15/05/2026
Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?
Exercise is usually seen as one of the best things you can do for your health. But research suggests there may be a hidden downside for people who train hard – a higher risk of tooth decay and dental problems.
- The research
A study published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology found that elite athletes had unexpectedly high levels of tooth decay and gum disease, and a similar finding appeared in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, which linked heavy training with increased dental erosion and cavities.
- Why would exercise affect teeth?
At first glance, the connection doesn’t seem obvious. But there are several reasons why intense training may increase risk.
One of the main factors is reduced saliva flow during heavy exercise. Saliva plays a crucial role in protecting teeth by neutralising acids and washing away bacteria, so when levels drop, the mouth becomes more vulnerable.
Continue reading on our dental blog: https://bit.ly/48Y83H8
