Everyone knows how important it is to keep your body fit and healthy, especially if your aim is to enjoy a long and active life. While we’re working out, we may be forgetting to consider how exercising can impact the health of our teeth. It turns out it bears consideration and that the effect on our teeth is something of a mixed bag. There are definitely significant benefits, but there are also risks to our oral health that we need to consider if we want our whole body to see positive results. We’re going to cover the effects on your oral health from exercise, both good and bad, in this article.
Discovering The Pros And Cons Of Exercise For Your Oral Health
We all know that there are countless benefits to our overall health to maintaining an active lifestyle. A study that was included in the Journal of Dentistry produced clear evidence that the risk of periodontal disease and general complications with oral health were reduced in active patients. This is just one among many of the benefits that those who increase their activity level will see in their oral health. It also serves as a significant source of improvement in those who have quit smoking. Just quitting smoking reduces your risk of periodontal disease, but adding an active lifestyle to the mix reduces this risk by up to 74% over those who are sedentary. Finally, losing weight has also been tied to significantly reduced oral health concerns.
Unfortunately, an increased level of exercise isn’t all roses for your smile. There are risks that occur and precautions that must be observed to ensure you limit the consequences to your oral health. Among these risks are:
- Dry Mouth – Intense exercise tends to result in a greater occurrence of breathing through the mouth. This, in turn, can lead to cases of dry mouth as the increased airflow dries out the saliva. Saliva serves as an important part of our defense against tooth decay. The best way to mitigate this risk is to ensure you remain hydrated throughout your workout.
- Injury – An active lifestyle also introduces a greater number of opportunities to experience a dental injury. As a result, it’s best to wear a mouthguard while engaging in physical activity to limit the risk it poses to your teeth.
- Power Drinks – Energy drinks, “sports drinks,” and other beverages that are commonly consumed by those trying to get and stay active come with an added level of sugars. These sugars can promote tooth decay, even while providing you with needed electrolytes and hydration. Water is the best drink while you’re exercising and has the benefit of being sugar and calorie-free.
Consult With Your Dentist About Oral Risks From Exercise
If you’re planning on adding greater degrees of activity to your routine, it’s time to speak to your dentist about the possible risks. They’ll be able to supply you with the guidance necessary to get fit while protecting your oral health, giving you all the benefits with none of the drawbacks. Call and arrange an appointment with your dental health practitioner today to ensure you achieve your exercise and oral health goals!
