You might think the only thing at risk during a tough workout is a pulled muscle, but a dentist has warned that your teeth could be taking a hit too.
Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a GDC-registered independent dentist whose services are accessible through Longevita, has warned that gritting your teeth during workouts, along with guzzling energy drinks, protein shakes and gummy supplements, could cause lasting damage to your teeth.
Teeth Clenching
According to Dr Gizem: “One thing that easily slips under the radar is how tightly people clench their teeth during weightlifting.
That, on its own, can result in cracks forming on the teeth, increasing sensitivity. Additionally, because this action “draws strength” from the jaw, it can also cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.”
Energy Drinks
Adding to this problem is the consumption of energy drinks before or during exercise, notes the dentist.
“Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and are often used as a substitute for water to push through a workout. However, caffeine causes dry mouth. It reduces the production of saliva, which acts as a natural mouth cleanser.
These drinks are also acidic, and constant exposure can cause minerals in the tooth enamel to dissolve, a process called demineralisation. Over time, this can lead to enamel erosion and cavities“
Protein Shakes
The rise of “healthy” or “low-calorie” sports drinks has led many fitness enthusiasts to believe they’ve fou
Another popular beverage among gym-goers is the protein shake, and according to Dr Gizem, the fruit-flavoured ones can be particularly problematic.
“There’s an unusually large amount of sugar in fruit-flavoured protein shakes. This sugar then becomes a food source for the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
As bacteria break down this sugar, they produce acid that damages the enamel. And it doesn’t even matter how much sugar is consumed, the problem is that it lowers the pH of the mouth, which accelerates the demineralisation process.”
Furthermore, Dr Gizem warns that artificially sweetened drinks, like those containing aspartame or sucralose, may seem less harmful than others, but their acidic nature can still cause enamel erosion in the long run.
and a safer alternative to traditional energy beverages. “People sometimes prefer sugar-free or artificially sweetened products, thinking they are healthier,” explains Dr. Gizem.
The expert warns: “While artificially sweetened drinks may seem less harmful to the teeth compared to sugary ones, their acidic nature can still lead to enamel erosion in the long term. From an oral-health perspective, sports drinks containing glucose and fructose increase the risk of cavities because both their sugar and acid content damage the tooth enamel. Artificially sweetened drinks may be less harmful metabolically, but they can still harm the enamel over time.”
Pre-Workout Gummies
Another thing that poses risks to the mouth is pre-workout gummies, according to the dentist. “While they are trendy and tasty, their stickiness is problematic. Since they adhere directly to the furcation (root) areas and surfaces of the teeth, the acid remains on the enamel for a longer period of time and speeds up erosion.”
Mouth Breathing
Among other things, Dr Gizem suggests that gym-goers should be aware of how much they breathe through their mouths when exercising. With sweating and possibly not drinking enough water, you may end up with a dry mouth that can result in bad breath, as well as damage the enamel of your teeth.
How Can Gym-Goers Protect Their Teeth
To best protect the teeth, Dr Gizem advises the following to all gym enthusiasts:
- Drink water: This doesn’t mean you must only drink water. If you’re drinking an energy drink, perhaps alternate every sip with water. In this way, the pH balance is maintained and the teeth are not constantly exposed to acidic liquids. Also, since mouth breathing is not always avoidable while exercising, it’s best to take small sips of water frequently.
- Try nose breathing: Dry mouth can be mitigated to some extent by exhaling through the nose rather than the mouth whenever possible. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water after your workout so you don’t end up with a dry mouth.
- Avoid teeth clenching: Although it’s easier said than done, you must avoid clenching your teeth to reduce the pressure on your teeth and jaw joint.
