How Does Your Workout Affect Your Smile? Oral Health for Athletes

Working out regularly is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but have you ever wondered how your fitness regimen might be impacting the health of your teeth and gums? If not, you’re not alone. The effects of exercise on the mouth are still under research, but a recent study has shown us that working out – running, in particularly – can actually influence our oral health. At the Rocky Hill, CT dental office of Thaddeus S. Michalski, DMD, Dr. Michalski and his team strive to provide our patients with valuable information regarding oral health and wellness on a daily basis. Today, we’d like to discuss athletes and oral health.

Do Athletes Get More Cavities?

In a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, a team of German researchers found that runners had more cases of tooth erosion than their non-athlete counterparts. The underlying cause of this potentially serious issue is twofold: a high-carb diet and diminished salivary flow.

First, a diet that is high in carbohydrates can drastically reduce the pH level within the mouth, leading to a higher incidence of tooth decay. When the pH level dips below 5.5, the mouth becomes an environment that is more susceptible to dental caries.

Secondly, a decrease in saliva can lead to tooth decay and even increase the risk of periodontal disease. This is because your saliva actively washes away acid-causing bacteria. Without sufficient saliva, bacteria accumulate more rapidly on the teeth and along the gum line. The lack of saliva in the athletes tested was attributed to mouth breathing while training.

Fortunately, improving your oral health doesn’t necessarily mean altering your exercise routine. Simply visit Dr. Michalski and his team in Rocky Hill, CT twice per year (or more frequently if advised) and follow a stringent home hygiene routine to protect your teeth and gums from damage.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you or someone you love is an avid runner or athlete and you’d like to learn more about how exercise affects oral health, please don’t hesitate to call us today. Our knowledgeable team of dental health experts in Rocky Hill, CT is standing by; we are always ready to answer your questions and provide you with the care you need to achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Our warm, family-friendly dental practice in Rocky Hill, CT also proudly serves patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Hartford, Cromwell, Berlin, Newington, Wethersfield, and beyond.

Preventive Dentistry Advice for a Healthier Holiday Season

Your teeth and gums may not be at the fore front of your mind as the holidays approach, but if you don’t stop to think about your dental health now, you could be in for a painful New Years. However, there’s plenty you can do to avoid tooth decay and infection this holiday season. Take note of our Healthy Holiday Tips, and then call Dr. Michalski to get preventive dentistry appointments for you and your family today. Dr. Michalski can provide the preventive dental care that will keep pain and sensitivity at bay this season. Dr. Michalski proudly serves families throughout Ricky Hill, CT, Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington, Berlin, and the surrounding communities.

Preventive Dentistry Healthy Holiday Tips

The holiday season can be a dangerous time of year for your family’s dental health. But there are several easy ways to combat these dental dangers. First, try not to do a lot of snacking in between meals. Even if you indulge in sugary desserts, it’s best to do so after eating a full healthy meal, rather than snacking throughout the day. This reduces the total amount of time your teeth are exposed to harmful sugary residue. Next, keep a pack of sugar free gum handy. Not only will chewing gum create the excess saliva needed to wash away bacteria, it also contains the ingredient Xylitol. Xylitol has been shown to help fight the bacteria that cause cavities and decay. Finally, increase your dairy intake. Drinking a glass of low fat milk, or eating a piece of cheese, after consuming something sugary, can wash away the excess sugars. Dairy products also contain the calcium and vitamin D needed to keep your teeth strong and healthy .

Preventive Dentistry Appointments in Rocky Hill, CT

Do your teeth a favor, and make a holiday preventive dental care appointment today. Dr. Michalski is a highly qualified family and general dentist that can help you keep your family safe and healthy year round. Dr. Michalski proudly restores smiles daily throughout Ricky Hill, CT, Hartford, Wethersfield, Cromwell, Newington, Berlin, and nearby areas.