If you’re someone who tries to lead a healthy lifestyle, one thing that you’re probably good about is staying active—after all, regular exercise is arguably one of the best ways to stay fit and promote a healthy heart, among other benefits. But did you know that exercise can also sometimes negatively impact your oral health? However, that doesn’t mean you should give up your fitness regimen! Here’s more from your dentist about how exercise can sometimes hurt your teeth and gums, along with some ways to avoid this damage and effectively safeguard your smile.
How Exercise Impacts Your Smile
There are all sorts of ways to exercise and stay active; whether you enjoy going for a run, a bike ride or a swim, all of these activities undoubtedly strengthen the body and improve overall wellness. However, it doesn’t take long for the effects of intense exercise or physical activity to take its toll on your teeth and gums.
One major problem that can arise is bruxism, which is characterized by teeth grinding and clenching the jaw. These habits can occur unconsciously during exercise, whether you’re doing cardio or lifting weights, and the resulting excess pressure can lead to chipped or fractured teeth, as well as issues that affect the jaw.
During exercise, people also tend to breathe heavily through their open mouths, which can greatly reduce the flow of saliva. Since saliva is the mouth’s first line of defense against bacteria, needless to say, you’ll be at an increased risk if you aren’t properly hydrating to counteract dry mouth.
Lastly, it’s also worth mentioning that sports beverages can prove detrimental to oral health. Though they often have beneficial ingredients like electrolytes, it’s worth noting and avoiding their high amounts of sugar and acids.
General Advice for Protecting Your Smile During Exercise
You don’t have to sacrifice the health and beauty of your smile to stay active—there are many things you can do to protect your pearly whites and reach your fitness goals. Here are some tips to consider:
- Limit your intake of sugary sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade and opt for drinking water instead; it’s by far the best beverage for your oral health. Coconut water without additives or tap water with lemon are also good alternatives.
- When exercising, try to breathe through your nose.
- Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from physical trauma during contact sports and certain non-contact sports or activities. This might also discourage you from grinding or clenching your jaw.
- Maintain great at-home oral hygiene and be sure that you’re regularly visiting your dentist.
About the Practice
Here at University Dental Group, we pride ourselves on providing an elite level of dental care for patients and families in the Worcester, MA community. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact our team today for additional assistance. Telephone: (508) 372-8663.