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Sports Drinks and Your Child’s Smile Marietta, GA

Sports Drinks and Your Child’s Smile

Pediatric Patient Marietta GA

If you are like most parents, you don’t hesitate to let your child rehydrate with a cold sports drink after a hard practice. However, if you want to protect their dental health, you may want to rethink that drink. Sports and energy drinks can certainly replenish lost electrolytes in the body but they are also known for causing irreversible tooth damage. The culprits for such havoc is the acid and sugars these beverages contain, and you don’t have to overdose on sports drinks to reap its consequences. A recent study published in General Dentistry states that energy and sports drinks contain so much acid that they begin destroying teeth after only five days of consistent use.

The high acidity levels in sports drinks erode tooth enamel and make the teeth vulnerable to decay. Children and teens may also experience tooth sensitivity and staining. Once the enamel has eroded, it can’t grow back – making the dental damage from sports drinks an irreversible condition.

How to Lessen the Damage

If you can’t eliminate this beverage altogether, there are some steps you can follow to reduce the likelihood of damage. For example, follow your sports drink with a good rinse of water or chew a piece of sugarless gum. This helps to remove or neutralize the acids on your teeth before they try to attack. You can certainly go for your toothbrush after you finish your drink, but you’ll need to wait about 30 to 45 minutes before scrubbing, as the acids make your teeth more vulnerable to wear from the abrasives of your toothpaste.

Replacing your child’s sports drink with bottle of water could be one of the most significant steps you take towards preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. This comes to no surprise considering that the Academy of General Dentistry estimates that 30-50% of U.S. teenagers consume energy drinks and as many as 62 percent consume at least one sports drink per day. If you notice signs of enamel erosion on your child or teenager’s teeth, please give us a call at Gilreath Family Dental. We provide full-service pediatric dentistry, allowing your child to experience state-of-the-art dental care in a positive and soothing environment.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV, Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta

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Our Client Reviews
Gilreath Family Dentistry

Sarah Khatib

Dr. Daniel Lee is the best dentist I've seen. She's so considerate of your fear of the dentist and was so painless although multiple procedures were done at the same time to save me a visit. Will definitely be coming here for years to come Il!

Susan

Dr. Gilreath is incredible with my kids. They love going to the dentist now! And this busy mom loves the warm neck wraps, the soft music and enjoying a latte while I relax!

Kenneth H.

Was lucky enough to find these guys when I got insurance that my old dentist did not take. Very professional and friendly staff! Office has the latest greatest technology as well. If you're looking for a new dentist, search no further!

Susie L.

Very personable and friendly, they took the time to go over my complex dental history and did not pressure me into anything. They gave their recommendations and priced out any options I had. Great group!

Camille Y.

Dr. Gilreath and his staff are top notch. I received the best cleaning I've ever had while watching my favorite show. The Doctor and his staff were all very polite, friendly, and courteous. They explained everything to me clearly and presented me with options in a gentle way that didn't make me feel pressured at all. It's obvious they really care about the wellbeing of their patients. The facility and equipment is really nice as well. I will definitely be back!

Juan R.

Always willing to work around my kids and my schedules. Today I had a long appointment. They started on time and always made sure I was comfortable and that the pain was managed so the procedure could’ve been completed without issues. Very courteous and professional staff.

Lucia B.

Awesome dental practice! The staff is friendly and efficient. Dr. Gilreath is thorough and versed in the latest technology and procedures. I love that he can make crowns in the office while you wait (so no walking around with a temporary crown for days or weeks). I would strongly recommend this dental practice!

Matthew W.

I've been going here for about a little over a year now. I've had a few cleanings, a filling, and started Invisiline so far. Hands down, the best run dental office I've ever been to. In the past at other dental offices I often had to wait 30 or more minutes beyond my appointment time before being seen. At Dr. Gilreath's office I've been seen on time every time. They seem to have systems in place to make every part of your visit run smoothly. From how they took x-rays, to billing and appointments, to the work done by the hygienist/dentist, everything seems to run like a well oiled machine. On top of that all the staff are all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The office space itself is also quite nice. Very clean, well maintained, and seems very "up to date" with their equipment. If you're looking for a dentist and are anywhere in the northwest metro area I would highly recommend Dr. Gilreath.

Our Office

Gilreath Family Dentistry

200 White St NW
Marietta, GA 30060

Call to Schedule an Appointment:
(770) 796-7081

Gilreath Family Dentistry Marietta waiting room Marietta GA.