It takes skill, practice and determination to become an athlete. While athletes tend to take great care of their bodies, their mouths are often neglected and can develop some serious oral concerns. With so many factors that can impact the mouths of athletes while they are competing, here are some things to be aware of and what can be done to protect your mouth when playing a sport or getting exercise.
What causes oral problems in athletes?
A number of factors can cause significant dental issues in the mouths of athletes. Whether it is sugary sports beverages doing a number on your teeth or a dangerous fall that could knock your pearly whites out of position, it is vital that you pay attention to your mouth if engaging in physical activities. Issues like dry mouth and sweating can also hurt the overall health of your smile, so be on the lookout for these issues and try to alleviate the problem.
Identifying a dental issue
The easiest way to determine that you may have an issue with your teeth is if you are feeling any pain or discomfort in your mouth. But pain isn’t the only indicator that something might be wrong with your smile. If your teeth are mobile or you experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold items, it might be a good idea to visit your dentist or oral care professional for a checkup.
Protecting your smile
If you are an athlete that relies on sugary sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade to keep you going, try mixing water into your rotation of thirst quenchers. Water is far and away the best drinking option for athletes, keeping your body hydrated and your teeth strong. Strive to drink as much water as possible when competing to ensure your mouth and body are being taken care of.
If you get sick of the monotony of drinking water, seek out low-sugar sports drinks for a tasty way to stay hydrated and receive carbs and electrolytes to keep you moving. These beverages feature significantly less sugar and will help keep cavities and other oral issues from occurring in your mouth while exercising or competing in an athletic activity.
Athletes need to take care of their smiles the same way they take care of their bodies. With a little guidance, athletes can protect their mouths from a range of dental woes. For more information on proper oral hygiene or dentists in Las Vegas, contact BDG today.