When it comes to taking care of your health, you likely already know the importance of exercise. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping and keep it strong after all! However, while it’s good for your body, did you know that it can have some influence on your smile? Keep reading to learn how, if you aren’t careful, you can end up with a dental emergency.
How Does Exercise Harm My Oral Health?
The good news is that exercise doesn’t necessarily harm your oral health itself. In fact, it can decrease your risk of gum disease, so definitely continue to stick with your routine! But rather it’s habits that you have while doing these activities that spell bad news, such as:
- Having Sports Drinks: Although these beverages are great at replenishing electrolytes, they are often full of sugar and acid, which erode enamel. Just after five days of consistent drinking, you may notice signs of damage.
- Breathing Through Your Mouth: As your workouts become more intense, you might breathe through your mouth to catch your breath. However, this can make it dry, which means you won’t have enough saliva to wash away harmful bacteria.
- Ignoring Safety Protocols: When you get settled into your regimen, you might feel more comfortable exercising without any safety measures. However, this puts you at a higher risk of injuries or even a blow to your face. All it takes is a slip to end up with a chipped tooth!
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile While Exercising?
With that being said, planning against the bullet points above can be easier than you think! For instance, try your best to limit how many sports drinks you have or stick to plain water. It will help keep you hydrated while reducing your risk of weakening your enamel. If you still want some flavor, then you can try natural coconut water!
As you notice you’re breathing out your mouth, take a second to try and do it out of your nose. It may seem hard, but doing this instead can improve your airflow. Not only that, but it can help relax your jaw if you clench it. Lastly, be sure to follow proper safety measures. It may seem like an inconvenience, but they are there for a reason! Consider even using a mouthguard if you know that you are at risk of receiving facial blows.
Doing these simple tips can help ensure your body and oral health stay at their best. That way, you can keep your smile pristine and avoid chipping a tooth.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Peters earned her dental degree from the Augusta University Dental College of Georgia. She is here to help the community during their dental emergencies by offering same-day appointments. By visiting Dr. Peters, you get relief as soon as possible while receiving high-quality treatments. If you want to learn how you can protect your grin while exercising, schedule an appointment or call her office at (770) 922-1666.