The purported health benefits of sports drinks are questionable at best. In fact, numerous studies have found that sports drinks fail to hydrate athletes more than regular drinking water and, thanks to a host of artificial flavors, preservatives and sweeteners, they may actually increase dehydration.

Sports drinks can also adversely impact your dental health by staining and weakening your teeth.

A recent study by the New York University College of Dentistry found that all of the leading sports drinks weakened the enamel of teeth and softened dentin. In addition, Gatorade and Powerade proved to have a significant staining effect on teeth.

This means that people who consume sports drinks before, during and after a workout may not only be dehydrating themselves, but also putting their teeth at risk.

While limiting dark-colored sports drinks and other beverages such as coffee, wine, tea and sodas can reduce the damage to your teeth and keep premature staining to a minimum, the truth is it’s difficult to impossible to avoid every type of food and drink that can adversely affect your teeth. If your teeth have become discolored due to the natural aging process and/or the cumulative effects of stain-causing drinks and food, there are a number of teeth whitening options available.

At Dumont Cosmetic Dental, Bergen County, New Jersey, dentist Dr. Howard L. Perlmutter offers in-office teeth whitening as well as professional-strength take-home teeth whitening treatments.

If you would like to learn more about your teeth whitening options, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule your consultation with New Jersey cosmetic dentist Dr. Howard L. Perlmutter. We proudly serve patients in the Dumont, Bergenfield, Paramus, Haworth and Bergen County, New Jersey, areas.