The start of the new year is the perfect opportunity to turn the page on bad habits and start fresh. For some, this includes starting a new fitness routine. Working out can protect your body from a variety of conditions and even help you live a longer life. But before you pick up that barbell or hop that treadmill, make sure you’re protecting your oral health, too. Here’s a closer look at how exercise can harm your smile and what you can do to prevent dental emergencies while you’re getting all those gains!
Tooth Damage
Damaged teeth are easily one of the most common risks when working out. Whether you’ve taken a hit to the mouth while playing sports, or crack or chip a tooth grinding your teeth during physical exertion, exercise can definitely put your smile in danger.
The good news is that a custom-made sports mouthguard from your dentist can help. In fact, not only are they extremely comfortable, but studies have shown that these devices prevent an estimated 200,000 sports-related injuries each year!
Sugary & Acidic Sports Drinks
While sports drinks are a delicious way to stay hydrated and replace lost electrolytes during exercise, the bad news is that many of them are full of not so healthy ingredients like sugar and citric acid, both of which can wreak havoc on your smile. In fact, one study discovered that it only takes about five days of sports drink consumption to damage tooth enamel. The truth is, unless you’re doing an extreme routine or exercising in the heat, your body likely doesn’t even need to replenish electrolytes mid- workout. Thus, skip these costly, colorful beverages and stick with delicious, healthy, refreshing water instead!
Mouth Breathing
Many people aren’t consciously aware of their mouth breathing while they exercise, but physical exertion can often increase this behavior. Unfortunately, while it does help you take in more air, it can dry out your mouth in the process. Thus, keep that water bottle handy while you work out, and you’ll help keep your oral cavity hydrated, mouth breathing or not.
Saliva Quality
Although most people probably don’t think much about the quality of their saliva, the truth is that it’s more important than you might realize. Saliva doesn’t just keep your mouth moisturized. It is also full of a variety of proteins that prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, exercise has been shown to raise the alkalinity of saliva, which can neutralize those proteins and increase the risk of cavities, again highlighting the importance of staying hydrated while you work out.
Remember, if you’ve chosen to launch a new fitness routine this year, congratulations and best of luck with your goals! But don’t forget to keep your mouth healthy as you go, too. Follow the tips above, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier body and have a lower risk of dental emergencies!
About Our Practice
At Penn Dental Arts, Dr. Gaspari and Dr. Patel understand that dental emergencies don’t always happen when it’s convenient. That’s why they’re proud to offer same-day appointments for patients experiencing urgent dental problems, and comforting solutions like sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed and calm during your treatment. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call us directly at 484-406-3110 for fastest assistance, or to book a non-urgent appointment, visit our website.