How to Keep Your Teeth as Healthy as Your Body at He's Fit

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How to Keep Your Teeth as Healthy as Your Body

Posted November 9, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Fitness, Cardio Training, His Health, Physical Health, His Nutrition

man brushing teeth Let’s be honest - how much do you really worry about your oral health? Though we log in hours at the gym, wake up early to take morning jogs, and watch what we eat to keep off those extra pounds, how many of us actually take time to care for our teeth outside of the normal brushing and flossing routine? Unfortunately, as healthy as we keep our bodies, the California Dental Hygienists’ Association (CDHA) warns that oral health is just as important. In fact, the very exercise and diet regimes we stick to in order to keep us strong and fit may in fact be damaging the health of our teeth.

Here’s the deal - the consumption of sports drinks or gels and high amounts of carbohydrates, though beneficial to our bodies in some cases, can actually put our teeth at risk. According to the CDHA, the sugar present in sports drinks and gels contributes to an increased risk of tooth decay. In addition, researchers have found that the breakdown of carbohydrates leads to higher acidity in the mouth, which also contributes to the potential for decay. Furthermore, even the phenomenon of “cotton mouth” - a condition many distance runners and cyclists experience - can be detrimental to our oral health.

Luckily, these are all problems that have solutions. For starters, don’t get lazy about your normal brushing routine. The CDHA strongly advises that brushing and flossing daily are the best defense against tooth decay. It also helps to have a cup of water or ice handy during your workouts to use as a mouth rinse after downing those sports drinks, or even as a remedy for dry mouth. Dentists also recommend getting familiar with xylitol, a substance used as a sugar substitute that greatly reduces risk of tooth decay.

Just remember - don’t take your oral health for granted. Your teeth are just as important as the rest of your body. With these steps, along with regular visits to the dentist, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your teeth in pristine condition.

Research sources and for more information: [Medical News Today], [Xylitol.org], [National Library for Health]; [picture]