Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Heavy Exercise Bad For Your Teeth?

It is well-know that a healthy dose of aerobic exercise is great for whole-body health, however, a new study has shown that those that exercise regularly may be at higher risk for oral lesions and cavities. How can this be? A study was performed by the School of Dental Medicine at the University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany to determine the answer.

In the study, 35 triathletes and 35 non-exercising people were tested. The tests included the following:
·         Oral examinations
·         Saliva tests before, during, and after exercise
·         A lifestyle questionnaire about eating, drinking, and exercise habits

What the experiment found was that the more time the triathletes admitted to working out during the week, the more likely they were to have cavities and other oral problems. As the studies went on, they discovered that, as the body exercises, the mouth becomes more and more dry. This causes the saliva pH to increase which made it more likely to erode the teeth. This put those that exercised more at risk for cavities, enamel erosion, and oral lesions.

The study found that the best ways for those that exercise heavily to avoid these dental problems was to stay hydrated so your saliva doesn't change pH levels and to put in a sugar-free mint or gum after a workout to help the mouth create more saliva.

Our Norfolk dentist reminds you that the best ways to keep your mouth healthy are to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and visit our Virginia Beach dental office twice a year.


To schedule an appointment for you and your family, please contact Dr. Michael Folck or call us at (877) 206-3444.

posted by Admin at 10:14 AM

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