Exercise and Your Oral Health

Exercise is good for your whole body - including your mouth! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people who exercise have a lower risk of periodontal (gum) disease. Healthy gums mean a healthier body since gum problems can be related to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.  

The Mayo Clinic recommends exercising for about 30 minutes every day. Even short bursts of activity help your body, so don't worry if you can't exercise for 30 minutes at once. The most important thing is to make exercise a regular part of your life. 

While exercising, keep the following tips in mind for a healthy smile. 

Tap Water vs. Bottled Water 

Drinking bottled water isn’t any healthier than drinking regular tap water. Most tap water contains fluoride, which the  American Dental Association (ADA) says is safe and helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Most bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride so be sure to check the label. 

Sports Drinks 

While sports drinks may contain less sugar than juice, they can still hurt your teeth. The sugar in sports drinks mixes with the bacteria in your mouth to make acid that weakens your tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth). And don’t brush right after drinking sports drinks. Wait at least 60 minutes or you could damage any softened enamel. 

Energy Bars 

Energy bars may seem healthy, but many have lots of sugar and are sticky. So they may cause tooth decay, cavities and gums to wear down. If you eat energy bars, rinse your mouth with water afterwards. And remember to wait at least 60 minutes to brush. 

Mouthguards 

Anyone playing sports should wear a mouthguard, says the ADA. They protect your teeth, lips, tongue, face and jaw against injuries. It's much easier to wear a mouthguard than to fix injured teeth! 

Improving the oral health of all is our mission here at DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S. Click here for more helpful oral health tips and information for you and your family.