Is your gym routine ageing your teeth?
Updated: 6 days ago
Do You Know? For patients.
Studies of elite athletes have repeatedly found poor oral health, despite their focus on fitness. Regular gym-goers share many of the same risks.
Where the risks come from
Sports and energy drinks sipped through a workout keep teeth bathed in acid and sugar.
Breathing through the mouth during hard exercise dries the mouth, and saliva is the main protection teeth have.
Clenching during heavy lifts puts high forces on teeth and can chip edges or crack fillings.
Frequent snacking on bars and shakes adds sugar exposures.
Simple fixes
Drink water during training.
Rinse with water after sports drinks.
If you clench when lifting, ask about a sports guard.
Keep fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
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Related: Teeth grinding and jaw pain
This article is general information and not a substitute for an examination.
Reference
Needleman I, et al. Consensus statement: oral health and elite sport performance. Br Dent J. 2014;217(10):587-90. doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.1000
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