Episode 103: Sports Drinks, Cavities, and Dental Health with Dr Clayton DMD

Why have a dentist on The Gymnast Nutritionist® Podcast? Often I get questions from gymnast parents about sports drinks, cavities, and dental health. So I brought in an expert for today’s episode!

It’s common for dentists to warn parents not to let their children have sports drinks because of the risk of cavities and dental health. The big focus here tends to be the sugar. Which only fuels the “sports drinks are bad” camp which isn’t true. This episode isn’t just about sports drinks in and of themselves as there is certainly a time and place for those in sport to strategically refuel and improve performance.  

But there’s a lot more to cavities than just sugar, and who knows what else is going on with their oral hygiene. Plus the logistical barriers to appropriate intraworkout fueling narrow down our choices of what we have in terms of fueling for optimal performance with high intensity, anerobic workouts that are 4-5+ hours at a time.

That’s why I’m so happy to have Dr Craig Clayton DMD, one of the premier dentists in Meridian Idaho on the podcast today. He’s worked in various dental settings and has experience working with a wide range of dental teams, patients, and practice cultures. Listen in today as he breaks down what’s really going on with your gymnast’s sport drinks consumption and dental health.

In this episode you’ll hear about: 

• What are cavities and can things like sports drinks, quick carbs (sugars) contribute to them?
• What’s the best way to prevent cavities? 
• How do we balance fueling intraworkout + cavity prevention?

Links & Resources 

• The Balanced Gymnast® Program for level 5-10 female gymnasts 
• Episode 48: Do Gymnasts Need Snack Breaks?
• Dr. Craig Clayton | Wellness & Biomimetic Dentistry
• Connect with Christina on Instagram @the.gymnast.nutritionist or christinaandersonrdn.com