3 Tips on Protecting Your Smile During Your Workout

Getting a good workout in is a great way to keep a healthy and active lifestyle. Additionally, having a clean and fresh smile can boost your confidence and mental well-being. But did you know there are certain factors when exercising that can be harmful to your teeth? Keep reading to learn three tips on protecting your smile while maintaining your fitness and oral health!

Tip #1: Avoid Sports Drinks

Every workout requires energy to perform, and for many people the perfect source comes from sports drinks. By consuming these, you’ll have plenty of physical drive to get your exercises done efficiently. However, sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar and are usually acidic. This means they can cause tooth erosion and decay. Most people also tend to sip it gradually, allowing their teeth to be exposed for longer than they should. Instead, you should try diluting or replacing it with water, or brushing your teeth at least 30 minutes after drinking it.

Tip #2: Relax Your Jaw

You may tend to exercise with intense focus, which can sometimes cause you to increase the tension in your jaw. While this may help you achieve your goal, clenching your teeth can also release cortisol—the stress hormone—as well as contribute to jaw misalignment and airway constriction. To avoid impeding your performance, be sure to relax your jaw, which will in turn relax the body and allow more oxygen into your muscles.

Tip #3: Breathe Through Your Nose

Your body needs oxygen in order to perform athletically, so learning to control your breathing is essential to maintain peak ability. However, the way you breathe is also important to preserve your oral health. Most people tend to breathe through their mouth, as this is the easiest way to take in oxygen. Unfortunately, this can cause your mouth to dry up, reducing your saliva production which naturally washes away bacteria. To prevent this, it’s best to breathe through your nose.

By incorporating these few tips, you can ensure your teeth are protected while embarking on your fitness journey! And if you have further concerns about your dental health, you can always speak with your dentist to learn the best practices.

About the Practice

At Wethersfield Dental Group, we are happy to provide outstanding, comprehensive, and personalized dental care for patients of all ages. Our expert dentists—Dr. Phadnis and Dr. Harper—remain up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques to treat your needs. We have a large collection of treatments, including dental checkups and cleanings, to help you achieve and maintain the smile you deserve! If you want to know more about protecting your teeth during exercises, feel free to visit our website or call 860-400-3007.