Exercise is an essential part of a maintenance routine for your health and well-being. When it comes to exercise and your teeth, however, there are a few things you need to consider. Some aspects of exercise are good for dental hygiene, others, not so much.
Studies done over the last couple of years have shown both positive and negative results of exercise on one’s dental health. Dental work can be pricey and uncomfortable, so you need to be informed to make the best choices for your teeth.
If you exercise very often (four or more times a week) or take part in sports competitively, you may want to consult a professional about how you should manage your dental well being while training. Vellore Wood Dentistry is a reliable and recommended provider. To learn more, contact the team today.
The Positives
Let’s start with the good impact exercise has on your dental health. Studies have shown that regular exercise a few times a week decreases the risk of getting gum disease or gingivitis.
This may not sound like a big deal, but gum disease can lead to much bigger problems. Besides oral issues like inflamed gums, halitosis, tooth decay, and tooth loss, gum disease has also been linked to major health issues such as strokes, some kinds of cancer, and heart disease. This is because the infection from gum disease can spread through the body.
The improvement of blood circulation as a result of exercise will also improve your dental health. Better blood flow in the mouth keeps things healthy and reduces the risk of inflammation and tooth loss.
The Negatives
While it is unwise to decide to stop exercising if you notice certain problems it is necessary to take action regarding dental health risks related to your training. Some of the problems you may pick up may include complications linked to mouth breathing, drinking sports drinks, or if you clench or grind your teeth when training.
Deep breathing is important to give the body enough oxygen when you are exercising, but if you breathe through the mouth rather than the nose it can cause dental problems. Breathing with your mouth open reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which gives you a dry mouth. This is an ideal state for bacteria to become active, which leads to tooth decay.
Be Careful With Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are great when you need a lift during or to help you recuperate after training, but some of the ingredients in them are bad for your teeth. The combination of acids and sugars makes sports drinks a perfect concoction for tooth decay. Do some research about what is the best thing to drink after exercising, for both your body and your teeth, or ideally consult your dentist.
Watch Out for Teeth Clenching
Lastly, gritting, clenching or grinding your teeth while participating in intense training can cause major dental issues. If you do any of these actions it can wear your teeth down and even lead to the need for root canal treatment, tooth loss, or the need for an expensive crown or implant.
Be aware next time your train, and if you grind your teeth, try to train yourself to stop. If you note that your teeth are a bit achy and sensitive to hot and or cold food and drink then see your dentist immediately. You may also need to train with a custom-designed guard to minimize tooth damage.
Wrap Up
If you want to maintain a healthy looking smile, we encourage you to follow the tips above. Your dentist will be able to advise you further on any other problems that may impact you in particular, depending on what sport you do, how you hold your mouth and jaw when you train, etc.