SOCIAL sports are a common pastime among young adults (18-25 years).
However, some habits associated with playing social sports can have a negative influence on dental health.
Dehydration from sporting activities can reduce the amount of saliva produced.
Saliva plays an important role in the oral cavity as a neutralising, remineralising and antibacterial agent.
With diminished saliva output called xerostomia, oral health problems such as tooth decay, tooth erosion and oral infections may arise.
Due to mass media advertisements about regulating electrolyte balance during exercise, young adults have adopted the habit of drinking sugary sports drinks.
Sports drinks were initially designed for replenishing depleted energy during endurance activities lasting for more than an hour while simultaneously hydrating an athlete.
Nowadays, sports drinks have replaced water as form of hydration even though research has shown that drinking water produces the same level of performance as drinking sports drinks for non-endurance sports.
Also, drinking water effectively maintains electrolyte and mineral balance during non-endurance activities such as social sports.
The drinking of acidic, sugary sports drinks known to demineralise teeth is a potential cause of enamel erosion and dental caries.
These effects are also exacerbated by the increased consumption of sports drinks, which is probably related to their appealing taste compared to water.
Some sports carry the risk of dental injury such as damage or knocked out teeth, broken jaws and cut lips due to high-impact trauma.
What to do:
- Drink plenty of water before, during and after playing sports to keep you hydrated.
- Consume sports drinks in moderation and consider drinking only water during non-endurance activities.
- Wear custom-fitted mouth guards during sports activities as they help cushion teeth against impact, protect against jaw joints injury, protect against soft tissue injury and help prevent neck and jaw injury.
Kerang Dental Surgery is located at 42 Wellington Street, Kerang. Call 5452 1867.
