Are you considering getting in the gym and improving your physical health? Have you also thought about enhancing your smile? Maintaining your fitness and oral health are essential for living a stronger and healthier lifestyle. But did you know you could be putting your teeth at risk during your exercises? Read on to learn four preventive steps to protect your smile while you work out!
Step #1: Wear a Mouthguard
Roughly five million teeth are lost every year due to sports-related injuries—that’s a lot of pearly whites! To keep yours safe from such a fate, one of the best investments you can make is in a mouthguard. Whatever physical activity you’re performing, having a protective layer over your smile can ensure you don’t lose a tooth from any surprising impacts.
Step #2: Limit Sports Drinks
While energy or sport drinks can give you the boost you need to perform at your peak level, they are also acidic and high in sugar content. With these two components combined, you have an increased risk of tooth decay and erosion. Instead, try replacing your drinks with water or at least brushing your teeth 30 minutes after drinking one of them.
Step #3: Relax Your Jaw Muscles
Most people are highly concentrated when they work out and may not notice the stress they put on their jaws. If you feel yourself clenching your teeth, then you might be risking jaw misalignment and airway constriction—both of which can hinder your athletic performance! By being aware of your jaw placement and relaxing your facial tension, you can keep your teeth safe as well as generate more oxygen for a better push.
Step #4: Breathe Through Your Nose
Breath control is vital for physical activities, but how you breathe can affect your dental health. Opening your mouth might be the easier way to take in air, but it can also cause your mouth to dry. When this happens, you won’t produce enough saliva to naturally wash away bacteria from your teeth. To avoid this, try breathing through your nose to keep your teeth wet and insulated.
Building up your fitness can be fun, but it’s equally important to protect your dental well-being in the process. By practicing these few tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a stronger body as well as a healthy smile!
About the Practice
At Center One Dental, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding and passionate dental care for patients of all ages. We utilize the latest technology to deliver comprehensive and relaxing treatments for your dental needs. We also offer mouthguards to help you protect your pearly whites while playing sports or exercising. If you want to know more about keeping your teeth safe during your fitness journey, feel free to visit our website or call us at 724-300-3700.