The New Year is a time for new beginnings, and many people use this fresh start as an opportunity to start good habits and kick some bad ones. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is getting in shape. While taking care of your flexibility, cardiovascular health, and physical strength are all excellent habits to get into, they can present risks to your oral health if you are not careful. Here are a few tips for working out without harming your smile.
Go Easy on the Sports Drinks
Sports drinks were invented to provide athletes with the energy, hydration, and electrolytes they need to power through the toughest competitions. Unfortunately, these beverages are high in sugar and pigments, both of which can harm your teeth. Sugar feeds the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, allowing them to rapidly multiply and cause infections. Pigments can become bonded to your teeth’s enamel, causing them to become stained or discolored. Use water as your primary workout beverage or opt for the sugar-free sports drink flavors.
Drink Plenty of Water
The body goes through a lot of water during intense workouts. Dehydration can occur due to sweating and intense open-mouth breathing, and it’s important to stay hydrated while exerting yourself. This has benefits not only for one’s overall health but also their oral health as well. Drinking water helps flush food debris and bacteria away from the teeth and also promotes healthy saliva flow. Saliva is a crucial part of your mouth’s natural cleaning process and helps protect the teeth from injury by keeping them lubricated and mineralized.
Wear a Mouthguard When Necessary
Contact sports, skateboarding, bike riding, and the like are all wonderful ways to improve your overall health, but they carry significant risks of dental injuries. To keep your teeth safe when enjoying these activities, wear a mouthguard. You can buy one you can mold to your teeth on your own at a sporting goods store, but a customized mouthguard from your dentist can provide your teeth with the best protection available.
Your overall health is a crucial part of your quality of life. It’s wonderful to get on board with a more active lifestyle, but keeping your teeth in mind in the process can help you enjoy a beautiful smile along with your newly lean and toned muscles.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and stays up-to-date with new developments in the field through professional organizations such as the Las Vegas Institute. Her office in Melbourne, FL offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on maintaining your oral health while exercising, contact the office online or dial (321) 259-4666.