Athletes: Don't Forget About Your Teeth!

While athletes spend hours perfecting their body and keeping it healthy, they often forget about their teeth. Athletes face extra hazards when it comes to oral hygiene.

Runners, cyclists, and other athletes can often experience "cotton mouth." This is when the mouth becomes dry due to an increased air intake which in turn reduces saliva. Saliva forms a protective coating around our teeth, so when we experience cotton mouth we are at a higher risk for dental decay.

This problem is only made worse when athletes go to quench their thirst. Sports drinks, gels, and special diets that are consumed during races and training only create more problems. The sugar and carbohydrates found in these items increase the overall acidity in the mouth.

Don't stop working out though! Here are some helpful hints that can help protect you and your mouth:

• Chew gum between workouts and meals to help your teeth become re-mineralized
  
• Use sports drinks that contain xylitol as a sweetener instead
• Rinse your mouth out with water or ice after consuming a sports drink or bar