Happy new year! If one of your resolutions for 2026 is to work out more often, congratulations on being proactive about your wellness. But while exercise does do a body good, be careful! Studies have shown that while getting fit will benefit your overall health, it can sometimes be detrimental to your oral health. Here’s a closer look at how, and what you can do to protect your smile and prevent dental emergencies while you get stronger!
Dental Damage
Dental damage is one of the most common dangers of any fitness routine. Whether it’s being accidentally hit in the mouth with a ball or elbow, or the pressure created when you grit your teeth during a particularly strenuous routine, your teeth are subjected to a lot. The best way to protect them from this type of injury while you exercise is to speak to your dentist about a protective sports guard or mouthguard. These appliances are custom fit to your individual mouth, so they’re extremely comfortable and easy to use. Best of all, studies have shown they protect an estimated 200,000 preventable sports-related injuries each year!
Sugary Sports Drinks
Sports drinks help keep you hydrated while you exercise and may even provide a boost of important electrolytes. Unfortunately, many of them are packed with artificial sweeteners, colors, and acid. In fact, one study found that just consuming them for five days causes damage to the teeth! Thus, swap the fancy beverage for good, old-fashioned water, which not only hydrates the mouth and body, but won’t damage your teeth in the process!
Saliva Quality
While most people don’t think much about the quantity or quality of their saliva, the truth is that it’s more important than you might realize. That’s because saliva doesn’t just keep your mouth moisturized, but it also contains proteins that can help prevent tooth decay. Unfortunately, however, working out has been shown to not just reduce the amount of saliva your mouth creates, but also increase its alkalinity, which in turn neutralizes those helpful proteins. To combat this, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider adding a hydrating mouthwash to your daily oral hygiene routine to keep bad bacteria at bay while helping to keep saliva levels up.
Mouth Breathing
Finally, while you may not realize you’re mouth breathing while you work out, exercise can often increase this behavior, drying out the mouth as you move. This once again highlights the importance of staying hydrated with plenty of water to keep your blood pumping and your mouth moist as you go.
Remember, physical fitness is an admirable pursuit to start in the new year, but don’t forget to protect your smile, too. To learn more about how to keep your mouth healthy and strong and prevent dental emergencies while you get fit in 2026, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Premier Dental Care, we understand that dental emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we’re proud to offer same-day appointments and calming dental sedation to make your treatment more comfortable. If you are experiencing an urgent oral health problem, don’t wait until your regular exam and cleaning to get help! Call us today at 703-860-8860 for immediate assistance!