Modern life today requires people to always have a healthy body to face pressures and challenges. And to have overall health, exercise is one of the important and indispensable activities. However, during exercise, many people accidentally ignore oral care, leading to tooth and gum problems. This is something that needs to be kept in mind, because our teeth are an important part of our confidence, joy and happiness.
We are all too familiar with the health benefits of exercise. However, few people notice that sports activities can also affect our teeth. When exercising, the body will secrete a lot of sweat and change the color of the mucus in the mouth, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to multiply and harm the teeth. In addition, activities such as horseback riding, jogging, and swimming can also cause impacts and collisions between teeth, leading to tooth problems such as cracks, chips, or crooked teeth.
If not properly cared for, these problems can lead to undesirable consequences such as tooth decay, gingivitis, gingivitis, and even tooth loss. Therefore, oral care when participating in physical activity is extremely important.
Risks and consequences of ignoring oral care when exercising
Ignoring oral care when exercising can cause many dental problems, affecting overall health. Here are some risks and consequences of skipping oral care when exercising:
Caries
When you exercise, you will secrete a lot of sweat and mucus in your mouth. Combined with the lack of water caused by sweating, bacteria in the mouth will create a favorable environment to multiply and attack tooth enamel. Without proper care, the pH level in the mouth will decrease, leading to the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. Not only does it cause pain, but it also affects your eating and communication functions.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is one of the common problems when exercising, especially impact activities such as horseback riding or basketball. Collision between teeth can damage the mucosa and cause inflammation. In addition, a humid environment and lack of water in the mouth also increases the likelihood of plaque and bacteria accumulating, leading to gingivitis.
Bad breath
When participating in sports activities, you will secrete a lot of sweat and mucus in your mouth. Bacteria in the mouth will accumulate and multiply in this humid environment, causing bad breath that not only makes you self-conscious but also affects your communication.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Gingivitis is linked to many different health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Gingivitis can increase blood pressure and plaque buildup in the arteries, causing cardiovascular problems. In addition, infections from gingivitis can also affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to the risk of diabetes.
Reasonable habits to protect teeth when participating in physical activity
To keep your teeth healthy when exercising, you can apply the following reasonable habits:
Drink enough water
Drinking enough water throughout your workout is essential. Especially when participating in activities such as horseback riding or mountain climbing, you need to drink water regularly to provide the necessary amount of water for your body and help eliminate toxins in your mouth.
Use sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum can be a good choice to keep your mouth fresh and minimize plaque buildup. When you chew gum, you will also create a lot of mucus, which helps keep your mouth moist and avoid dryness.
Wear tooth protectors when participating in impact-causing activities
For people who play impact sports such as soccer or basketball, wearing tooth protection is extremely necessary. Protecting your teeth will help minimize the risk of injury and collision between teeth, while also protecting the oral mucosa from damage.
Oral care products suitable for people who practice sports
Choosing the right oral care products is an important factor in protecting your teeth while exercising. Here are some suggestions for you:
Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste
When exercising, your oral environment will constantly change due to the secretion of a lot of mucus and dehydration. Therefore, you need to choose a toothbrush and toothpaste with anti-bipolar features, which help eliminate bacteria and create a cleaner mouth feeling longer.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash can help keep the mouth open to aid in the teeth cleaning process. However, you should choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying your mouth and causing tooth enamel problems.
Oral care after exercise
After working out, pay attention to your oral care. If you don’t have access to brush your teeth right away, you can use a compact handheld toothbrush and toothpaste or sugar-free gum to clean your mouth.
The secret to maintaining fresh breath during exercise
Bad breath is one of the common problems when exercising. To maintain fresh breath, you can follow these tips:
Pay attention to your diet
Certain drinks and foods such as caffeine, sugar, and foul-smelling foods such as garlic and onions can cause bad breath. Pay attention to your diet and limit the use of these foods before exercising.
Use sugar-free gum
Sugar-free gum not only helps keep your mouth fresh, but is also an effective way to clean your mouth and eliminate odors. When you chew gum, you also create a lot of mucus, which helps keep your mouth moist and avoid dryness.
Use mouthwash
Mouthwash not only helps clean your mouth but also keeps your breath fresh. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid drying your mouth and causing unwanted odors.
Brush your teeth properly
Brushing your teeth after every meal and before going to bed is an effective way to remove bacteria and food accumulated in the mouth, helping to maintain fresh breath. Pay attention to proper brushing techniques and use fluoride toothpaste to protect tooth enamel.
Drinks should be limited to protect oral health when exercising
Choosing the right drink not only helps provide energy for the body but also protects oral health when exercising. Here are some drinks you should limit:
Carbonated soft drinks
Carbonated soft drinks contain carbonic acid which can corrode tooth enamel and cause its deterioration. Consuming too much carbonated soft drinks also increases the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Instead, choose non-carbonated drinking water or filtered water to protect your teeth.
Sugary fruit juices
Sugary fruit juices contain high amounts of sugar which can cause bacterial growth and tooth decay. Drinking sugary juice after exercise is also not good for your oral health. Choose natural fruit juice or filtered water to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Coffee and tea
Coffee and tea contain caffeine which can dry your mouth and cause plaque on your teeth. Drinking a lot of coffee and tea can also lighten the color of tooth enamel. Limit your consumption of coffee and tea, and after drinking, use water to rinse your mouth and protect your teeth.
Conclude
During exercise, oral care plays an important role in protecting oral health and overall body health. Neglecting oral care when exercising can lead to many problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, bad breath, and overall health.
