Dry scooping is the latest fitness phenomenon to hit social media. You’ve likely watched a few videos online showcasing the benefits of skipping water when using workout supplements before hitting the gym. Although the improper use of the dry ingredients is said to boost your workout, is dry scooping bad for your teeth? It may aid your fitness routine; however, your dentist has a few concerns. Here are 3 risks associated with the popular workout trend.
1. Enamel Erosion
Many pre-workout supplements contain citric acid. If it isn’t mixed properly, it won’t be diluted, which means the direct contact with your teeth can erode your enamel. Although your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, it’s no match for long-term exposure to citric acid because it can’t regenerate. Unfortunately, it can cause lasting damage to your smile.
2. Dry Mouth
Even one scoop of your favorite workout supplement contains a lot of caffeine. Many popular brands contain 350MG or more. Just 2 scoops daily would be equal to drinking 7 cups of coffee. While you might enjoy the energy boost, caffeine can cause dry mouth. If your mouth isn’t moist, it creates the perfect environment for bad bacteria. You can have an increased risk of several preventable issues, like gum disease and bad breath.
3. Health Complications
Besides damaging your smile, dry scooping can have potentially deadly complications. Many people have difficulty getting the dry powder down, which can affect breathing. The stimulants in the powders can also aggravate cardiovascular issues, which you may not know you have. There is even a report of a 20-year-old having a heart attack from dry scooping.
Protecting Your Smile from Dry Scooping
If you can’t skip your dry scooping routine, your dentist has a few tips to protect your smile from unnecessary damage.
1. Drink a little water, but don’t swallow it right away. Instead, keep it in the back of your throat.
2. When dumping the powder in your mouth, do your best to avoid contact with your lips and teeth.
3. After swallowing the powder, drink a little more water to cleanse your teeth.
In addition to safeguarding your smile, healthcare professionals recommend waiting at least 30 to 45 minutes after taking your pre-workout before exercising. Take the time to read the ingredients on the label to be aware of the stimulants you’re ingesting with each scoop, like caffeine. Since workout powders aren’t regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, it’s important to do your research to choose a safe and trusted brand.
Don’t let a TikTok trend damage your teeth. You can reach your fitness goals while ensuring your smile thrives for a lifetime.