Erosive Potential of Sports, Energy Drinks, and Isotonic Solutions on Athletes' Teeth: A Systematic Review

Dental erosion occurs due to repeated contact between the teeth and acidic substances along with mechanical stress. Athletes are exposed to acids through the consumption of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions; they also undergo mechanical stress during training and competition, making them prone to a higher prevalence of dental erosion. Therefore, our aim was to determine the erosive potential of beverages consumed by athletes.

We conducted a systematic review of 1466 articles found on nine search engines between 1997 and 2021. We included observational studies and clinical trials in English, Portuguese, and Spanish on beverage consumption in athletes of both genders.

A total of four studies involving 567 athletes from four countries were identified. The prevalence of dental erosion ranged from 19.4% to 100%, and the severity assessments showed that between 52.4% and 75.2% of athletes had enamel affected, and 24% to 57.1% had both enamel and dentin affected. Only one study found that the consumption of sports drinks by swimmers practicing in chlorinated pools doubles the risk of developing dental erosion. Bias was low in half of the studies.

The available evidence suggests that the consumption of sports drinks alone is not associated with dental erosion. However, to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on the oral health of athletes, more prospective cohort studies are needed. These studies should include a standardization of indices and variables to which athletes are subjected, including dietary and healthcare habits, oral conditions, and protective factors. Furthermore, a larger number of athletes must be included to establish more conclusive evidence on the erosive potential of sports drinks, energy drinks, and isotonic solutions on athletes' oral health.