It’s that time of year when people start coming up with New Year’s resolutions. This tradition helps you get into a growth mindset and start the new year with a new you – even if you don’t stick with your resolution for the whole 12 months!
A popular goal is to workout more, which is admirable to be sure, but can have some unintended consequences for your oral health. This post will tell you all about it so you can protect your smile while working towards your New Year’s resolution.
Stay Hydrated
You probably know how important water is for efficient bodily functioning, but did you know it’s also vital for your oral health? If you breathe with your mouth open (as might happen when you’ve been running for several minutes!), you’re likely drying out your mouth. Dry mouth encourages bacteria growth, so remember to hydrate every so often to keep your oral cavity nice and moist.
But Be Careful What Drinks You Consume
That said, some hydrators are better than others. Sports drinks are a popular thirst-quencher for athletes, and for the most part, this is for good reason! These products can contain ingredients that help you retain hydration and nutrients during strenuous activities. However, many of them also contain high amounts of sugar, which accelerates oral bacteria growth and contributes to cavities. Double-check the label on your drink of choice to make sure you’re not overdoing it with processed sugars.
Wear a Mouthguard
There are two ways you can harm your teeth physically when working out. The first is by complete chance – maybe you took a hard fall, or maybe the ball happened to come straight for your face, for instance. Chipping, cracking, or losing your tooth is a possibility in this scenario, but a mouthguard can reduce the risk.
The second is by clenching your jaw, most likely while lifting something heavy. In this case, the excess pressure from jaw clenching can wear down your enamel, slowly but surely weakening your dental structure. A mouthguard can help here, too, by creating a buffer between your pearly whites and the additional pressure!
Conclusion
It might surprise you how working out can affect your oral health. However, overall, it does benefit you to maintain a certain activity level, so don’t ditch your New Year’s resolution! Simply be a little more mindful about the beverages you consume, how well you stay hydrated, and the potential risk for dental damage. Do that, and you’ll be doing both your general and oral health a favor!
About the Practice
Burncoat Family Dental is proud to have not one, not two, but four amazing dentists on staff! Each of our skilled professionals has their own unique set of experiences and specialties, allowing us to provide our patients with a comprehensive list of dental services. If you’d like more tips on protecting your smile while working out, contact our office at 508-852-0168.