Exercising throughout the week is something that’s recommended by many professionals. It supports your body and keeps it in great shape. However, did you know that getting your heart pumping with these activities might be trouble for your smile? To help ensure your grin avoids any issues, here’s how working out affects your oral health and tips to prevent falling into a dental emergency.
How Does Exercising Impact My Oral Health?
Firstly, exercising can actually be good for your smile as it lowers your risk of gum disease. That said, certain habits can be an issue if you aren’t careful. These are a few to know:
- Breathing through your mouth can help you catch your breath, but it can dry out your oral cavity. When you can’t produce adequate amounts of saliva, you’ll have trouble washing away harmful bacteria. They can linger and increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- You might clench your teeth during a particularly hard set, but the excess pressure can cause wear and lead to damage if you aren’t careful.
- Sports drinks are acidic and sugary, meaning they can erode your enamel and cause decay. In fact, five days of consistent drinking can start showing these signs.
- Ignoring safety protocols is something that many people do as well, as they are used to their routine. All it takes is one mistake to end up with a facial blow or injury.
What Can I Do to Protect My Smile During My Reps?
Although your smile might be in trouble if you do some of the habits above, there are easy ways you can avoid them. Try to make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help relax your jaw and improve your airflow over time.
Consider taking a bottle of water or coconut water while working out, as they are gentle and hydrating. Although you can still have sports drinks, just keep them in moderation. Lastly, always stick to proper safety measures, as these rules are in place for a reason! This includes wearing a mouthguard, which can protect your teeth from blows or clenching.
Make the changes you need to while working out, and you can feel confident knowing your oral health stays in great shape.
About the Practice
At Indigo Dental of Daytona Beach, our team is dedicated to helping the local community get the stronger grins they deserve with a wide range of treatments. Led by Dr. David Lloyd and Dr. Laura Anderson, we are proud to offer same-day urgent care for when you need it most. By getting to the bottom of your dental emergency, you can get the relief you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 386-253-3629.