{"id":328,"date":"2022-07-13T06:32:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T06:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sachsefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=328"},"modified":"2022-08-02T18:35:56","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T18:35:56","slug":"exercise-and-teeth-by-sachse-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sachsefamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2022\/07\/13\/exercise-and-teeth-by-sachse-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"How Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You wouldn\u2019t normally consider exercise as harmful to your body. Most think of it as an absolute good unless it results in physical injury. However, an exercise routine can damage your oral health<\/a> if you\u2019re not careful. Research has even shown a negative association between vigorous physical training and tooth decay. Fortunately, you can keep this from applying to you. Just read this summary on exercise and teeth from a Sachse dentist \u2014 it\u2019ll help you maintain a healthy body and a healthy mouth!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Exercise and Teeth Come into Conflict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t one thing about exercise that can hurt your teeth. There are several causes, mainly the three listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grinding & Bruxism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During high-intensity workouts, it\u2019s common for people to clench their jaws or grind their teeth. For example, weightlifters often clench to the point of causing fractures, holes, or chips in their teeth. They can also damage their jaw joints, which is another big problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open Mouth Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At other times, intense exercise can make you breathe heavily with an open mouth. That habit can dry out your oral cavity and reduce saliva flow, creating an ideal environment for harmful bacteria. Research supports this conclusion, as open-mouth breathing has been linked to cavities and tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports Drinks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though not essential to physical fitness, many people rehydrate during their workouts with sports drinks. That\u2019s understandable, as these beverages help your body refuel thanks to having electrolytes. At the same time, though, they take a significant toll on your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As it turns out, these drinks essentially bathe teeth with harmful acids. Plus, sipping them throughout a workout exposes enamel to even more sugars and acids than they would be otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to Protect Your Teeth from Exercise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the bright side, it\u2019s possible to have a great smile and strong muscles. Here are some tips to protect your teeth during exercise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n