Exercise remains one of the most common New Year’s Resolutions. As people proclaim their desire and dedication to losing weight and getting healthy, gym equipment purchases and memberships skyrocket. If working out is one of your goals, good for you, but have you considered how you might better protect your smile while lifting weights or engaging in cardio? Here are three things you can do to avoid a sudden trip to the emergency dentist’s office and stay focused in the gym or on the trail.
Wear Proper Mouth Protection
Each time you lift weights, there’s a good chance that you are clenching and gritting your teeth. This excessive pressure not only wears down your tooth enamel but also places unnecessary strain on your jaw joints. If left unchecked, this can cause enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
With a customized mouthguard provided by your dentist, you can worry less about damaging your smile and instead keep it healthy and in proper shape. The pressure you build up while working out will extend to the guard instead of your teeth and jaw joints, offering superior protection.
Drink Lots of Water
Whether it’s energy or sports drinks you love to consume, one thing is certain – you’re putting your smile at risk. These beverages often contain high amounts of sugar and are highly acidic. When left on your teeth too long, the harmful acids and bacteria eat away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities to form.
By drinking lots of water instead, you flush out harmful particles and encourage effective saliva production. This helps neutralize acids so that any bad bacteria that exist will not affect your smile.
Not to mention, water consumption keeps you hydrated and energized, which is essential while working out.
Learn to Breathe Through Your Nose
When your heart rate increases because of weightlifting or cardio, you’ll find yourself breathing through your mouth. Although it may seem harmless, the truth is that the air intake dries out your mouth, reduces saliva production, and makes it a haven for bacteria to thrive.
Learning to breathe through your nose can improve your oral health and help you regulate airflow while working out. It can also alleviate any tension you might be placing on your neck and jaw muscles.
Prioritize your health this year, but not just your body. Make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to safeguard your smile and your overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Kimberly Dennis is a dentist and skilled prosthodontic specialist who is pleased to provide preventive and complex dental care to patients in Ormond Beach. Apart from making sure each individual receives a thorough checkup and cleaning to maintain their oral health throughout the year, she also offers tips to minimize potential damage. If you are working on your New Year’s Resolutions and want to keep your smile safe from harm, visit our website or call (386) 677-1046 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis.