Tips to Avoid Dental Cavities- For Athletes and Health Freaks

According to recent studies published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, International Journal of Sports Medicine and British Journal of Sports Medicine, endurance exercises bear potential to damage ones teeth.

The prime felons being

1. Sports drinks.
2. Improper breathing.

SPORTS DRINKS:  Most sought-after drinks during and/or after exercises in order to replenish the lost electrolytes from the body.
These treasured sports drinks play a pivotal role in developing cavities in teeth, merely due to the HIGH SUGAR levels it contains. Sugar, is an ally to cavity causing bacteria, whose breakdown releases acids detrimental to oral health. Apart from sugars, sports drinks are loaded with artificial sweeteners and/or High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) that accelerate the bacterial attack on teeth.

HFCS is known to cause obesity,cancer, heart diseases,dementia, liver failure and more. It may even contain mercury and other harmful chemicals that are poisonous to one's body.

Say NO to Sports Drinks

Thus, it has become necessary to resort to healthier options to restore these lost electrolytes.

• ALTERNATIVES: Substituting sports drinks with natural drinks will not only improve ones oral health but also general health. Healthier options of electrolyte rich drinks/beverages/ foodstuffs are:

1. Coconut water
2. Lime juice without sugar
3. Orange juice without sugar
4. Dark cherry juice without sugar
5. Plain Yogurt
6. Milk
7. Banana
8. Pumpkin seeds
9. Nuts like almond and cashew
10. Spinach

Note: Citric fruits are known to be erosive on teeth, so they should be consumed in moderation. Nevertheless, they are better than sports drinks.

IMPROPER BREATHING: Athletes commonly complain of difficulty in breathing during/ following rigorous, endurance exercises. This is primarily attributed to improper breathing techniques. Majority of the runners either breathe through their mouth or perform shallow,nasal breathing, that leave them dehydrated or gasping for breath. A dehydrated mouth is a play-ground for cavity causing bacteria. Apart from this, mouth breathing also causes inflammation of the gums. Thus, to avoid these, performing deep nasal breathing is compulsory.

Following video will teach you how to breath while running, and all other factors associated with a good run.

A Good Posture while running, is a pre-requisite for efficient breathing. One must employ controlled, conscious, diaphragmatic breathing to avoid breathlessness during running.

Also, check out the following article for step-by-step guidance on Pranayama Breathing, a yogic breathing technique that will help athletes cover extra miles with ease.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/health/yoga-for-runners-position-1---pranayama-breathing/6735.html

Take-home message : Adopt these simple measures and be treated to a wholesome living.