Some of us enjoy working out, and some of us don’t—but at the end of the day, it’s hard to deny just how beneficial exercise is for the human body. It keeps our waistlines slim, boosts our endorphin production to help our mood, and even serves as a form of socialization. But did you know that exercise can also have an impact on your dental health? Here are some of the things you should be aware of, along with some tips for staying fit and smiling.
How Exercise Can Potentially Harm Your Smile
For the most part, people who exercise and train often are generally in good overall health. However, research has found that heavy training can also contribute to dental problems in unexpected ways. Elite athletes are actually at a higher risk for enamel erosion, as well as what are known as “exercise-dependent” cavities. There are a few key reasons for this:
- Sports drinks – Many athletes prefer to rehydrate with sports or energy drinks, and although the electrolytes found in them are helpful, they often also contain copious amounts of sugars and acids. Combine this with the frequency at which they’re consumed, and it’s easy to see why cavities become more likely.
- Open mouth breathing – During intense exercise, people tend to breathe heavily with an open mouth. This dries out the mouth and reduces saliva flow; without this first line of defense, your teeth become more vulnerable to cavities.
- Bruxism – Also known as teeth grinding, many people clench their jaws or grind their teeth together subconsciously while working out. This increased strain can harm the jaw joints and place tension on the surrounding muscles. It can also lead to chipped or worn teeth.
- Physical trauma – It’s also worth noting that athletes who participate in contact sports or highly physical exercises are at an increased risk of serious dental injury if they do not wear a mouthguard, including even knocked-out teeth.
Exercise Can Still Have a Positive Impact
These risks don’t mean you should forgo working out entirely; a sedentary lifestyle isn’t any better! Plus, exercise can also benefit your smile’s health in a few different ways; studies have also found that regular exercise can help to prevent gum disease, and maintaining a healthy BMI is also correlated with better oral health (since a healthy diet is often part of the picture).
Exercise also doesn’t have to hinder your oral health if you adjust your approach. Consider drinking water instead of sugary sports drinks, and if possible, stick to a healthy diet to help control your weight. You should also focus on nose breathing when possible during workouts. And if you play football, soccer, hockey, or another contact sport, wear a mouthguard.
At the end of the day, your dental health is just as important as your overall health, since the two are so closely linked and can impact each other. But taking the right approach while exercising will ensure you aren’t needlessly harming your smile!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Kai Hu and Dr. Richard Ma, our team here at Holden Dental Care has served those in Holden and the surrounding areas for several years. We offer a wide range of services, including numerous restorative dentistry solutions as well as same-day emergency care for patients with urgent needs. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment for yourself or a family member, call or reach out online for more information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 829-2642.
