{"id":492,"date":"2025-03-13T15:49:35","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T15:49:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.southridgedental.com\/blog\/?p=492"},"modified":"2025-05-07T15:53:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T15:53:47","slug":"how-exercise-can-harm-your-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.southridgedental.com\/blog\/how-exercise-can-harm-your-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How Exercise Can Harm Your Oral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"A<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Exercise does a body good! In fact, studies have found that people who exercise regularly can live an average of up to 6.9 years longer than those who don\u2019t. But while staying in shape is great for your overall health, it can sometimes be bad news for your oral health. Here are a few ways that your workout can hurt your smile, and what you can do to prevent a dental emergency<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of Exercise to Your Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that while yes, it\u2019s true that if you\u2019re not careful exercise can harm your oral health, it can also be extremely beneficial. Studies have shown that people who exercise have a 33 percent lower risk of developing gum disease than people who don\u2019t. Gum disease can harm more than just your teeth and gums, too. It can worsen a variety of systemic illnesses including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Dangers of Exercise on Your Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, while exercise can often benefit your oral health, it is not without its risks. Here are a few ways that it could harm your smile, and what you can do to prevent it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accidental Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to playing sports, there\u2019s always a risk of accidental injury. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to protect your teeth and gums during play. A custom mouthguard from your dentist will shield your smile from impact from being hit by a ball, elbow, hockey stick, or whatever else may come your way. Custom made guards fit your mouth better and are more comfortable than the kind you buy at the sporting goods store, meaning you (or your child athlete) will be more likely to wear them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports Beverages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sugary sports drinks may rehydrate you quickly, but they are often so acidic they can increase cavities and tooth sensitivity. If you do indulge in this type of drink, make sure to alternate sips with water, and brush your teeth well after you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mouth Breathing vs. Saliva Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mouth breathing is common during physical activity, but while it does help you get more air, it can also dry your mouth out. This decreases your saliva levels, making it harder to wash away dangerous oral bacteria. This can increase your risk of both cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise can also alter your saliva\u2019s pH. In fact, studies have shown that the more you work out, the lower the quantity of saliva you produce and the more alkaline it becomes. This alkalinity can neutralize the proteins in your saliva that protect your teeth from decay. Thus, do your best to breathe through your nose, and drink plenty of water between reps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, exercise is great for your body, mind, and if proper precautions are taken, your mouth, too. If you\u2019re an athlete or a gym goer, be sure to protect your smile while you work out and your teeth and gums will stay in great shape, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Dr. Dunson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Ted Dunson<\/a> has been providing excellent oral health care for over 25 years. If you are suffering from a dental emergency, he is proud to offer same-day appointments and sedation options for nervous or anxious patients. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact Southridge Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry by calling 940-566-4942.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exercise does a body good! In fact, studies have found that people who exercise regularly can live an average of up to 6.9 years longer than those who don\u2019t. But while staying in shape is great for your overall health, it can sometimes be bad news for your oral health. Here are a few ways […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHow Exercise Can Harm Your Oral Health | Dr. Ted Dunson<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Working out is great for your body, but if you\u2019re not careful it can harm your smile. 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