tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2437384678099080370.post4068878218589997232..comments2008-10-19T15:55:37.249-06:00Kevin Rokoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424333753858820944noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2437384678099080370.post-20770556294342002412008-10-19T15:55:00.000-06:002008-10-19T15:55:00.000-06:00Thanks Barry for the perspective of a dentist.<BR/><BR/>I think more athletes need to understand that their dentists are important members of their overall health care force. Poor dental health usually means an immune system run ragged fighting needless battles in your mouth. A healthy set of teeth and gums lets your immune system stand ready to fight the bigger battles that hard training can set you up for.Kevin Rokoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424333753858820944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2437384678099080370.post-22377099098568123642008-10-17T16:23:00.000-06:002008-10-17T16:23:00.000-06:00Hi Kevin,<BR/> I'm seeing more of this kind of thing in my dental practice all the time. Not only is the problem related to the "sugar bath" issue that feeds the plaque to create enamel decalcification but there are ph issues of the energy drinks themselves that contribute to the decay process. Some of my athletic patients have had great success with the gel idea. Great blog! <BR/> Regards,Barry BerghAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2437384678099080370.post-30642849682374438142008-09-18T20:02:00.000-06:002008-09-18T20:02:00.000-06:00Yes Chris, I was mixing them at their recommended full strength. Diluting them would help the dental issues somewhat. But as you point out, you'd need to supplement with something solid to make sure you're getting enough carbohydrates to keep going.<BR/><BR/>If I'm not racing, I can usually manage solid food. But when I'm racing, I find I need something quick and easy. Hammer Gel works great for that. For me, bars require too much chewing. Perhaps I have troubles chewing and pedaling at the same time? :) My general lack of coordination was one of the reasons I picked up cycling in the first place - no need for a lot of hand-eye coordination!Kevin Rokoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424333753858820944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2437384678099080370.post-29042454849172614182008-09-18T17:39:00.000-06:002008-09-18T17:39:00.000-06:00Out of curiosity were you using full strength drinks?<BR/><BR/>I've been in the habit making my drinks more dilute than recommended. I find them easier to drink and I assume will help prevent some dental problems. Of course as a result I need to rely on solids for a true fuel supply for longer rides.Christopher Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786465833024782197noreply@blogger.com