Why Do Your Teeth Hurt When You Exercise?

Part of a healthy lifestyle involves staying active. Whether you like to go hiking on the weekends, or you prefer to head to the gym before you go to work in the morning, your body is gaining a lot from the activities that you take part in. However, one part of your body that could be looking at trouble is your mouth. While the rest of your body is benefiting, your oral health could be declining. Continue reading to learn the reason behind tooth pain during exercise and what you can do to protect your smile.

How Does Exercising Hurt Your Smile?

While exercise is great and necessary, there are a few ways that it could be harming your smile. Here are the most prominent:

• Sports drinks: Bright colored, fruit flavored sports drinks were invented in order to help replenish electrolytes during and after grueling workouts. However, they are very harmful for your teeth. They are even worse than juice and soda! This is because they are highly acidic and contribute to enamel erosion. This means that you are more likely to experience cavities and tooth sensitivity.
• Mouth Breathing: When you are exercising, you may find yourself breathing heavier and through your mouth more in order to increase the amount of oxygen in your body. The problem is that when you do this too long, you could suffer from dry mouth. This is when there isn’t enough saliva, and bacteria have the perfect environment to thrive. This means that you are at higher risk for halitosis, tooth decay, and gum disease. You may also experience pain when you are taking cold air into your mouth.
• Jaw Clenching: After enduring a high intensity workout, jaw clenching and teeth grinding could be something that you subconsciously do. This can become a problem over time because you are putting too much stress on your teeth and jaw joints.

How Do You Protect Your Smile When Exercising?

Don’t let this information be an excuse for you not to work out. Exercise is necessary for your body. Here are a few things you can do while exercising in order to prevent oral health issues and keep your smile safe:

• Drink Water: Instead of sipping on sports drinks too much, just stick to water. If you’re worried about replenishing your electrolytes, try coconut water as an alternative. There is no added sugar, and it tastes delicious.
• Breathe Through Your Nose: Make an effort to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth. You don’t want to deal with issues associated with dry mouth.
• Ask About Oral Appliances: If you think teeth grinding or jaw clenching is something that you do, ask your dentist about oral appliances. They provide a thin barrier to protect your jaw, teeth, and facial muscles.

It’s super important that you keep moving, but you also don’t want to deal with a dental emergency. Follow the tips listed above so you can stay fit while keeping your smile healthy!

About the Author

Dr. Samuel E. Woolwine III earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Virginial Commonwealth University before being inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, which is the National Dental Honor Society for students. It is reserved for students who have demonstrated excellence in character, scholarship, and professional growth. For more ways to keep your smile healthy or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lynchburg, visit his website or call (434) 847-5331.