Table 1 A table to show the main findings of the literature in review

Milosevic et al. 19972

Descriptive study

High 5, Isostar, Maxim, PSP22

Potential for erosion - more so amongst swimmers - some evidence of wear into dentine

Tooth wear must be (or should be) monitored, especially as sports drinks are an aetiological factor in dental erosion

Mathew T et al. 20026

Observational, cross-sectional study

Not known

No relationship between any of the sports drinks which related to dental erosion, with several athletes tested who had a high consumption of sports drinks

Further studies in erosion, especially with regards to susceptibility, early diagnosis, aetiology, treatment and prevention

Ramalingam L et al. 200514

In vitro study

Powerade

Erosion can be prevented/limited by adding the correct concentration of CPP-ACP

The taste (palatability) of the modified sports drink should have further evaluation- with taste testing panels

Bamise C et al. 201216

In vitro study

B Star Energy Drink, London Best Energy Drink, Hippo Energy Drink, Lucozade Boost Energy fast, Hype Energy, Vita 500 Energy Drink, Lucozade Sport, Power Horse Energy Drink, Red Bull Energy Drink

'Acidic drinks and foods lower the pH level of oral cavity hence their consumption causes the teeth to demineralise'16

Dental practitioners should monitor patients for the consumption of sports and energy

Owens B et al. 20144

In vitro study

Red Bull Energy Drink and Gatorade

Differences between tested drinks with regards to pH - Red Bull: the greatest erosive potential. But both drinks displayed evidence of affecting weight of tooth enamel

The constant exposure to these types of drinks has the potential to cause loss of tooth structure - this is particularly true of children and adolescents. Athletes also have a higher risk of enamel loss or damage, as they are consuming these when dehydrated

von Fraunhofer J A et al. 201510

Article of a pilot study

Various acidic drinks (such as Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper) none were sports drinks

N/A to this literature review but showed that the presence of carbohydrates - for example, sugar, in a drink - does not affect enamel dissolution

Not known

Coombes J S 20051

Review of literature of sports drinks and dental erosion

Gatorade, Powerade, Allsport, Hydrafuel, Sport Plus, Isosport

This review of literature has reviewed evidence already mentioned in this table

Wongkhantee S et al. 200611

In vitro study

Not known

Does not specify that there was evidence of erosion, but states that the hardness of enamel had decreased significantly after being immersed in the sports drink

There is low public awareness (as well as with the other drinks tested, including orange juice and drinking yoghurt)

Sirimaharaj V et al. 200213

Scientific article

Not known

From the questionnaires, sports drinks were the third most popular consumed, most often drank in between meals

There was an apparent increase in the risk of erosion when the sports drinks were consumed at least once per week, however, this is not related in this particular study/article

More preventative programmes are needed, in addition to dietary counselling for young athletes

Antunes L S et al. 201712

Cross-sectional study

The Eccles Index was used to assess erosion - could be biased due to uncertainty when diagnosing erosion

Not known

The consumption of sports drinks was not associated with dental erosion, but dental erosion amongst amateur runners had an association with the frequency of running each week, as well as the time spent during a competition, in addition to the gastroesophageal reflux which played a part in dental erosion

Does not say

Hooper et al. 200415

Controlled, crossover study

Not known, but included a test drink also (validates the reliability)

No evidence of loss of enamel from the specimens during this study

The addition of calcium into sports drinks has the ability to reduce erosive formulations in sports drinks

Not known