Whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend footballer or a regular at the gym, sport can affect your teeth. Sports drinks, energy gels, dry mouth during training and the risk of injury all put teeth at risk. Regular check-ups help active people protect their smile and may even support performance.
Many sports drinks, energy gels and bars are high in sugar and acid. Frequent sipping during long training sessions bathes teeth in sugar and acid, increasing the risk of decay and erosion. Your dentist can spot early signs and advise on protective strategies, such as rinsing with water and using fluoride products.
Breathing through the mouth during intense exercise dries the mouth, reducing saliva's protective effect. Staying hydrated with water and limiting sugary drinks helps.
Contact sports and activities with a risk of falls can chip, crack or knock out teeth. Custom mouthguards provide the best protection.
Many athletes clench their teeth during heavy lifting or intense effort. This can cause wear, jaw pain and headaches. Your dentist can assess and recommend protection.
Dental pain and infection can affect sleep, concentration and training. Some research suggests poor oral health may affect athletic performance.
Your dentist checks for decay, erosion, gum health, injuries and wear, and may recommend fluoride treatments or a custom mouthguard.
Schedule dental treatment away from important competitions to allow recovery time.
A check-up is a good opportunity to have your mouthguard assessed. Over time, guards wear, lose their fit or become damaged, reducing protection. If you have had dental treatment, such as new crowns or orthodontic changes, your mouthguard may no longer fit correctly. Your dentist can check the fit and recommend a replacement if needed. Bring your mouthguard to your appointment so it can be inspected.
Athletes often eat frequently to fuel training, which can mean frequent exposure to sugars and acids. Choosing whole foods, drinking water between meals and timing sugary sports products around training rather than sipping them all day can help protect teeth. Your dentist can work with your nutrition plan to suggest tooth-friendly strategies.
If you need dental treatment such as an extraction or gum surgery, plan a few days of lighter training afterwards. Strenuous exercise can increase bleeding and swelling, and dehydration slows healing. Your dentist will advise when it is safe to return to full training, usually within a few days for simple procedures.
Young athletes in school and club sports are at particular risk of dental injuries and erosion from sports drinks. Parents and coaches can help by encouraging mouthguards, water as the main drink and regular dental check-ups.
They can be high in sugar and acid, increasing the risk of decay and erosion.
For contact sports and activities with fall risk, yes.
Pain and infection can affect sleep, concentration and training.
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