Physical activity is one of the main pillars of wellness. A good workout routine can strengthen your heart, tone your muscles, and boost your mood. It is truly amazing! As beneficial as exercise is, though, it has some surprising downsides. For example, it could be bad for your oral health. How might it harm your smile, and how can you stay fit without damage to your teeth? This blog post explains.
The Risks of Exercise
Exercise might harm your oral health in a few ways:
- Mouth breathing. Physical exertion can cause you to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. In turn, this can lead to reduced saliva production and increased bacterial growth.
- Risk of injury. Whether you have an unfortunate collision during sports, take a fall while running, or have another type of mishap, there is always a risk that you could sustain an oral injury while exercising.
- Sports drinks. Sports drinks can replenish your electrolytes, but they also tend to be acidic and contain a lot of sugar. They may erode your enamel and increase your risk of cavities and dental sensitivity.
Protecting Your Mouth
The above information does not mean that you should stop exercising. In fact, some studies indicate that regular exercise can decrease the risk of gum disease!
Here are some tips to minimize the chance of damage to your smile while you maintain your workout routine:
- Stay hydrated. Instead of sipping on sports drinks, enjoy plain water instead. To make sure you get enough electrolytes, you can snack on healthy foods, such as bananas and salted nuts. Coconut water is also a great source of hydration that is easier on teeth than sports drinks.
- Wear a mouthguard. A custom mouthguard from a dentist can greatly reduce your risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lacerations, and other dental emergencies.
- Work on your breathing. With practice, you may learn to breathe through your nose during mild- to moderate-intensity workouts.
- Maintain a good oral care routine. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.
Exercise can damage your teeth, but it does not have to! Take appropriate precautions so your smile and body can stay fit.
Meet the Practice
Our Gillis Dental team is proud to provide comprehensive services for our community, including emergency care, preventive checkups and cleanings, and more. If you would like our guidance on how to care for your teeth and gums, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.