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21/07/2024Sport and oral health: how exercise affects your mouth
Sport is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that it can also influence your oral health? At Dentsana Clinic, we want our patients to understand how sports practice can affect their mouth and what measures to take to prevent dental problems. A good oral health not only improves your smile, but can also boost your athletic performance.
Relationship between sport and dental caries
Athletes often consume sugary and acidic sports drinks to stay hydrated and energised during training. These drinks, while helpful for performance, can lower the pH of saliva below the critical level of 5.5, leading to demineralisation of tooth enamel and the formation of cavities. In addition, poor oral hygiene and a diet high in carbohydrates increase this risk.
Relevant studies:
- A study by Frese et al. found that there is a direct correlation between athletes' weekly training hours and their caries rate. A one-hour increase in weekly training increased the caries rate by 0.24.
- Another study conducted during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London revealed that many athletes had poor oral hygiene and multiple dental treatment needs.
Recommendations:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth after every meal with fluoride toothpaste.
- Limit consumption of sugary and acidic sports drinks, and opt for water or sugar-free drinks to hydrate during exercise.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.
Gingival health and sport
Gums can also be adversely affected by sports, especially when consuming sports drinks with a high carbohydrate content that have a pro-inflammatory effect. A decrease in salivary flow during exercise can also lead to gingival disease.
Key research:
- In a study of professional football players from the Barcelona Football Club, a positive correlation was found between dental plaque values and gingival index.
- During the 2012 Summer Olympics, the majority of athletes were found to have poor gingival health, and the importance of ethnicity on gingival health was highlighted.
Tips to prevent gum disease:
- Perform a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing to remove plaque.
- Avoid sports drinks high in sugars and carbohydrates, or consume these drinks in moderation.
- Consider using antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce plaque build-up and keep your gums healthy.
Dental erosion in athletes
Tooth erosion is a growing problem among athletes, and it's not just an aesthetic issue. Picture the scene: a professional cyclist, exhausted after an intense workout, takes a sip of his favourite energy drink. What many do not know is that this simple action can trigger a process that seriously affects their teeth.
Sports and carbonated beverages contain acids that can wear down tooth enamel. This loss of enamel not only causes tooth sensitivity, but also leaves teeth more vulnerable to decay. The combination of excessive sweating and consumption of acidic beverages creates the perfect environment for tooth erosion.
Important facts:
- A study of swimmers and cyclists revealed that cyclists, who consume more energy drinks and bars, have a higher incidence of dental erosion.
- Swimmers training in pools with chlorinated water and low pH values also have a high frequency of dental erosion.
Prevention and care: To protect your teeth, it is essential to keep a few practical tips in mind. Limit your intake of acidic drinks and opt for water or calcium-containing drinks that can help neutralise acids. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks, as this can worsen enamel wear. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Also, incorporate foods rich in calcium and phosphate, such as cheese, after consuming acidic foods and drinks to help remineralise your teeth.
Importance of saliva
Saliva is the silent hero of our oral health. This often underestimated essential fluid plays a crucial role in protecting our teeth and gums. During exercise, especially long and intense sessions, saliva production can decrease considerably, and this has significant implications for our oral health.
Saliva not only helps neutralise acids in the mouth, but also acts as a natural cleanser, removing food debris and bacteria. Without adequate saliva, our teeth and gums are more susceptible to decay and infection.
Studies and findings:
- Research shows that physical activity can reduce the amount of saliva produced due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system and vasoconstriction of the salivary glands.
- Reduced salivary flow and increased pH during and after exercise are related to the intake of sports drinks.
Recommendations: To maintain adequate saliva levels, it is vital to stay well hydrated before, during and after exercise. Opt for water instead of acidic sports drinks and consider using sugar-free chewing gum or lozenges that stimulate saliva production. In addition, maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients will help promote healthy saliva production. Next time you're preparing for a training session, remember that your mouth needs attention and care too.
Prevention of dental trauma
Contact sports present a high risk of dental trauma, which can have long-term consequences. Wearing mouthguards and proper protective equipment is essential to prevent serious injuries.
Data and statistics:
- Between 13% and 39% of all dental incidents are sport-related, with cycling being the sport with the highest incidence of dental injuries, followed by basketball and football.
- Common injuries include soft tissue lacerations, coronary fractures and dental avulsions.
Recommendations to prevent trauma:
- Always wear mouth and face protection when playing contact sports.
- Ensure that protective equipment is properly fitted and in good condition.
- Ask your dentist about the best mouthguards for your specific sport and needs.
Oral health is an integral part of overall wellness and sports performance. At Dentsana Clinic, we are committed to providing you with the best dental care so you can enjoy your favourite sport without worry. Prevention and proper care are essential to maintain a healthy mouth and optimal performance. Visit us regularly and follow our recommendations to ensure excellent oral health and maximise your athletic performance.
