Exercise is good for you, end of sentence – right? Actually, it may be more accurate to say that smart exercise is good for you. Work out too much, and you could seriously hurt yourself. Don’t take the proper precautions with more intense activities, and, again, serious pain could be coming your way!
As it turns out, your teeth are another part of your body that you should be careful to protect during exercise. When it comes to fitness vs. your smile, keep these points in mind.
Dry Mouth Dangers
When you really start to work up a sweat, what happens to your breathing? You probably start panting, and open your mouth to inhale more oxygen. This is a perfectly natural instinct, but it’s one that can dry out your saliva. Believe it or not, your saliva is really important for washing away loose food particles and neutralizing enamel-eating acids. Dry mouth can essentially expose your pearly whites to bacteria and erosion.
Fortunately, the solution is simple – stay hydrated! Drink water before, during, and after your workout routine, whatever it may be. This will help keep your oral biome nice and moist, just the way your teeth like it.
Cavities Love Sports Drinks
Sports drinks can be tasty. Unfortunately, the bacteria that cause cavities think so, too. While these beverages can be a useful source of electrolytes, they can also contain copious amounts of sugar. Bacteria feed on sugar, which accelerates their growth. As you can see, there’s a good reason why consuming too much sugar is often associated with cavities!
Be sure to check the label of your favorite sports drink brand. There are plenty of low- and zero-sugar options on the market, so if your body really needs nutrient replenishment while you work out, you can switch to a more smile-friendly alternative.
Straining Your Smile Muscles
Pushing your body to the next level is another natural aspect of sports and exercise. Plus, sometimes you just gotta exert yourself a little harder to get that feel-good sensation! However, if you pay close attention, you’ll likely notice that when you strain your muscles, you also clench your jaw.
It’s instinctual, especially when lifting heavy objects, but it puts excess pressure on your teeth. Teeth grinding and clenching can cause premature enamel erosion, so if you find yourself falling prey to this habit, talk to your dentist about a customized mouthguard.
Fitness vs. Your Smile
Your general health and your oral wellness don’t have to be at adds. In fact, they tend to impact each other. This information simply means that it would be wise to consider your smile when getting ready for your workouts – not that you should stop working out! Keep these points in mind, and you can protect your teeth while staying fit.
About the Author
Dr. Holly Maier earned her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She likes helping patients take care of their teeth and values the connections she forms during appointments. Your habits can affect and inform your dental health, so getting to know you also helps her care for your smile! If you’d like more information about protecting your teeth from your workouts, contact Dr. Maier’s office at (802) 788-8767.