Can Sports Affect Your Gums?
This article will take you 5 minutes to read
While exercising provides numerous physical1 and mental benefits2, it can sometimes negatively impact your oral health. This article explores how sports affect oral health and shares best practices to protect your teeth and gums while enjoying your favorite activities.
Dental Injuries
Whether you enjoy the camaraderie of team sports or the disciplined focus of combat sports, both offer benefits beyond physical fitness. Team sports encourage activity and build friendships, while combat sports foster stress relief, resilience, and community. However, both carry a risk of dental injuries.
The American Dental Association strongly recommends wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during contact or high-impact activities3. A mouthguard not only reduces the risk of dental and orofacial injuries but also minimizes their severity. It should securely cover the upper teeth and act as a resilient barrier for both teeth and soft tissues. Educating athletes about the importance of mouthguard use is essential for injury protection.
Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Intense workouts are excellent for stress relief but can surprisingly affect your gum health. Solo workouts may lower the risk of contact-related dental injuries, but they come with their own challenges. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, often triggered during high-intensity exercises, can wear down enamel, expose sensitive layers, and increase discomfort, ultimately compromising gum health4. To protect your gums, be mindful of these habits and seek dental advice if necessary.
Salivary pH Changes
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral and gum health5. It moistens the mouth, aids in chewing and tasting, fights germs and microorganisms, and protects against cavities and gum problems. However, intense workouts can decrease saliva production, increasing the risk of cavities.
A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition highlights the importance of staying hydrated during exercise6. Experts recommend drinking mineral water and eating hydrating foods during workouts to avoid increasing the risk of cavities. Dental professionals also advise educating athletes and coaches about the potential risks of sports drinks, which can reduce saliva production and affect dental health.
Consumption of Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are popular among athletes for their electrolyte content and recovery benefits. However, they can negatively impact oral health due to their high sugar content and acidic composition.
Although sports drinks are often marketed as healthier alternatives to soda, a 355 mL bottle can still contain around 21 grams of sugar, often in the form of high-fructose corn syrup or sucrose. The citric acid used for flavoring erodes enamel, leaving teeth more vulnerable to cavities and discomfort.
While factors like hygiene and genetics play a role, frequent consumption of sports drinks can negatively impact dental health. Even sports gels and chews contain similar ingredients, potentially posing similar risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my gums hurt after a workout?
Jaw and tooth discomfort after exercising is relatively common7. It may be caused by teeth grinding (bruxism), sensitivity to cold, sinus issues, or other gum problems. If the discomfort persists, consult your dentist.
What alternatives are there to sugary sports drinks?
Healthier alternatives to sugary sports drinks include fortified orange juice, which provides electrolytes and antioxidants like hesperidin that may help reduce hypertension, and coconut water, which is rich in potassium and natural sugars, offering effective hydration. Adding a pinch of salt to coconut water can further enhance endurance during prolonged exercise8.
What type of mouthguard is best for different exercises?
Mouthguards are essential dental appliances that protect your teeth during sports. They come in three main types9: custom-made for the best comfort and protection, boil-and-bite for a cost-effective balance, and stock mouthguards, which are pre-made but offer minimal protection and can interfere with breathing and speaking.
References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
2. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/benefits-of-sports-for-mental-health
3. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/athletic-mouth-protectors-mouthguards
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095
5. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-is-saliva
6. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-49
7. https://mcgannoralsurgery.com/tooth-pain-exercise/
8. https://www.businessinsider.com/healthy-sports-drink-alternatives-according-to-dietitians-2019-5
9. https://meadowviewdentistry.com/sports-mouthguards-essential-equipment/
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