If you’re like most folks, you see a workout as something that’s always good for your body. Even so, the reality is that exercise can harm oral health. You must act carefully to keep your workouts from harming your smile. As for what steps to take, your local Melrose dentist will gladly explain. Just keep reading to learn how exercise can damage your grin, including what you can do to prevent said damage in the future.
How Could Exercise Harm Your Oral Health?
Exercise normally benefits your body; that’s not in doubt. However, it can cause damage to your smile in some cases. Such harm comes from the following factors:
Acidic Sports Drinks
You know those sports drinks you use to hydrate during exercise? Well, they don’t do your pearly whites any favors.
The truth is that sports drinks aren’t good for your teeth. In a 2012 study published by General Dentistry, researchers found they erode tooth enamel. The beverages are so acidic that drinking them for 5 days will wear down your smile’s defenses. Worse yet, sipping them during workouts exposes your teeth to more sugar than they’d get from downing a whole drink.
Open Mouth Breathing
During intense exercise, you probably breathe heavily with an open mouth. That habit isn’t good for your grin.
You see, mouth-breathing causes all sorts of oral problems. Research shows it dries out your mouth and reduces saliva flow, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. That means breathing through your mouth raises your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and so on. The danger worsens if you’re an athlete, as you’ll have more opportunities for mouth-breathing.
Injuries to Your Mouth
Last but not least, don’t forget that exercise can cause injuries. These accidents could easily include parts of your mouth.
Indeed, mouth injuries are the most obvious oral risk of physical activity. One wrong move could cause you to chip or crack some teeth or even knock out a tooth. Cuts or wounds to your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, or gums are also possible. Without treatment, these latter injuries can develop secondary infections.
What Can You Do to Prevent Damage?
With all that said, it’s possible to exercise without harming your smile. Just remember to use these tips:
- Try Alternative Hydration – Instead of sports drinks, drink bottled water to rehydrate from a workout.
- Practice Nose Breathing – To avoid mouth breathing, make it a habit to breathe through your nose when exercising.
- Wear a Mouthguard – You can prevent mouth injuries during workouts by wearing a mouthguard.
- Stick to Good Oral Care – Amidst all your workouts, remember to brush and floss daily and to see your dentist for regular checkups.
While exercise can harm oral health, it doesn’t have to. If you use the tricks above, your smile will stay safe during workouts.
About the Practice
Melrose Dental Group is based in Melrose, MA. Led by Dr. Piro Leno and his colleagues, our practice proudly offers comprehensive dentistry under one roof. Patients can trust us to provide preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative treatments, as well as emergency oral care. This setup ensures we can meet your whole family’s dental needs for years on end. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (781)-665-1552.