Dental Health and Sports Nutrition

Whether we are hardcore athletes, exercise fanatics, or even exercise a couple times a week, what motivates us is the health benefits we get from exercise.  As a result, the reward is a healthier body and mind.  We can maximize our performance by eating and sleeping right, however, what we eat can have a negative effect on our teeth.

The bacteria that harbor in our mouth use sugar as a readily available energy source to produce acid that eventually causes a cavity in the tooth.  The more sugar, the more bacteria will thrive and the more teeth that can be affected.  But it is important to know, during strenuous exercise, we usually breathe through our mouths, producing a dry-mouth.  Once the amount of saliva is decreased, the oral environment becomes even more susceptible to the growth of bacteria.  Since exercise can occur everyday for many people, the decay-causing event will occur day after day.

Be aware of the following things that we eat and drink that can promote tooth decay:
     -Sport drinks
     -Gummy and sticky sports candy, i.e. Bloks and Beans
     -Tablets
     -Energy bars
     -Cookies and wafers
 
Although we aren't going to forego the nutrition that we need while in pursuit of our sport or exercise goals, and no one would recommend that,  here are some suggestions and recommendations:

1.  Carry a bottle of pure water while your exercising.  Rinse with water after eating or drinking something sugary.
2.  Wait 30 minutes after the intake of sports drinks before brushing.  The acid in the drink can cause a temporary softening of the tooth surface.  The tooth is now more susceptible to abrasive wear from the toothbrush bristles and toothpaste.  Your own saliva needs some time to neutralize the acid.
3.  The use of xylitol-containing products (like gum or mints) help inhibit the growth of bacteria and can
help relieve dryness in the mouth through the increase of salivary production.
4.  And of course, get regular dental check-ups and exams.  Based on your eating habits, we at K&L Family Dental can always recommend nutritional advise, or an appropriate fluoride treatment to help preserve your teeth in the pursuit of your sport!

Please visit us at www.klfamilydental.com or call 630-653-7700 with any questions.