A study conducted in 2014 aimed to evaluate the correlation between endurance training and compromised oral health, a relationship that had been previously discovered but not thoroughly investigated. Today, we’d like to take some time to talk about the various ways that endurance training can affect your oral health.
Running & Tooth Decay: What’s the Connection?
The two don’t seem to have much to do with one another at first glance. After all, exercise is good for you, right? People who work out regularly are typically less prone to health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. But can your time at the gym actually give you cavities? According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, it certainly can.
Researchers studied 70 men and women, half of whom were triathletes who trained nearly 10 hours per week running, swimming, and cycling. The other half of the group was comprised of non-exercising controls to ensure the validity of the study. Tests included saliva assessment, dental exams, and questionnaires regarding oral hygiene habits as well as dietary choices during training. The researchers discovered that nearly half of the triathletes consumed sports drinks rather than water during exercise and that 74 percent used sports bars or gels.
Often full of carbohydrates and sugars, these products bathe the teeth in the types of compounds that acid-causing bacteria love to eat. This significantly increases the risk of dental caries, or cavities. A carb-heavy diet has also been linked to increased pH levels in the mouth, another problem that is commonly associated with cavities. It was also found that a decrease in saliva production – coupled with breathing rapidly through the mouth during exercise – contributed to an environment that is more conducive to enamel erosion.
Reducing Your Cavity Risk
Naturally, we’d never tell you to quit your running or exercise routine in order to preserve the health of your pearly whites. There are, however, some things you can do to mitigate potential damage. Staying hydrated is a top priority as it aids in proper saliva production. Avoid sugary sports drinks and snacks, and opt for a cool bottle of water and fresh fruits or cheeses instead. Of course, home hygiene is as important as ever, so be sure to brush and floss twice daily.
If you have any other questions about how exercise affects oral health, please feel free to give us a call. Our Burlington, MA dental office proudly serves patients from communities in Bedford, Woburn, Billerica, and beyond.
December is upon us, and with the end of 2014 quickly approaching, families from across America are well into the festivities of the holiday season. Today, we’d like to take a moment to talk about a few ways you can keep your family’s smiles shining brightly throughout the merriment of December and on into the New Year. At 
November is officially here, and the end of the year will be here before we know it. While we know that this time of year can be busy – what with holiday season upon us and plenty to do in preparation – we do want to take a moment to remind our valued patients of one important factor regarding dental insurance benefits. To make sure that you’re getting the most from your hard-earned money this year, 
Halloween is just around the corner, and children from across the country are gearing up to head out and stock up on the season’s tastiest sweet treats. While candy and Halloween undoubtedly go hand in hand, it is important to consider the dental damage your child’s holiday haul may cause.
When you think of gum disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps you envision the tell-tale symptoms associated with periodontal infection, picturing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or even tooth loss. While these are certainly a few of the effects of gum disease, there are even more serious complications associated with the condition that are far less conspicuous. At the 
Your tooth enamel is the strongest natural substance in your body, but it can still fall prey to acid-causing bacteria if not cared for properly. Knowing how to protect your smile from tooth decay is one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best. At 
While it is common knowledge that tobacco use can cause your teeth to turn yellow, many patients don’t realize that there are a number of other serious problems directly associated with smoking cigarettes. From my patient focused 
When you think of periodontal disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You may envision images of bleeding gums when you brush or floss, or imagine the chronic bad breath that comes with an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. At my office in 
When visiting a new dental office for the first time, it’s natural to want to know something about the dentist who will be helping you. So, for today’s post, I’d like to talk a little about myself for those who don’t know me.
You already know that sugary foods can hurt your teeth, but do you know how? For today’s post, I want to explain—very briefly—how a poor diet can harm your smile. Knowing more about this process can help you make better choices when it comes to feeding yourself and your loved ones.
