Abstract
Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of hard tissues, which are chemically dissolved by acids, especially through external means, such as diet (e.g., fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks). This systematic review was designed to answer the question “Is there a relationship between dental erosion and regular physical activity with or without sports drink consumption?” Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, sixteen studies were included in this systematic review (according to PRISMA statement guidelines). Based on the meta-analysis, physically active individuals who declared regular consumption of sports drinks had a more than 2.5-fold increase in the odds of erosive lesions. In general, nearly half of the people who practiced sports experienced tooth erosion, and more than half frequently consumed sports beverages. Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies (different age groups, various sports disciplines), regular physical activity was associated with an increased risk of dental erosion, especially under the influence of frequent consumption of sports drinks.
Highlights
Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of enamel and dentine, which are chemically dissolved by acids with an exogenous or endogenous origin, not those produced by oral bacteria [1,2]
Our systematic review included 16 studies, demonstrating data collected in 12 different countries from a total of 2440 participants declaring regular physical activity
From each eligible study included in the present systematic review, we collected data about its general characteristics, such as the year of publication and setting, involved participants, kind of physical activity, kind of consumed beverages during training, and assessed clinical indices for dental erosion (Table 2)
Summary
Dental erosion is the irreversible pathological loss of enamel and dentine, which are chemically dissolved by acids with an exogenous or endogenous origin, not those produced by oral bacteria [1,2]. Examples of biological factors are the salivary flow rate, acquired pellicle, and tooth structure and relation to cheeks or tongue. Behavioural factors, such as dietary habits, regular physical activity resulting in dehydration and decreased salivary flow, excessive oral hygiene, or, on the other hand, chronic addictions (e.g., alcoholism), may predispose individuals to dental erosion [3]. Sources of acid delivery to the oral cavity can be divided into two groups: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic acids come from external means, such as diet (e.g., acidic beverages: fruit juices, isotonic or energy drinks, wine), chronic consumption of selected medication, or the occupational environment [4,5]
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