Sports drinks and dental erosion.

PURPOSE: To discuss the composition and rationale for the use of sports drinks along with recent studies investigating the relationship between sports drinks and dental erosion.

METHODS: A review of the literature of sports drinks and dental erosion was done.

RESULTS: For most athletes and individuals engaged in physical activity, the use of sports drinks does not provide a benefit over water. Furthermore, although there is much in vitro evidence that acidic drinks such as wine, fruit juices and carbonated soft drinks have erosive potential and there are relationships between consumption of these drinks and erosion, only one study has reported an association between sports drinks and dental erosion. Other factors such as drinking habit and salivary production may be more important determinants of dental erosion.