While sports and energy drinks help athletes rehydrate after a long workout, if consumed on a regular basis they can damage teeth. These beverages may cause irreversible damage to teeth enamel.  This damage could result in severe tooth decay. 

According to a new study, the damage caused to enamel by non-cola and sports beverages was three to 11 times greater than cola-based drinks.  Energy drinks and bottled lemonades caused the greatest damage.

The study exposed enamel from cavity-free molars and premolars to a variety of popular sports drinks, including energy drinks, fitness water and sports drinks, as well as non-cola beverages such as lemonade and ice tea for 14 days (336 hours).  The exposure time was comparable to about 13 years of normal beverage consumption.

The study findings revealed there was significant enamel damage associated with all beverages tested.  Results of the study in order of greatest to least damage to enamel: lemonade, energy drinks, sports drinks, fitness water, ice tea, and cola.  Most cola-based drinks may contain one or more acids, commonly phosphoric and citric acids.  Sports beverages contain other additives and organic acids that can advance damage to teeth. 

To preserve tooth enamel and protect teeth from decay, the Academy of General Dentistry recommends limiting drinking soda and sports drinks and choosing water or low-fat milk instead.

Source:  General Denistry, January/February 2005, and Academy of General Dentistry , www.agd.org.