Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body — it strengthens your heart, improves your mood, and boosts your overall health. But while hitting the gym or the running trail can do wonders for your fitness, it can also have some surprising downsides for your smile. Believe it or not, certain exercise habits can put your teeth and gums at risk. Here are 5 ways exercise can harm your oral health and what you can do to protect your winning smile while staying active.
1. Mouth Breathing Leads to Dry Mouth
When you work out, especially during intense cardio sessions, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. Mouth breathing dries out saliva, which is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva helps wash away bacteria, neutralize acids, and keep your enamel strong.
Without enough moisture, your mouth becomes an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath, cavities, and gum irritation. To combat this, stay hydrated before, during, and after workouts. If possible, try to breathe through your nose when exercising and rinse your mouth with water after intense activity.
2. Sports Drinks Can Erode Enamel
Many athletes rely on sports drinks to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, but these colorful beverages are often loaded with sugar and acid. In fact, some sports drinks are almost as harmful to your teeth as soda. The acid softens your enamel, and the sugar feeds bacteria that produce decay-causing acid.
Even sipping on these drinks over time — like during a long run or bike ride — exposes your teeth to a constant acid bath. To protect your teeth, opt for water as your primary source of hydration. If you do drink sports drinks, use a straw, avoid swishing them in your mouth, and rinse with water afterward.
3. Clenching and Grinding During Workouts
Many people subconsciously clench or grind their teeth when lifting weights or pushing through a tough workout. This habit, known as bruxism, can wear down enamel, cause tooth fractures, and even lead to jaw pain and headaches.
If you notice that your jaw feels sore after exercise or you tend to grit your teeth during heavy lifting, consider wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard. It cushions your teeth, reduces pressure, and prevents long-term damage.
4. Dehydration Reduces Saliva Production
Exercise naturally causes you to sweat, and if you don’t replace lost fluids, dehydration sets in — not just in your body, but in your mouth as well. Dehydration slows saliva flow, which increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Carry a water bottle with you and sip regularly during your workout. Avoid excessive caffeine or energy drinks, as these can further dry out your mouth.
5. Diet and Supplements Can Affect Oral Health
Athletes often rely on high-protein diets, meal replacement shakes, and supplements to support performance. However, many of these products are acidic or contain added sugars that can harm your teeth. Protein bars, for instance, may stick to enamel and feed bacteria, while pre-workout drinks are often both sugary and acidic.
To keep your mouth healthy, read nutrition labels carefully. Choose low-sugar options, rinse with water after consuming supplements, and maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine.
Exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but your oral health shouldn’t be left behind. Mouth breathing, sugary drinks, teeth grinding, and dehydration can all take a toll on your teeth and gums. By staying hydrated, using a mouthguard, and being mindful of your workout diet, you can keep your smile strong and bright, both in and out of the gym.
About the Practice
Have sports or other activities landed you in a dental emergency situation? Here at Dental Designs of Maryland Columbia, our caring and experienced team of dentists is here for you. If you have one or more damaged teeth, we offer same-day CEREC dental restorations to get your smile back in shape. Concerned about costs? We accept and maximize dental insurance benefits! If you’re in pain, don’t wait a second longer – schedule an appointment online or call (443) 542-9519.