Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
Hydration is an essential aspect of health. Whether you break a sweat working in the yard, playing sports, or making gains at the gym, you should replenish those lost electrolytes and fluids before, during, and after your sweat session. It’s a common misconception that sports drinks are a healthy option to rehydrate, although that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sports drinks are loaded with sugar, dyes, and are highly acidic, which can wreak havoc on your oral health. Water is a much healthier option and usually provides enough hydration following most sweat sessions. So today on the blog, we share four reasons to opt for water, instead of sports drinks, the next time you break a sweat.
Water balances pH levels in the mouth
Maintaining the pH levels in your mouth is essential for oral health. Drinking water helps reduce acids and rinse away residual sugars in your mouth from snacks or meals between brushings. Unbalanced pH levels in the mouth can work against you by increasing your risk of gum disease and cavities.
Water helps support salivary function
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against harmful oral bacteria that are responsible for gum disease and cavities. While you still need to practice oral hygiene daily, saliva works hard between brushing and flossing sessions. But dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which can also irritate soft oral tissue, especially if you’re wearing a sports guard while engaging in sports.
Water helps reduce harmful oral bacteria
Like saliva, water helps rinse away oral bacteria, which is why water is the perfect beverage for hydration. Sports drinks only encourage bacteria growth that secrete harmful acids on your teeth.
Water is free of sugar and dyes
Sports drinks are loaded with sugar and dyes. Even if you opt for a sugar-free sports drink, those often have synthetic sweeteners that aren’t healthy for your mouth or your digestive system. Plus, they’re still highly acidic, unlike water, which is sugar free and dye free. Just be sure you opt for plain water instead of flavored or carbonated waters.
What if I still need electrolyte replenishment?
Regular filtered or bottled water, while excellent for hydration, may not provide enough electrolyte replenishment after a heavy sweat session. But you can get electrolytes from eating fresh fruit, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, coconut water, broth, avocados and dark leafy greens. If you’re on the go and need to replenish electrolytes rapidly, add a pinch or two of sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to your water and get the same hydration results as you would with sports drinks, but without the sugar, acids and dyes.
Family Dentistry in Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee
Tusculum Dental Care is a family dental practice that values good oral health. We understand the importance of hydration and encourage patients to opt for water or other natural, whole food sources, instead of sports drinks, to replenish electrolytes. To learn more ways to protect your teeth and gums while you stay hydrated, call Tusculum Dental Care at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.