Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?

Dentist in Bellingham, WA

Posted on March 18, 2020December 9, 2024

Exercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth? Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including:

Decreased Saliva Flow: Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent decay. To prevent decay caused by a dry mouth, learn to breathe through the nose during exercise and hydrate with water before, during, and after your workout. You can also brush your teeth before you exercise to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.

Jaw Clenching: Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even cracked teeth. To protect teeth from the effects of clenching, consider using a mouthguard. These can be purchased at most drugstores or sporting goods stores or our dentist can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consuming Sports Drinks: Studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to the teeth than water. The citric acid they contain can soften the tooth enamel so much that even brushing can cause tooth damage. Taking frequent, small sips of sugary liquids increases the chance of tooth decay. Avoiding the use of sports drinks and hydrating with water instead can prevent these negative effects. If you feel you must use sports drinks, don’t drink small amounts over an extended period of time, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and avoid brushing immediately after consuming.

Contact Love Dentistry to schedule your next preventative dental appointment.

Statement on COVID-19

Dentist in Bellingham, WA

Posted on March 16, 2020

As the growing concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads, we want to help put your mind at ease as you continue to care for your oral health at Love Dentistry. The health and well-being of our patients and staff remain our top priority.

If you are visiting our office here is what you need to know:

Love Dentistry team is sanitizing the entire building at regular intervals throughout the day. We are paying careful attention to door knobs, light switches, countertops and other ‘high traffic’ surfaces and areas.
A hand sanitizer station is provided for your safety and convenience in the reception area, each patient room and thru-out our office.
We commit to staying on track of developments through the CDC, and will take any precautions necessary in order to protect our clients, team and visitors.
If you have an upcoming appointment and have recently traveled outside of the country, we ask that you have been self-quarantined for 14 days and symptom free before coming to your appointment.
We have removed all magazines and shared items from our reception area and operatories
In addition, if you are limiting your exposure to the public or would like to reschedule your appointment, we will be happy to do that.

As we continue to move through this situation, we encourage all patients and our team to take preventative measures such as:

Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and warm water.
If patients wish to sit in their car instead of the waiting area, just call or text office to let us know you are here for you appointment and we will call or text you when we are ready to bring you back to the patient rooms.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you must go out, wear a face mask.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Throw used tissues in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

For up-to-the-minute information on Coronavirus/COVID-19, and how to protect yourself and your family, please visit the www.cdc.gov

This is a constantly changing situation. We will be continuously monitoring CDC recommendations, American Dental Association recommendations, and forums with our professional colleagues. If there are any questions, feel free to call our office at 360-752-1600 or email us directly at [email protected]

The Benefits of Adult Dental Sealants

Dentist in Bellingham, WA

Posted on March 5, 2020December 9, 2024

Although dental sealants are often associated with pediatric dentistry, they can be a beneficial option for adults as well. A dental sealant is a protective, plastic film that helps prevent tooth decay.

Even with at home oral health care, there are areas of the mouth that can be difficult to reach, making it tough to properly clean. Our Bellingham dentist can determine whether dental sealants are a viable option in helping give you extra protection from tooth decay.

Our goal is to make every one of your dental visits as comfortable as possible. Applying dental sealants is a quick procedure, which offers substantial benefits. According to the American Dental Association, adult sealants are an effective solution to cavity prevention and in preventing the progression of an early non-cavitated tooth lesion.

With proper at home care and regular professional cleanings, dental sealants can last up to 10 years while effectively preventing tooth decay.

Contact Love Dentistry for more information about dental sealants and to schedule a cleaning with our Bellingham family dentist.