Regular Physical Activity and Dental Erosion: A Systematic Review

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.