Sports and Oral Health

A solid workout is one of the more valuable contributions just about anyone can make for health. Your weight, your mood, your entire quality of life is improved with physical exercise.

Sugary energy bars and drinks, consumed steadily over the course of a long work-out and the stage is set for tooth decay. Sugar converts to glucose which speedily fuels muscles with extra energy during races and training.

Saliva is one of the mouth’s strongest natural defenses against tooth decay and gum disease. Lower saliva rates after workout, decrease the mouth’s ability to fight acid-forming bacteria, and keep itself clean. Teeth are now left defenseless to the effects of the acid produced by sugar-fueled bacteria.

Few tips that can really change the equation:

• Stay hydrated and  consider increasing your salt intake, which enables your body to retain water.
• Choose your energy bars and drinks carefully.
• Rinse your mouth with water if you must quick-fuel with sugary bars and drinks.
• Ask our staff about sealants and fluoride treatments. Let us know that you are an endurance athlete and we can discuss ways to help you prevent tooth decay from getting started.
• Brush and floss at least twice a day.  If your mouth is feeling especially rank after exercise, brush and floss then, too.

However, oral diseases are preventable by simple interventions with good evidence of efficacy.