Exercising regularly can be one of the best decisions you can make for your overall health, but many workout routines can present certain hazards for your teeth if you aren’t careful. Thankfully, taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid oral injuries and infections while living an active lifestyle. Here’s a quick guide to a few of the oral health risks of regular exercise and how you can avoid dental emergencies.
Sports Drinks Are Sugary
The residues left in the mouth by sweet beverages such as soda pop, lattes, and sports drinks are rich in refined sugar that provides harmful oral bacteria with the raw fuel they need to multiply rapidly, excrete large amounts of acid, and cause destructive oral infections. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a sports drink on occasion, drinking them too frequently can set you up for tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to wash these beverages down with plenty of water, and it’s a great idea to consider a sugar-free version.
Mouth Breathing Can Leave Teeth Vulnerable
Many people begin to breathe through their mouths during intense workouts, and this can be harsh on your teeth. Mouth breathing will accelerate the rate at which your saliva evaporates, and this will leave your teeth less lubricated and make it easier for harmful oral bacteria to reproduce and infect your oral tissues. Breathing through your nose is better for your oral cavity and your respiratory system since it helps your body maintain healthy saliva flow and filters air more thoroughly before it reaches your lungs.
Oral Injuries
Athletes are notorious among the dental community for experiencing frequent oral injuries, and it’s not hard to see why. People who play popular sports such as soccer, football, basketball, and baseball often damage their teeth due to trips, falls, or blows to the face, and this can lead to chips, cracks, or even the dislodging of teeth. It’s always best to wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports or riding a bike.
Working out is a crucial part of staying healthy, and taking a few simple precautions can help you avoid needing a trip to the emergency dentist’s office. Consulting with your oral health professional can help you understand how to keep your teeth in great shape while exercising.
About the Practice
Radiant Smiles offers the finest oral health services in Grand Prairie. Led by Dr. Anh Vo, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys the utmost courtesy and sincere compassion in a friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about protecting your smile while exercising, contact the office on the web or dial (469) 890-1199.