Athletes need to take special care of their teeth as well as the rest of their bodies.
Exercise is highly valued by those in healthcare. It has been shown to be one of the best preventative measures you can take for basically every disorder and disease out there. It can also help with mental health and overall self-esteem. However, a new study has shown a potential negative effect of working out – it turns out athletes have a higher risk for tooth decay. Why is that?
The Study
The Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports published the findings of a study comparing the oral health of 35 triathletes to 35 control group participants who did not exercise. Researchers studied tooth decay, cavities, and dental erosion, and also tested the saliva during inactivity. They had participants self-report their exercise habits and the amount of sports drinks and bars that they consumed. Researchers found that people who exercised intensely were actually more likely to have bad oral health than those who did not exercise at all.
The Saliva is the Key
You might think that diet or the content of the sports drinks might play a role in the decline of oral health for athletes. But the study authors actually found that a change in the saliva during exercise was the catalyst for this decline. When study participants ran for about 35 minutes, their mouths became drier and the saliva that remained had a higher pH level. High pH levels in saliva has been linked to a rise in plaque and other dental problems.
Oral Health is an Important Part of a Healthy Body
We’ve already discussed how oral health and overall health are linked together. According to another previous study, conducted on athletes at the London Olympic Games in 2012, it turned out that poor dental health had a substantial negative effect on training and athletic performance. The researchers of that study concluded that taking special care of your teeth is an important part of optimizing performance in athletics. So if you work out frequently or compete in athletics, take care to brush and floss your teeth daily, drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary food and drinks!
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.