With summer just around the corner, plenty of people are hitting the gym more frequently than usual to get into shape for swimsuit season. Although there are many excellent reasons to get more exercise, like improving your heart condition, strengthening muscles, or losing weight, it’s important to remember that your dental health matters, too.
For example, did you know that working out more can potentially harm your smile if you don’t take the proper precautions? Continue reading to learn about 3 potential problems and how to prevent them!
Concern #1: Dry Mouth
Did you know that your mouth contains approximately 20 billion individual bacteria at any given time? Although some of these are helpful and necessary for certain functions, like digestion, others contribute to common dental problems, such as cavities and disease.
Many people inhale and exhale through their mouths during strenuous activities, which can cause dry mouth. Unfortunately, without sufficient saliva, unhealthy germs on your teeth and gums to thrive, which can increase the risk of developing dental problems. Trying to breathe through your nose instead can help protect your grin while also relaxing your neck and jaw muscles, increasing airflow, and improving lung capacity to reduce blood pressure.
Concern #2: Teeth Grinding
Athletes may also be more prone to dental emergencies due to teeth grinding, which can cause chips, cracks, breaks, or other issues. For example, if you subconsciously clench your upper and lower arches together while lifting heavy weights, you might injure a tooth or develop a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, causing a stiff, sore, or locked jaw.
Thankfully, wearing an oral appliance, such as a mouthguard during close-contact activities or a special nightguard for bruxism, can provide a layer of cushion between your teeth to shield them and help keep your jaw in its ideal alignment.
Concern #3: Sugary Sports Drinks
You probably already know that brushing and flossing twice daily can help prevent cavities and gum disease, but it’s also important to watch what you eat. You’re not alone if you enjoy an energy or sports drink before a workout to maximize your time at the gym, but these beverages often contain copious amounts of sugar, which is harmful to your teeth.
This sweet ingredient attracts harmful germs that cause tooth decay and periodontal problems. You can help keep your mouth clean and fresh and improve your hydration by drinking more water instead.
Thankfully, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your grin and improve your oral and overall well-being during workouts!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ajneesh “AJ” Chhabra has over 10 years of experience helping families improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and today, he offers a complete menu of services, including emergency care, to people of all ages to meet their unique needs conveniently under one roof. His compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate treatment results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (210) 686-1082.