Exercise and Your Oral Health | Plainfield Oral Surgeon

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Oral Surgeon Joliet

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 sometimes result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in the following ways: 

Increased Risk of Dry Mouth

Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and can cause the mouth to dry out. Dehydration can also cause decreased production of saliva. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent tooth 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. A daily alcohol-free fluoride rinse will protect the demineralization of your teeth that can occur with decreased saliva production. 

Change in Clenching and Grinding Habits: 

Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even crack 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 we can make a custom fitted mouthguard for you.

Consumption of Sugary 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. There are sugar-free or low sugar electrolyte drinks available as well. 

For additional information on protecting your teeth during sports or exercise, our Oral Surgeon Downers Grove office is always here to help. 

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
Url: https://chicagodentalimplants.com/
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467

Oral Surgery After-Care | 60516 Oral Surgeon

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Oral Surgeon Orland Park

Clear communication with our Oral Surgeon Orland Park team is an important step in the healing process. We will consult with you to discuss the necessary steps you should take to facilitate proper healing after your treatment. The majority of treatments we perform are outpatient procedures. This includes dental implant placement and wisdom teeth extractions. You will be sent home shortly after your procedure is complete. It is essential you take proper care of yourself at home to ensure your mouth can fully heal.

Managing Post-Surgical Bleeding

Following surgery, it is important to reduce any bleeding that may occur. Usually within an hour, bleeding tends to slow down. Bleeding may occur for the first several hours following oral surgery. To reduce bleeding, bite firmly down on a clean gauze pad. The area will require firm but gentle pressure. Once the gauze pad is soaked, you may replace it with a clean pad. Some medications can cause longer bleeding times, including aspirin, blood thinners, and NSAIDS (ibuprofen). 

No Sucking, Spitting, or Smoking 

Avoid making sucking or spitting motions with your mouth following surgery. This can sometimes lead to reopening the wound and can cause a dry socket. We advise that patients refrain from drinking with a straw following treatment. If you have to brush and rinse, do it very gently. Smoking is a major no-no; this will greatly impede your healing and lead to dry socket, which is quite painful. 

Stick to Soft Foods 

Most oral surgeries require you to fast prior to your treatment. This means you will likely be hungry following your procedure. Following our instructions, start eating soft foods that are easy to chew. You will also need to drink to replenish your fluids. Water, juice, and milk are good to drink, while foods such as pudding, mashed potatoes, and ice cream are safe to eat. Chew slowly and cautiously, especially if your mouth still feels numb following your procedure.

Take Your Medicine As Prescribed

Our team may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Taking Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours is a common course of action you can take following most surgeries. You can also apply a cold compress over the area of treatment for the first day to reduce swelling.

These simple recommendations will ensure that your healing process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you have any post-op concerns, please contact our Oral Surgeon in Plainfield office. 

Chicago Dental Implants, Oral & Facial Surgery
Phone: (708) 301-5000
Url: https://chicagodentalimplants.com/
10713 W 159th Street
Orland Park, IL 60467