Did you know that dental emergencies are common among athletes? According to a study of 352 male and female professional and Olympic competitors across 11 sports, 49.1% of subjects had untreated tooth decay while the majority had inflamed gums, despite 94% reporting that they brush their teeth consistently.
There are several potential reasons that people participating in team or high-contact sports might be at an increased risk of experiencing an urgent issue. Continue reading to learn about 3 common oral issues that can occur during exercise and how to address them!
Concern #1: Mouth Breathing
Spending more time at the gym is a great way to boost your general health. Whether you’re focusing on aerobic activities to improve your heart condition or are lifting weights to bulk up your muscles or lose weight, there are many health advantages to increasing your activity levels.
However, if you’re not careful about how you breathe, you might harm your grin. People tend to huff and puff heavily through their mouths during periods of strenuous exercise, which decreases your saliva production. Spit is your mouth’s natural defense against oral issues like cavities and gum disease because it rinses away toxic bacteria. Without enough of it, you’re more likely to develop decay, injuries, and periodontal problems.
Breathing through your nose keeps your mouth moist and leads to better oxygen uptake, which stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system. This, in turn, leads to a calmer and more efficient workout.
Concern #2: Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is another concern among people who frequently exercise. Although people who chronically clench their jaws often do so subconsciously at night while they’re sleeping, it’s also incredibly common during periods of heightened activity. You’re more likely to squeeze your teeth together when you’re focused on lifting that final rep or sprinting to the finish line.
Unfortunately, this habit wears down your enamel, increasing your vulnerability to chips, cracks, and fractures. Furthermore, the added pressure on your teeth might eventually shift them out of alignment, which can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) related jaw pain. Your dentist can provide a custom-fitted mouthguard to shield your smile from physical trauma from grinding your upper and lower arches together.
Concern #3: Sugary Sports Drinks
Many gym-goers rely on energy drinks to boost their stamina and focus during their workouts. While this might improve your performance, it won’t contribute to your dental health. These beverages tend to contain plenty of sugar that attracts disease-inducing bacteria. Plus, they’re often acidic and can erode your enamel.
You can preserve your smile and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water instead. This has the added benefit of keeping your mouth moist and rinsing away germs to prevent potential problems like cavities and gum disease.
Taking a few simple precautions can safeguard your smile during exercise!
Meet the Author
Dr. Austin Amos enjoys establishing relationships with patients to help them improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston and stays current with the latest dental developments through active participation in professional organizations like the American Dental Association. He provides a comprehensive array of services to people of all ages, so he can help whether you’ve had an emergency or need basic preventive care. If you’re concerned about injuries during exercise, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 625-4746.