When we play sports we focus above all on improving our resistance, and muscles and even training our heart and breathing to be able to endure a high training pace.
However, we must never forget to properly take care of our oral health (even when we exercise), as it is closely related to sports performance. What we eat and drink when we play sports, our hygiene habits, and even the possible accidents we may have in contact sports, mean that we have to take our oral health into account when playing sports.
Do you want to know how our mouth and sport are related? Don’t miss what comes next.
Oral problems due to sports
When we play sports, we don’t usually pay attention to everything that can influence our oral health. This is why many athletes end up suffering from oral problems that in the medium term become an impediment to the development of their activity and, therefore, worsen their sporting performance.
Cavities: It is normal that during or after sports practice we drink food and drinks to hydrate ourselves and obtain carbohydrates and minerals. However, all of these products usually contain different acids and sugars that help the formation of cavities.
In addition, energy bars adhere to our teeth, causing the accumulation of bacteria and increasing the risk of cavities and other oral pathologies.
Trauma: Not all sports have a risk of trauma, but it is something to take into account in all exercises that involve contact.
Gum problems: Saliva is one of the great protectors of our mouth and that is why it is very important to stay hydrated at all times. Dehydration associated with sports causes the loss of the protection of our saliva and therefore the accumulation of tartar. If we do not put special emphasis on removing this tartar, inflammation of the gums and, in more serious cases, gingivitis may occur.
Bruxism: The tension that athletes suffer during exercise causes the molars to clench excessively in many cases; leading to greater tooth wear.
Stains on the teeth: These are especially common among those who play sports in swimming pools (which is why it is often called swimmer’s tartar). Don’t worry if you go swimming from time to time, for this to happen you must spend about 6 hours a week in the pool.
Read more The main elements of a structured cabling system
How can I take care of my mouth?
If you practice sports regularly, you should pay special attention to your diet
Finally, if you regularly practice contact sports, keep in mind that there are oral protectors that can protect your mouth from impacts. We recommend that you consider whether you need to use it, especially to prevent any problems you may have with your teeth.
