Are you planning to hit the gym hard after your family’s seasonal celebrations? Or maybe you love to exercise to support your mental health during the dreary winter months. Whatever the case, hopefully your fitness journey goes well! While you are working on your body goals, though, have you thought about how your workout routine might be affecting your teeth? Let’s talk about how fitness and oral health are related and how you can protect your smile.
Beware of Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are delicious and refreshing, especially after you have worked up a sweat. However, they can be full of sugar and are highly acidic. Overconsumption can increase your risk of cavities and thinning enamel. It’s generally best to drink plain water while you are working out. To get the necessary electrolytes to stay hydrated, try snacking on salted nuts, a banana, or other nutrient-rich foods before or after your workout.
Reduce the Risk of Injury
If your exercise of choice is a contact sport, you run the risk of injuring your mouth. In fact, roughly five million teeth are lost annually in sports-related incidents! You can protect your precious smile by investing in a custom mouthguard from your dentist. Custom mouthguards are more comfortable and more effective than any that you can buy over the counter.
Don’t Clench Your Teeth
Some weightlifters may clench their teeth when they are lifting a particularly heavy load or trying to get in that last rep at the end of their workout. Clenching, though, can place extra stress on your teeth and lead to problems like worn enamel, cracks, chips, and persistent jaw pain. Being aware of what your mouth is doing during exercise may reduce your risk of injury.
Know the Risks of Mouth Breathing
Any intense cardio exercise is likely to lead to mouth breathing, which can dry up saliva and change the pH levels in your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities. This doesn’t mean that you should forgo intense exercise altogether. However, you should drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. You might also try chewing on sugar-free gum to encourage saliva production.
Monitor Your Oral Health
If you notice any changes in the way your mouth feels after you start a new exercise routine, you should certainly visit your dentist for a checkup. They may be able to help you determine what is happening, whether you require treatment, and how you can protect your smile going forward.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall wellness, but your oral health is also vital. You should do all you can to reduce the risk of harm to your teeth while you are reaching for your body goals.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bryan Griffith and Alex Hartgrove are highly skilled dentists with decades of combined experience. They are always happy to answer patients’ questions about oral care. To learn more about how they can serve you, contact our team at 606-874-9311.