If you’re like many others this time of year, you are enjoying the current spring weather while looking forward to the hot days of summer. It’s natural to want to look your best for the longer, warmer days spent outside by the pool or enjoying activities with families and friends. As a result, many people head to the gym to work on their figures, but don’t realize their increased activity might also be hurting their dental health.
Continue reading to learn more about 3 potential problems that can detract from your dental health during exercise to avoid a potential emergency appointment!
Concern #1: Sugary Sports Drinks
Whether you’re waking up before dawn to work out before starting your day, or need some motivation to hit the gym after being on the job all day, you might feel tempted to boost your energy levels with a flavored sports drink. Many brands offer a variety of flavors and ingredients intended to improve your focus and help you power through your workouts.
However, these popular beverages tend to contain lots of sugar, which attracts harmful bacteria that can cause cavities or gum disease. It’s better to drink water beforehand to hydrate your body. Not only does this help regulate your temperature during exercise, but it also rinses your mouth to keep germs at bay.
Concern #2: Clenching Teeth
Have you ever noticed that you tend to bite down when you’re lifting or pressing a heavy weight or sprinting through the last mile of your run? Many people inadvertently clench their upper and lower arches together during strenuous activities, which can result in chips, cracks, or worn-down enamel.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to provide an extra layer of cushion to protect your teeth. That way, whether you’re biting with the force of exertion or participating in close-contact sports or activities, your grin is protected from potential injuries.
Concern #3: Mouth-Breathing
When you’re huffing and puffing your way through a workout, you might not realize that you’re breathing through your mouth rather than your nose. This is often done subconsciously in an effort to supply your lungs with enough oxygen to fuel the rest of your cells during exercise, but it could be hurting more than helping.
Sucking in air through your mouth tends to dry it out, and bacteria can thrive in arid conditions. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense because it rinses away germs and other debris that contribute to dental problems. Try breathing through your nose instead. Not only does it safeguard your smile, but it enhances your oxygen utilization, which reduces energy expenditures, making exercise easier.
By making a few minor adjustments to your exercise routines, you can protect your grin while improving your overall fitness and figure!
Meet the Author
Dr. Haiwen Zhang enjoys helping patients build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edward College of Dental Medicine, and has continued his education with ongoing trainings with prestigious institutions, like the Pankey Institute and Spear Education. He enjoys establishing lasting relationships so he can quickly identify areas of concern and suggest treatments tailored to your unique needs. Then, he combines a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (505) 372-1121.