Physical Exercise & Your Oral Health

You may never have given a second thought to how your exercise routine affects your dental health. These two things are seemingly unrelated! Here at Lockett Orthodontics, we want to make it clear that we recommend physical fitness for our patients, and we know the advantages fitness has for your overall health. However, it’s been found that exercise may pose a negative affect on your dental health.

A study conducted at Germany’s University Hospital Heidelberg’s dental school concluded that athletes have an increased risk of suffering from dental problems. During the study, researchers looked at two groups of people: 35 athletes and 35 people leading a more sedentary lifestyle. Each group filled out questionnaires and had dental exams. Two interesting findings are below:

1. As physical exercise is increased, saliva flow is decreased.
2. As the training time and exercise increased, so did dental problems.

Saliva’s primary function is to help your mouth stay free of germs. Saliva aids in washing away harmful bacteria that would otherwise decay the enamel of your teeth. When saliva flow is decreased, this gives the bacteria more time to sit on the teeth and cause damage.

Keeping a Healthy Mouth During Exercise

We absolutely aren’t saying that you need to discontinue your exercise routine! But there are ways you can make sure you’re caring for your teeth during your workouts. Below are just a few tips:

• Stay Hydrated – When saliva flow is decreased, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Not only will this help you stay hydrated, it will also wash away bacteria.
• Oral Hygiene – It’s important to follow proper oral hygiene habits, no matter how often you exercise. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes at a time, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for regular dental cleanings and exams.
• Sugar-Free Gum – Sugar-free gum is a great way to help wash away bacteria and promote the production of saliva.

To learn more about staying cavity-free, or to make an appointment at Lockett Orthodontics, please contact our Colorado Springs, Colorado dental office.