You’re not alone if you’ve recently amped up your exercise routine to look your best for summer. Hitting the gym more frequently can benefit your general health in several ways, such as improving heart health, building muscle, or losing weight.
But did you know that certain habits during your workouts could potentially harm your teeth and gums? Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you might hurt your dental health if you don’t take the right precautions to help safeguard your smile while exercising!
Concern #1: Energy Drinks
Whether you plan to head to the gym before the crack of dawn or plan to head straight there after work, it’s normal to struggle sometimes with motivation. If you’re looking for a little added pep in your step, you might be tempted to reach for an energy or sports drink, which are believed to boost energy levels and focus, to pump yourself up enough to complete your workout.
However, many of these contain 25 to 60+ grams of sugar per 16-oz serving, which can often exceed the American Heart Association’s recommended daily limits. Not only that, but this sweet ingredient feeds harmful bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease, so it’s best to reduce your consumption. Why not bring a refillable water bottle with you to the gym instead? It helps hydrate your body while rinsing away germs, leftover food, and other debris to help freshen your breath and keep your mouth clean.
Concern #2: Mouth Breathing
Have you ever noticed yourself sucking air through your teeth when weight-lifting? Plenty of people unknowingly default to breathing through their mouths during periods of intense physical exertion. While this might help fill your lungs with air more rapidly, it can also dry out your mouth, creating arid conditions that allow harmful bacteria to thrive.
Meanwhile, breathing through your nose can help dilate blood vessels and improve oxygen delivery during exercise. It also helps ensure that your mouth retains enough saliva to help keep unwanted microbes at bay.
Concern #3: Teeth Grinding
Another subconscious habit that plenty of people accidentally engage in is teeth grinding. It’s normal to clench your upper and lower arches together when pushing through your last reps or sprinting to the finish line, but doing so can crack, chip, or break your teeth. It can also cause a bite or jaw misalignment, which can contribute to jaw stiffness, inflammation, and aches.
Wearing a mouthguard during exercise is a simple and effective way to help protect your teeth and gums from potential harm regardless of the type of activity you’re engaged in.
Thankfully, taking a few simple precautions can help you maintain your smile so you can continue making the most of your exercise routines!
About the Practice
At Smile Castle Rock, patients benefit from two dentists eager to help them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Radz and Dr. Thompson collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including routine preventive care and providing custom-fitted sportsguards, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology to deliver comfortable, accurate treatments for results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (303) 663-9600.