If you’re like many others, you’ve made resolutions for self-improvement now that 2024 has arrived. It’s common to set new goals, like going to the gym every day to shed extra pounds gained over the holidays. While physical fitness has many benefits for your body, you might injure your smile if you’re not careful. You wouldn’t want your healthy new habit to result in a dental appointment! Keep reading to learn 3 risks to your teeth you might encounter while exercising and what you can do about them.
Risk #1: Tooth Decay
Staying motivated to get yourself to the gym every day can be a challenge. Many people pump themselves up by downing an energy or sports drink before they get there. These beverages often contain sugar and are typically acidic which is bad news for your teeth. The acidity erodes your protective enamel while the sugar attracts harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Try hydrating with water, instead. It’ll help regulate your body temperature and give your systems the fluid they need to keep you cool mid-workout (hello, sweat!). If you’re relying on your sports drink for electrolytes, diluting it with water mitigates the potential damage to your teeth while giving you the boost you need.
Risk #2: Stiff Jaw
If you find that you have a headache after exercise, you might be clenching your jaw. Whether you were struggling with lifting a heavy weight or pushed yourself to finish that last mile in record time, it’s common to clench your teeth when exerting intense physical effort. Unfortunately, it puts added pressure on the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, known as the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This can result in a stiff or locked jaw, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, headaches, and other issues. On top of that, grinding your pearly whites can also prematurely wear them down or result in a misaligned bite.
To combat this, try to keep your jaw relaxed. Because bruxism (teeth grinding) is often subconscious, this can be easier said than done. If you’re having a hard time remembering, try setting a reminder on your phone to go off periodically during your workout. If that’s not sufficient, try a mouth guard or other oral appliance that supports your jaw.
Risk #3: Dry Mouth
When your heart rate rises during intense exercise, it’s natural to want to breathe with an open mouth to suck in more air and exhale fully. Did you know, though, that this could be hurting your grin? Saliva is your body’s natural defense because it neutralizes acid, rinses away unwanted particles, and restores minerals to your enamel. Breathing with your mouth open dries it out and allows unwanted germs to thrive.
To keep your mouth moist, take breaths through your nose, instead. Not only will this prevent dental dilemmas, but it also can help relax your jaw and neck to avoid unnecessary tension. It also produces nitrous oxide in your nasal membranes which increases your lungs’ oxygen absorption capacity.
A few simple changes can keep your grin in top condition so that you can focus on reaching the goals you’ve set for yourself this year!
About the Practice
At Advanced Dental Concepts, two dentists provide a full array of oral healthcare services to meet all your dental needs at one convenient location. They take time to listen to patients to better understand their needs while putting them at ease. Whether you require a simple checkup or have more complex treatments, they have solutions to improve your smile. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (219) 926-7595.