Teeth Health & Cycling gels/drinks-

[crazycanuck]

Hey,

I was at my friendly dental hygenist this morning and have been pondering something she said.

What can i use instead of energy powders like High5 etc? I understand the long term damage it does to your teeth but i'm addicted..

Any thoughts? My lovely healthy teeth will thank you

[alpinerabbit]

Same ideas. You have sugar in your mouth all day and less saliva to boot.
Apparently RunningMommy got caries on the sides of her teeth from the sports drinks, right?

I think gels and water is preferable. Or a bottle of high conc goop and a bottle of water on the side. Take a sip of water everytime you've ingested sugar. There are even 2-chamber aero bottles that would do that.

Plus I don't drink enough when it's sports drink because I get a icky sticky mouth.

[tulip]

I don't use energy powders or gels, besides an occassional Gu, but I do use Gatorade. I cut it with water by more than half. Can you cut the energy powders with more water? Or have one water bottle of water and one with the energy drink?

[Thorn]

Yep had that chastisement from the dentist on my last visit.

We've switched to a salt in the water (no real sugars or fake sugars) to make sure we have the electrolytes, but I cannot remember the brand. Then we use Clif Shot Blocks in a bento-box to keep the sugar levels up, but swish the mouth out after the block. I have to admit that I have less "icky sticky mouth" (love that term, AR).

I'll let you know in 2 weeks if my dentist is happier.

[KnottedYet]

I'm pretty obsessive about brushing and flossing, after a misspent youth in which I got a cavity in EVERY SINGLE TOOTH IN MY HEAD. I also have several broken teeth and crowns.

My hygienist has no issues with my sports drinks or bloks. CC, I guess if you really must have the sugary drinks on the bike, treat every bike ride like a delicious sweet dessert and clean your teeth well after? (Mine suggested I try sugar free gum for the convenience factor, but I am not fond of gum. Maybe try that?)

[maillotpois]

at this point, most of my teeth in the back are crowns. That seems to have prevented any issues.