3 Shocking Ways that Exercise Could Impact Your Oral Health

Any health professional, including a dentist, would happily recommend incorporating a little bit of exercise into your routine. The cardiovascular benefits of exercise can’t be overstated. However, if you talk to a dentist about it, you might hear advice that’s a little bit different than what you’d get from your doctor.

That’s because when people start working out, they often run into certain oral health hazards that they may not have anticipated. If you’re planning on starting a routine, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Watch Out for Dry Mouth

When you’re in the middle of exercising, odds are that you’re going to start breathing through your mouth. That can make your mouth start to dry out, which can cause long-term problems with your oral health.

Saliva breaks down food particles in the mouth and carries them into the stomach. Without it, this food lingers in the mouth and feeds bacteria, contributing to gum disease and tooth decay.

For that reason, you be sure to stay hydrated in order to counter the effects of the mouth-breathing.

Stay Away from Sugary Sports Drinks

While the electrolytes in Gatorade and other sports drinks can be good for hydration, the sugar in them is absolutely awful for your teeth. It doesn’t help that many of these drinks also contain dyes that can stain your teeth after long-term exposure.

For the most part, water should be just fine to keep you hydrated. You won’t have to worry about sugar, and your smile should still be shining after your workout is finished.

Protecting Your Smile While Staying Active

If you’re deciding to get your exercise by playing sports, you could be putting your smile at risk while in the midst of that. You may want to invest in a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Otherwise, you could potentially chip a tooth due to an accident, even if you’re not playing a contact sport.

About the Author

Dr. LJ Adam has been helping people smile better for well over 15 years now, and he still comes to work each day committed to helping people smile brighter. His parents started Adam Associates Family Dental 40 years ago, and he is proud to take over the family business and uphold the reputation of his practice. Dr. Adam received his degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and continues his education in order to stay at the top of his field.

If you have any questions about how to maintain high-quality oral health, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (724) 297-3446.