Dental Cautions for Athletes

During the cold winter months, you may think that playing sports is a good idea to stay active and warm. Common winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and hockey, can keep your body in good shape, but they can be just as dangerous as summer sports. Visit Dr. Jeffrey Allen to protect your mouth from athletic damage.

Hydration

Even when it’s cold outside, strenuous physical activity can wear your body out and cause you to become dehydrated. Long training and practice sessions cause you to breath through your mouth more, which results in decreased saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is necessary to keep your mouth moist and clean. To quench their thirst, about 84 percent of athletes rely on sports drinks to keep them hydrated and energized. Sports drinks generally contain a lot of sugar and are very acidic. These factors can contribute to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, staining, and tooth erosion. Water is always the healthiest choice to keep your body hydrated and strong.

Carbs

About 94 percent of athletes consume carbohydrate-rich foods to give their body a boost of power and excel their performance. The bacteria in your mouth thrive off sugars and carbohydrates to destroy your teeth. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with all the proper nutrients will keep your body and your smile strong.

Injuries

Many mouth injuries and emergencies are caused by accidents and falling. Whether you trip on grass or slip on ice, if you fall you could damage your smile. Dr. Allen recommends a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect against breaking or knocking out your teeth.
While practicing their sports, athletes also need to practice proper oral hygiene behaviors to prevent their activities from damaging their smiles. You, as well, should take a break from training to visit Dr. Allen every six months for professional treatments.

An Invitation for Your Family

Dr. Jeffrey Allen provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Call (641) 628-1121 today to schedule a checkup and cleaning, cosmetic consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.