When visiting the doctor for a wellness check or physical, there’s a good chance they’ll recommend incorporating more exercise into your daily routine. Its many benefits range from stabilizing blood sugars to improving cognitive function, but did you know it can become a problem for your oral health? While this might be shocking news to hear, keep reading to discover how exercising can take a toll on your smile and what you can do to prevent possible damage in the future.
How Can Exercising Be Bad For Your Smile?
It may sound odd to hear “exercise” and “bad” in the same sentence, but it can be true when it comes to your smile.
Certain aspects of working out can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, which is why it’s important to be careful when moving your body.
Some of the most common problems that can occur when lifting weights or doing cardio of any kind include:
Teeth Grinding
When lifting something heavy, you may find that you clench your teeth. This continuous practice can be detrimental to your pearly whites, leaving them cracked, chipped, or broken. To avoid further damage, you’ll need to wear a mouthguard. Each time you bite down hard, the oral appliance will take the brunt of the pressure, not your teeth.
Mouth Breathing
When the heart rate increases, you may be more likely to breathe through your mouth to get air quicker. However, this habit can lead to dry mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to thrive. Without regular saliva flow, there’s not much to flush out that can harm your teeth and gums. Also, nose breathing produces a more relaxed approach while working out and improves lung capacity.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Working out in a gym, doing yoga outside, or going for a run on a nearby trail all require drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. While you may be tempted to reach for an energy or sports drink, these often contain a lot of sugar and are highly acidic – two things that can result in tooth decay, cavities, and enamel erosion. Stick to water and keep your mouth healthier in the long run.
Before you decide to give up exercising, don’t. Keep moving your body to achieve better overall wellness, just be sure to make the necessary changes and adjustments to keep your smile looking and feeling its best while working toward a healthier you.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we care about the health and well-being of every patient. This is why our team of dental experts is here to provide safe and effective solutions to protect smiles from serious harm. Whether it’s a custom mouthguard, dental checkup and cleaning, or patient education that an individual needs, we can provide the information and solutions required to enjoy a healthier smile in the future. Visit our website or call (847) 860-7093 to find out how we can help you avoid accidental damage while exercising.