Sports drinks makers say dentists and parents to blame for kids’ tooth decay

SPORTS drinks manufacturers say parents and dentists are partly to blame for childrens’ tooth decay after dentists urged a switch from the sugar rich drinks to tap water with fluoride for most sportspeople.

SPORTS drink manufacturers have hit back at criticism from dentists over the impact of sugar-rich sports drinks, saying parents and the dental industry are partly to blame for their childrens’ tooth decay.

The Australian Beverages Council says many adults are not bushing their teeth as recommended and many parents do not ensure their children brush their teeth as recommended by dentists.

The response comes after the Australian Dental Association (ADA) issued a warning linking sports drinks to tooth decay, saying such drinks can contain anything from “five to a dozen teaspoons of sugar”.

The ADA says people taking constant sips of such drinks are putting their teeth at risk of decay and instead recommends tap water with fluoride for most people to deal with dehydration, as sports drinks are designed for elite athletes rather than “weekend warriors”.

However Australian Beverages Council chief executive Geoff Parker said any food or drink containing sugar can play a role in tooth decay if proper dental hygiene is not practised.

He said Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows only 1.3 per cent of Australians consumed a sports drink on the day of the survey.

“Interestingly, the ADA’s own statistics show 30 per cent of all Australians only brush their teeth once a day, and 37 per cent of Australian parents admit that their children only brush once a day,” Mr Parker said.

“The ADA clearly states one of the ways to reduce tooth decay is to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

“This message clearly isn’t reaching a significant part of the Australian population.

“Sports drinks are designed for people involved in intense exercise and should be consumed in moderation. The products are specifically designed to provide rapid replacement of fluid, carbohydrates, and electrolytes.”

Mr Parker said many popular foods and drinks, including bread, cereals, dried fruit, confectionary, biscuits and a range of snack foods and drinks contain fermentable carbohydrates — sugars and starches and that good oral health relies on eating a balanced diet and a good oral health regimen.