 352 surveyed and examined found to have untreated tooth decay. The study also found the suspects in the increased tooth decay — sports drinks and energy bars.
Now, we know what you might be thinking. “They probably just don’t brush and floss regularly.”
The study asked about oral hygiene habits and found that 94% of the student-athletes brushed regularly, and 44% flossed regularly. That’s better than the national average of 75% and 21%, respectively.
So how did they figure out the culprits? They asked participants whether they used sports drinks and energy bars.
As it turned out, 87% of student-athletes used sports drinks regularly, 59% used energy bars, and 70% used energy gels. All three are known to damage teeth.
SPORTS DRINKS AND ENERGY BARS
So how do sports drinks, energy gels, and energy bars cause so much trouble? It’s simple. The sugar content in these products tends to be super high. This produces acid that erodes tooth enamel. Unfortunately, even the “sugar-free” products have a high acid content.
Student-athletes tend to use these products to fuel up before workouts or games and maintain their energy during the events. They also use them afterward to “refuel.”
As a result, it’s usually hours before the students brush their teeth after using these products. So the sugar and acid can linger on their teeth, weakening the enamel.
As bad as this can be for any sports drink connoisseur, this effect is often worse for orthodontic patients — specifically those with braces because it can be harder to clean around braces. Energy bars and gels can often be sticky and hard to clean from braces, which linger on tooth enamel. This causes decay, leading to cavities, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss in some cases. Sports drinks can also remain on the teeth and underwires.
HERE’S HOW TO PREVENT TOOTH DECAY
So what’s the best solution to prevent tooth decay in student-athletes? Avoid energy bars and gels whenever possible, and stick to plain water to rehydrate. When a sports drink is a must, limit it to just one. You might also consider taking a toothbrush and toothpaste to school to brush after having sports drinks or energy bars.
It’s also important to keep up with your regular visits to the dentist and orthodontist during treatment. The team at Innovative Orthodontics can spot any potential issues with your teeth and help you find a solution that works best for you.
If you live in the South Jersey area, give us a call or schedule a consultation online! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
