408-740-5317
Making time for daily exercise can benefit your life in more ways than you might expect!
From improving cardiovascular health to warding off systemic diseases, getting in just 30 minutes of daily exercise can make a world of difference. In fact, researchers also note that routine exercise can reduce anxiety and depression, and combat the detrimental effects of stress.
Despite all of the wonderful benefits of exercise, patients should still be wary of the potential danger working out can have on your smile.
Top 3 Ways Working Out Can Harm Your Smile
How can exercising harm your dental health? In most cases, damage to your teeth will occur for one of the following reasons:
Dry Mouth: Endurance athletes and those who breathe through their mouth are particularly at risk for dry mouth. Dental health can suffer from dry mouth because saliva is important for neutralizing acids in the mouth and protecting teeth from erosion.
Grinding or Clenching: Gym goers who grind or clench their teeth while working out should pay special attention to avoid this bad habit. Grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism, puts an excessive amount of pressure on the teeth, which can eventually lead to dental fractures or chips.
Sugary Sports Drinks: While most sports drinks are designed to replenish electrolytes, they are not as beneficial for your dental health. Since most sports drinks are filled with sugar, they can actually harm your teeth, especially when in combination with a dry mouth.
Are There Any Dental Benefits to Working Out?
Although there are some potential dental dangers to working out, researchers have also found that it could be beneficial. Data collected through the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that adults who exercised regularly were also less likely to have periodontal disease.
Researchers believe that the connection may be related to the connection between overall bodily inflammation and gum disease. Other hypothesize that it is more connected to self-care tendencies; adults who take care of their physical health are also more likely to take care of their dental health.
Contact Dr. Keith Cooper in San Jose
Don’t let your smile suffer due to your workouts! Here at Contemporary Dental Arts, we offer a variety of dental services to give you your healthiest smile. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Keith Cooper.