How Exercise Affects the Teeth

Exercise is good for your body, and you should exercise regularly to live a healthier life. But there is one part of your body where exercise may be doing more harm than good: your mouth. Studies have found that athletes who regularly perform rigorous exercise are more likely to suffer from dental health problems. Nearly 300 athletes were studied at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and researchers found that a majority of athletes displayed poor oral health. These athletes came from all over the world, and across the board, athletes displayed dental problems.

A major problem was that many athletes said that they had not seen a dentist in over a year. Regular visits to an expert in dental exam in Beverly Hills can help anyone, but researchers are interested in figuring out why frequent, vigorous exercising creates problems with teeth. One theory is that athletes consume acidic sports drinks and foods that are high in carbohydrates, and both of these can increase your risk of cavities. Another theory is that exercising reduces the amount of saliva in the mouth, which acts as the body’s natural defense against bacteria.

Our Beverly Hills dentist recommends taking certain precautions to protect an athlete’s oral health. You should drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout your workout and to replenish your saliva levels. And you should be brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to remove harmful bacteria. And of course, schedule regular appointments with your dentist to get your teeth and gums regularly checked out.

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