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Sports drinks were developed to help support recovery for athletes after intense exercise. However, these ‘recovery drinks’ have become a staple for many people who feel they want to replenish water and electrolytes after exercise. Although sports drinks can taste and look good, the truth is that most of us don’t need to drink any fluids other than water when we exercise. The ingredients contained in sports drinks can be damaging to teeth because they contain sugars and acid which can lead to tooth decay and erosion. Often, we are unaware of what changes are occurring in our mouth, which is why regular dental check-ups with your dentist are important.

Sugar and acid in sports drinks?

Drinking the occasional sports drink is unlikely to cause any harm. However, when consumed regularly, can be very damaging to our tooth enamel. The concentration of acids and sugar in sports drinks is generally high and this combination further enhances the risk of tooth damage. The average 600 ml sports drink contains 8.5 teaspoons of sugar as well as acids. This combination creates a low pH, typical of most sports drinks, leading to tooth erosion and damage to the protective tooth enamel. If sports drinks contain caffeine, this can also lead to high levels of energy, increasing the risk of tooth grinding with tooth breakage and loss.

Try to limit your intake of sports drinks to occasions when you really feel you’ve exerted yourself and need something more than water. Weekend sports can be a good time to enjoy a sports drink, rather than regularly drinking them.

How do teeth benefit from plain water?

Drinking water is the best way to rehydrate and stay well hydrated. The added benefit of water is that most towns and cities fluoridate their water supply. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to decay. Water is also free, readily available, and excellent for supporting general body health and well-being. If you’d prefer something with a little more fizz than plain water, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that sparkling water is generally fine for teeth and far better for teeth than sugary drinks.

How can I drink sports drinks and still protect my teeth?

Limit your child’s intake of sports drinks by keeping these as weekend ‘treats’ after sports games. You can always dilute sports drinks with water or ice and encourage your child to drink plain water afterwards. Another protective habit is to use a straw which helps to limit teeth exposure to acidic liquid.

Make a habit of reading the nutrition information on drink labels and look for ingredients that end with ‘ose’ – e.g., glucose, sucrose. This means that sugar, in some form, is included.

While you’re at home you can also make a habit of eating and drinking foods that strengthen and protect your teeth so you can treat yourself on the weekend. Other than water, milk is a great option for a drink, helping to build tooth enamel and reduce decay. As for foods, cheese and crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumber, and apples are all low in sugar, protective, and high in water content.

Protecting your teeth while playing sports

It’s not just sports drinks that can damage teeth, but trauma as well. If you or your children play sports, it’s always wise to wear a mouthguard for matches, as well as training sessions. Speak with your dentist about getting fitted for a custom-made mouthguard.

 

 

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/drinks-that-can-harm-your-teeth#

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/nutrition/the-truth-about-sparkling-water-and-your-teeth

Teeth Healthy Foods List: 9 Best Foods For Your Teeth (orthodonticsaustralia.org.au)

 

We’d all like to have a white and bright smile, though for lots of reasons achieving this is not always possible. Over time and exposure to certain foods and drinks can lead to tooth staining and yellow or discoloured teeth. For most of us, this is unavoidable. Teeth can also appear discoloured because of ‘intrinsic’ factors – due to medications taken when the teeth are forming, or trauma to the tooth.

Teeth stain because they’re made up of porous material. Like a teacup becomes discoloured with use, our teeth are at risk of staining when they’re exposed to dark, red and tan coloured substances called chromogens. The most common liquids which stain white tooth enamel are coffee and tea. Soft drink can also cause tooth staining, particularly those which are caramel or dark coloured.

How can I avoid eating and drinking tooth staining foods?

It’s impossible to monitor everything that we consume. One of the most effective ways to limit exposure to staining is to rinse with plain water straight after eating and drinking. This helps to remove staining compounds from the teeth. Another option is to brush teeth after eating and drinking, though this is not always possible. Chewing a sugar-free gum can also help to boost saliva flow which can help to reduce the risk of staining. Although, it’s important to limit your frequency of chewing gum as this can cause digestive issues.

Tooth staining from decayed teeth and enamel

Teeth can also become discoloured with age and general wear and tear. Tooth brushing over time can also cause the enamel to thin, allowing more of the (naturally yellow) dentine to show through. Decayed teeth commonly appear dark and discoloured, as can teeth which have been damaged and have a reduced blood supply. Smoking and some medications can also cause teeth to discolour.

What foods and drinks are more likely to stain my teeth?

Foods and drinks which are acidic, like red wine, can cause the pores of the teeth to roughen and open up more. This means that as the enamel becomes more abrasive, its surface area increases, making staining foods and drinks more likely to etch into the tooth surface.

Common staining foods and drinks are:

• Tea and coffee which contain tannins – naturally occurring chemical compounds.
• Red and white wine which also contains tannins, though red wine is more likely to stain teeth.
• Berries and fruit juice, especially those made from dark pigmented fruits like grapes and blueberries.
• Tomato based sauces – because of the colour as well as the acidic content.
• Sweets and lollies, including chocolate and those with coloured dyes.
• Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar.

How can I prevent my teeth from becoming stained?

Like many other protective health habits, prevention can make a big difference.

1. Visiting your dentist for regular oral health checks and expert cleaning will help to detect early problems. Book an appointment today to discuss how to care for your teeth and gums.
2. Try to avoid eating staining foods, especially when you don’t have the option to rinse or brush your teeth soon after eating.
3. Get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with plain water after meals.
4. Drink dark juice and soft drinks through a straw so your teeth aren’t as exposed to the liquid.

What are my options when it comes to tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening involves treating the teeth with gel which contains a special concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This helps to remove stains and restore them to a whiter shade.

In consultation with your dentist, you can choose the right shade of white for you. Tooth whitening can be done in the dental chair or at home, using trays which hold a bleach solution against the teeth. Book an appointment today to discuss your teeth whitening options with your dentist.

 

 

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-stain-teeth

https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-whitening

 

While it’s true that the cost of living has been rising, there’s one area where being proactive can actually save you money in the long run – your oral health.  The reality is that many oral health conditions, if left undiagnosed and untreated, worsen over time with an increased risk of complications. Regular examinations and treatment strategies, where necessary, help to minimise pain, further complexities, and often, additional cost.

Back to the dental basics

Here are our top 4 tips for caring for your teeth between visits:

1. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice each day, using a soft, small headed toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
2. Floss daily and care well for your gums as well as your teeth
3. Limit your intake of sweet, sugary foods
4. Never use teeth as ‘tools’ to open packages
5. Visit your dentist every six months for a thorough check-up and clean – Book an appointment today.

Look after the basics and you’ll be doing what you can to avoid dental expenses in the future.

Prioritise your dental health

Did you know that your oral health is an important part of your overall health and well-being? Poor oral health is linked to a range of other health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and pregnancy complications. Regular, positive oral health habits not only help to reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease but also support improved comfort and quality of life. Taking a few minutes each day to care well for your teeth and gums will provide significant benefits in both the long and short term. So, before you fall into bed at night, dedicate a small window of time to invest in a regular night-time oral health routine.

What can happen if I don’t see my dentist regularly?

Having a basic dental routine only goes part way in supporting oral health. Your dentist is an expert in conducting a thorough oral health examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mucous membranes. When your dentist or oral hygienist cleans your teeth, this will involve removing plaque and tartar, which when left on the teeth, can cause gum recession and damage.

Dental X-rays are another common preventative strategy. X-rays help to detect tooth decay, impacted teeth, bone loss, and any areas of infection. Most commonly dentists recommend X-rays every year, though sometimes more commonly if there are benefits, as the problems they detect are often best treated in the early, less expensive stages.

Wouldn’t I know if I need to see the dentist?

Not all dental conditions involve pain or tooth sensitivity. Sometimes it’s not until a tooth or gum issue is quite advanced that we may become aware of it. This is one of the reasons why regular dental monitoring through six monthly check-ups is so valuable. If it’s been over months since you last visited the dentist, book an appointment today and have a thorough check-up.

Payment options for child dental care?

If your child is between the ages of 0 and 17, they may be eligible for up to $1052 in free dental care*. Check their eligibility online and book an appointment for your child’s dental check-up.