We all know we should exercise. Study after study confirms the health benefits of regular exercise on your overall health. But is it possible that exercise is actually bad for your teeth? A recent study seems to suggest so, but we don’t recommend that you stop exercising. A much better approach for your oral health is to maintain a schedule of regular professional dental cleanings and practice good oral hygiene.
According to a recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, heavy physical activity may cause dental problems.
Scientists took saliva samples from competitive triathletes at various intervals during their training regimen. Athletes ultimately demonstrated considerably greater erosion of tooth enamel and more cavities than a parallel control group that did not exercise.
Interestingly, scientists discovered that as athletes exercised, their saliva became increasingly alkaline, a condition that is believed to promote the development of plaque and tartar. Their mouths also dried out as they exercised, and since saliva has a protective effect on teeth, it’s possible that dry mouth created favorable conditions for tooth decay and gum disease.
Whether or not exercise will ultimately prove harmful for your teeth is debatable. But we already know that regular cleanings with good hygiene in between is the best thing you can do for your oral health.
Please contact Dentonics, Inc. today to schedule your next appointment with one of our Pittsburgh dentists.
