Another new year has come, and it’s the perfect time to get to work on kicking old nasty habits and building new healthy ones. There are a thousand different New Year’s resolutions you can make, but one of the most popular is getting in shape. Starting an exercise routine is a great way to feel good and get healthy, but it’s important to keep your dental health in mind when you’re getting your reps in. Here’s how exercise can be harsh on your dental health and what you can do to keep your teeth healthy.
Dehydration Is Bad for Your Teeth
Everyone knows that water is essential to life and that hydration is crucial to a healthy workout, but many may be unaware of how dehydration can affect your dental health. The body needs adequate hydration to produce enough saliva, and the teeth need sufficient saliva flow to stay healthy. Saliva is a key part of the mouth’s natural cleaning process because it dilutes and neutralizes harmful chemicals, helps wash away bacteria and food debris, and keeps teeth lubricated and mineralized. All of these work together to keep your teeth free of infection and injury.
Without enough water in your system, your body will cut back on saliva production. This can leave your teeth more vulnerable to infection and injury, particularly if you are breathing through an open mouth during strenuous exercise.
Sports Drinks Are Harsh on Your Dental Health
While sports drinks are designed to replace the carbs, electrolytes, and hydration lost during exercise, they are full of sugar, acid, and pigment that can damage your teeth. Sugar provides food for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, and acid begins to weaken your enamel as soon as it makes contact with it. Frequent consumption of sports drinks can cause their pigments to bond with your enamel, leading your teeth to take on an orange, red, or purplish color. Please make sure water is your primary workout beverage.
Contact Sports Can Lead to Oral Injuries
While contact sports like football, soccer, basketball, and the like are all excellent ways to have fun and get exercise, they can also lead to oral trauma and dental injuries. If you’re playing contact sports or riding a bike, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. These devices are designed to redirect the energy from a blow to the mouth away from the teeth, and they have saved the smiles of many athletes.
The new year is a fantastic time to start getting back into shape. By looking out for your teeth in the process, you can ensure that they stay healthy for life.
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the NY State Dental Association, and the MA Dental Society. His office in Long Island City, NY offers preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on protecting your teeth while exercising, contact his office online or dial (718) 280-3286.