Here’s a running tip that might sound strange: take extra care of your teeth.
Most runners probably know that their sport can cause unwanted side effects like blisters, knee problems, and skin damage. This is why the most cautious runners baby their feet, take joint supplements, and slather on the sunscreen. However, did you know that running can also have a negative effect on your oral health?
According to YouBeauty, a recent study found that athletes face a greater risk of dental erosion. The study was conducted by the School of Dental Medicine at the University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany and published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.
The problem seems to stem from lower saliva flow and increased saliva pH. Runners’ mouths suffer just as much as the rest of their bodies when they become dehydrated, and running with your mouth open can also dry out the teeth and gums. A lack of saliva makes it hard to keep the inside of the mouth clean, and consuming sugary sports drinks and energy bars make the environment inside the mouth even worse.
The best way to combat this problem is by making sure that you consume plenty of water before, during, and after your run. If you don’t want to run with a water bottle, try asking a nice friend to bike with you so that they can carry a bottle or two, or simply run a route that allows you to swing back by your house at least once. You can set a water bottle outside to make it easier to grab. It’s probably best to completely avoid the sugary sports drinks.
You can also try enjoying a salty pre-run snack instead of chowing down on a chewy sports bar loaded with sugar. The salt will help your body retain water. According to Runner’s World, some great salty foods for runners include salted nuts, black olives, V8 Juice (not the reduced sodium variety), and whole-grain pretzels.
After your run, rinse with some mouthwash and get your saliva flow going by chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum. Look for gum that bears the ADA (American Dental Association) seal.
Here’s an even more important running tip: make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss every day. According to WebMD, taking care of your teeth doesn’t just prevent periodontal disease – it can also help prevent heart disease. And of course you want to baby that very important organ so that you can enjoy running for as many years as possible.