This subject hit a nerve with me: Endurance training can hurt your teeth. Ugh! Was my first thought, more to worry about, another fear inducing headline. But, I was intrigued enough to continue reading because one aspect of my job is keeping you informed in a rational and intelligent manner.
What I learned was startling, but it is my aim to offer you reassurance, not fear in this article. Be motivated to take action steps that create solutions instead of changing out of fear alone. Don’t get me wrong. Fear can be strong motivator especially in the beginning. Maintaining new habits comes from something greater than fear: faith, courage and positive focus.
Here’s why the headline grabbed my attention: I’ve been an endurance athlete my whole life and I experienced a lot of dental problems for a period of many years. I know countless triathletes and endurance athletes who have experienced the effects of how undetected, seemingly benign oral health problems can cause a ripple effect throughout the body; potentially becoming a performance limiter.
We often overlook our oral health. We take for granted that regular brushing is enough to keep us healthy. Or, perhaps it’s too expensive or inconvenient to go to the dentist regularly. The evidence is overwhelming: Oral health is a crucial element in overall health, well-being and athletic performance (at all levels).
Why are triathletes and endurance athletes at high risk for dental erosion? Two main reasons:
1. Consuming sugary sports drinks and nutrition
2. Heavy mouth breathing
Here’s what’s going on:
Frequent small sips of sports drink while training, while helping to spare muscle glycogen, negatively impacts your teeth. Sugar (any carbohydrate) consumption increases acid producing bacteria that begins the cascade of potential problems. Most sports drinks also contain phosphoric or citric acid which erode tooth enamel. A compromised tooth is now more susceptible to bacterial build up, leading to a list of potential dental problems: plaque, cavities, gingivitis, inflammation, periodontitis, etc.
To address these concerns and maintain optimal oral health, it is essential to consult with a specialized orthodontic practice like Orem Orthodontist Group. They can provide guidance on how to manage dietary choices effectively while undergoing treatment. Additionally, they can offer personalized advice on how to protect your teeth from the adverse effects of sugary or acidic beverages, ensuring that your orthodontic journey is as smooth and healthy as possible. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are crucial to prevent complications and keep your smile in top condition throughout your treatment.
In addition to orthodontic treatment, regular visits to your dentist are vital for maintaining optimal oral health. Dentists can offer valuable insights into the importance of preventive care, especially for those considering options like invisalign. This innovative treatment aligns teeth without traditional braces, making it essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene.
Furthermore, a dentist can work alongside your orthodontist to create a comprehensive care plan that accommodates your specific needs. This collaborative approach ensures that your oral health remains a priority throughout your treatment journey.
Another critical aspect of your orthodontic care is the role of a skilled orthodontist in your overall dental health strategy. Regular appointments with your dentist st george utah not only help monitor your oral hygiene but also ensure that any potential issues are identified early on. They can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and provide tailored advice to help you navigate the unique challenges that come with orthodontic treatment.
Whether it’s recommending specific cleaning techniques or offering tips for maintaining healthy gums, their expertise is invaluable.
In addition to routine orthodontic care, it’s crucial to have a plan in place for unexpected dental issues that may arise during your treatment. Having a trusted emergency dentist henderson nv on speed dial can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have access to immediate care should a dental emergency occur. By fostering a strong relationship with your dental care team, you can navigate your orthodontic journey with confidence, ensuring both a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
Heavy mouth breathing during endurance training, leads to dry mouth which reduces saliva flow giving bacteria an opportunity to grow and thrive. A 2014 study in The Scandinavian Journal of Sports Medicine looked 35 triathletes and 35 controls (5), the athletes showed a significantly greater erosion of tooth enamel than controls. The triathletes had much lower levels of saliva during exercise. Saliva performs a very protective function for the teeth. The longer the training session, the drier their mouths became. The more hours an athlete spent training, the greater the instances of dental erosion. Dry mouth combined with sugary sports nutrition exacerbates the potential harm.
These two elements combine to make it a challenge to keep your mouth healthy. If left unchecked, prolonged bacterial build up will negatively impact how your whole body functions and performs. Advanced dental erosion has been implicated in many disease states, such as: osteoporosis, pneumonia, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Long, hard training for days, weeks and years can leave your immune system stressed. Add to this an increased bacterial load in the mouth, forcing the immune system to struggle to keep up with demand.
Here what’s reassuring: you can improve your oral health while continuing to enjoy your endurance training and racing, even reverse and eliminate current problems. Actions you need to implement:
- Brush and floss daily
- See your dentist for check ups 2-3 times/year
- If you have any nagging tooth pain or unresolved dental problems, get this taken care of right away
- If you need ongoing specialized care, look for a sports dentist in your area
- Using a Sonicare toothbrush, water flosser (Water Pik) and Listerine will improve your oral health dramatically (in addition to brushing and flossing)
- Decrease your consumption of sports drinks and other sugary sports foods. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sugars There is a time and place for these foods during hard training blocks and races. Work to reduce them during easy and short sessions. Instead drink plain water or coconut water. You can also add electrolytes.
- Work on more nasal breathing. This may be the hardest one to change. It takes time and focus, but can be accomplished during easier and shorter training sessions. (Nasal breathing increases the production of nitric oxide that helps to increase your lungs’ oxygen absorbing capacity and kills bacteria, viruses and other germs.)
Take care of your teeth, take care of your training, health and performance!
