We all know that exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, but have you ever considered its impact on your teeth? At Mount Auburn Dental, your trusted dentist in Auburn, we explore the surprising ways exercise can influence your dental health and offer tips to protect your smile while staying fit.
Dry Mouth
Exercise often involves heavy breathing, which can reduce saliva production and lead to dry mouth. Saliva contains essential minerals and enzymes that protect against decay-causing bacteria. To combat this, try to breathe through your nose as much as possible and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Brushing your teeth before working out can also help reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.
Clenching Your Teeth
Intense physical effort, like lifting weights, can cause some people to clench their jaws, which may lead to tooth wear and fractures. Wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from this type of damage. Mouthguards are available at most drugstores or sporting goods stores, or you can have a custom-fit mouthguard made by your dentist in Auburn. We highly recommend mouthguards for anyone participating in sports to safeguard their teeth.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are packed with sugar and are 30 times more erosive to your teeth than water. These drinks contain citric acid, which can soften enamel to the point that even brushing your teeth afterward can cause damage. To avoid these negative effects, opt for water instead of sports drinks. If you do consume a sports drink, try to drink it quickly rather than sipping over a long period, and rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize sugar exposure.
Sugar and Carbohydrates
Consuming foods or drinks with sugar or carbohydrates creates an acid that attacks tooth enamel for about 30 minutes. Our teeth can recover from three such attacks a day, typically covering our main meals. It’s best to consume sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods at once rather than continuously snacking throughout the day. Drinking water after eating or drinking these items can help reduce mouth acidity.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Maintaining good oral health also means seeing your dentist regularly. At Mount Auburn Dental, we recommend scheduling check-ups twice a year to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
To protect your smile while enjoying an active lifestyle, follow these tips and remember to visit your dentist in Auburn for regular check-ups. Contact our dental office today to schedule your appointment and keep your smile in top shape.