Dehydration can be a common issue if you go to the gym, play a team sport, run, or do anything else that is active. Not only does dehydration stop you from performing at your peak it will reduce your salivary flow which means your teeth are less protected from acid attacks. Make sure you don’t suffer from performance envy, perform your best by staying well hydrated before, during and after sport. The ADA recommends tap water which contains fluoride that helps protect your teeth in the long term.

Tap water has the added benefit of being good for your teeth, unlike sports drinks that bathe your teeth in harmful sugar or acids. Water is free from a tap and cheaper than sports drinks from a bottle.

Tips to know if you’re dehydrated:

• Is my mouth dry?
• Do I have an acidic taste in my mouth?
• Have I been sweating a lot?

Extract from ADA's original article: "Sin 6: Performance Envy"