Dental trend spotlight: dry scooping pre-workout powder

New fitness trends pop up often, and it’s easy to see why. Who doesn’t want a lifehack for better health? But not all trends are based in truth. Let’s examine one recent social media fad – dry scooping pre-workout powder.

What is pre-workout powder?

Pre-workout powder is a water additive and fitness supplement intended to provide an energy boost before a workout. There are a wide range of ingredients, but most powders are packed with caffeine, sugar, vitamins, nutrients and amino acids like creatine, which helps build muscle mass.

What does “dry scooping” mean?

Dry scooping simply means swallowing a scoop of pre-workout powder and drinking something to wash it down. This is not how pre-workout powder is intended to be used – the powder is meant to be dissolved in water or another liquid.

Why do people do it?

People who dry scoop are hoping to supercharge the benefits of the pre-workout powder by having the energy boost kick in all at once. But in this case, they’re mostly just exposing themselves to a new oral health risk.

What are the dangers to dry scooping?

The powder should be dissolved in liquid so your body can absorb it over time, instead of all at once. Risks of dry scooping include:

• Stomachache or digestive issues like diarrhea
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Heart palpitations or, in extreme cases, a heart attack
• Respiratory or choking risks from inhaling the powder
• Sugar and other ingredients may strengthen oral bacteria, which will cause cavities and other health problems

Are there any benefits to dry scooping?

There are no benefits to dry scooping. Pre-workout powder, when consumed as intended, may help some people feel more energy during exercise and recover faster afterward. But the trend of dry scooping does not provide an extra boost.

Dry scooping pre-workout powder floods your body with caffeine – equivalent to three cups of coffee at once.

Our verdict: You should avoid dry-scooping because it can pose a wide variety of health risks, from oral health problems like cavities and tooth decay to life-threatening issues like choking and heart attack.