Is going to the gym affecting your dental health?
Whether you like it or not exercise is important to our overall health but have you stopped to think about your preferred method of rehydration.
Sports energy drinks can be harmful to our health if consumed regularly and surprisingly many of us do rely on energy drinks to get through the day. Some energy drinks contain 55 grams of sugar which is the equivalent to 14 teaspoons of sugar. The Oral Health Foundation advises that energy drinks are often dangerously acidic too and are causing devastating effects on the nation’s oral health. This kind of high dependence on energy drinks can very quickly lead to severe oral health problems such as tooth decay and erosion. Would it shock you to know that you are basically bathing your teeth with acid when taking regular sips during a workout and gives your teeth frequent exposure to these damaging sugars and acids contained in theses drinks.
Nose breathing
The other influencing factor whilst carrying out sports exercise is people tend to breath heavily through their mouth and this in turn dries out the mouth which reduces the saliva flow and creates an environment for bacteria to thrive. However did you know that breathing through your nose whilst exercising is more effective and helps to protect your teeth and is advantageous to your body. Breathing through your nose and sinus membranes produce nitric oxide which significantly increases your lungs oxygen absorption capacity and this helps to lower blood pressure.
Alternative hydration
But exercise doesn’t have to be all bad for your mouth if you avoid mouth eroding sports energy drinks and be wise and rehydrate with water or natural coconut water. Bottled water or even tap water is a great way to rehydrate. If you want to make it even healthier you can add a splash of lemon to add flavour or a pinch of unprocessed salt to get more minerals and help replenish your electrolytes. Another alternative you might not have thought of is natural coconut water which is an excellent choice as not only is it very hydrating but it is also anti-inflammatory and helps to balance glucose and insulin levels.
Avoid energy drinks
Energy drinks are seriously bad for your teeth and contain high levels of sugar and acid so if you do drink them always drink plenty of water to help dilute the acid and don’t brush your teeth straight after because this can spread the acid around your mouth so the advice is to wait an hour before brushing your teeth.
Keep on track
Establish a healthy dental routine and fitness routine and help your body stay on track.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Flossing and rinsing regularly
- Visit your Dentist/Hygienist regularly