Water is essential for keeping you hydrated, which is crucial for a healthy body. It's also important for a healthy mouth.
Saliva's Role in Oral Heath
Your saliva keeps your mouth moist. But it also does a whole lot more than that. Saliva contains antibacterial enzymes that help to kill, and then wash away, the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Maintaining a good salivary flow is important for regulating the bacteria in your mouth.
Exercise and Dehydration
When you exercise, your body uses the water it contains to work your muscles. Some is leeched out of your body in the form of sweat. As the water disappears, you become dehydrated. This has a negative impact on your entire body, including your mouth.
Dehydration limits your salivary flow, which, in turn, leads to dry mouth. A dry mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. And without sufficient saliva, your mouth cannot combat bacteria as they continue to multiply. This then increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Carry Your Water Bottle
In order to combat dry mouth while you work out, don't forget to bring your water bottle along. And more importantly, don't forget to drink it. Water is your best defense against dehydration and keeping your body and mouth healthy.
Sports drinks may be tempting because they replace electrolytes, but they also contain sugars and acid, both of which are harmful to your teeth. If you want to have a sports drink with you during your workout, make sure that you bring water to drink afterward. Doing so will help to wash away the sugars and acids, protecting your teeth and gums.
Don't let a dry mouth while you exercise this spring destroy your mouth. Pack a water bottle when you head out for your exercise this spring, and keep your mouth in top condition.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about your dry mouth.
