Does Running Lead to Worse Oral Health?

Image Via Runner's World

Aside from overuse injuries and skin cancer, runners score well on most measures of good health. But another red flag has been raised by new research: Runners may suffer higher risks of tooth erosion and cavities.

In the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, a team of German dental researchers report significantly higher tooth erosion in triathletes than in non-athletes. In addition, the researchers found that athletes who engaged in more weekly training had more cavities than those who trained less.

“The triathletes’ high carbohydrate consumption, including sports drinks, gels, and bars during training, can lower the mouth’s pH below the critical mark of 5.5,” Cornelia Frese told Runner’s World Newswire. “That can lead to dental erosion and caries. Also, the athletes breathe through the mouth during hard exercise. The mouth gets dry, and produces less saliva, which normally protects the teeth.”

Frese, a marathoner, is a researcher in the Department of Conservative Dentistry at the University Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany. She and her husband, triathlete Falko Friese, were part of a team that investigated the dental health of 35 triathletes who trained almost 10 hours a week with a mix of cycling, running, and swimming. The athletes were examined for cavities and tooth erosion. They also took a saliva test both at rest and while exercising. All results were compared to the control group.

Both groups had an average age of 36, but the athletes were significantly lighter, with lower BMIs. This leanness is known to correlate with many positive health outcomes.

From a questionnaire, the researchers learned that 46 percent of the athletes consumed sports drinks while training, and 51 percent water. Seventy-four percent used gels or bars.

Results from the various dental tests revealed no statistically significant difference in cavities between the two groups, although the athletes who trained the most had the most cavities. Type of sports beverage consumed was also not linked to cavities. However, there was a highly significant difference in tooth erosion, with the athletes having more.

At rest, members of the two groups had similar saliva profiles. However, when they began exercising, the athletes produced less saliva and it was acidic (i.e., pH lower than 7). Also, the degree of acidity increased with the length of time exercising. The exercise test given to the athletes lasted just 36 minutes on average. Saliva is considered important to good tooth health.

“Based on these findings, it can be suggested that endurance training has detrimental effects on oral health,” the researchers write. “Additionally, there is a need for exercise-adjusted oral hygiene regimes and nutritional modifications in the field of sports dentistry.”

Cornelia Friese told Newswire that her team is looking into possible modifications. “We are conducting a randomized, controlled clinical trial with 55 endurance athletes to test special toothpastes and mouth rinses," she said. "If we could find a superior product that athletes can apply before training, that would be the ideal prevention.”

Until then, it would seem prudent to brush your teeth following a run, particularly if you have consumed various carbs during the run or after it.

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Brush up your skills for the better oral health

Right from a sparkling smile to chewing up all the good nutrition, the series of benefits are the reason for maintaining a good oral health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential, irrespective of your age and gender. If there is a problem with your teeth or is out of shape, dentist provides you with the clear braces treatment. Some also go for the teeth whitening and straightening treatment. If you want to be free from all the teeth and mouth diseases that need these treatments, it is advisable to take the preventive measures.

There are some very important tips for taking care of your teeth and gums. Let us go through them once so that we can avoid those problems.

1. It is advisable to start taking care as soon as the first tooth of the kid appears. It can be gently wiped off with a damp cloth. Then, they should be taught and allowed to brush their teeth on their own at the age of two; although your supervision is must. This should be done to prevent them from the decay and cavities at an early age.

2. It is advisable to brush thoroughly twice-a-day using fluoridated toothpaste.

3. Avoid the acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit juices as well as sugary foods. Such foods soften the tooth material which causes holes in the teeth known as cavities.

4. Take care and protect your teeth from the injury. If they are injured and take care of the knocked out teeth while eating and brushing.

5. Visit the dentists regularly for the normal check up so that the diseases can be detected and fixed as early as possible, if any.

Sometimes, it happens that even after following so many tips and taking care, you might get caught with some or the other teeth problem. So, then if that is the case, do not fear..

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Tips to keep teeth stain-free

Stained teeth can get in the way of a great smile. Truth is, what people eat and drink has a big impact on the whiteness of their teeth. Although some foods and drinks stain teeth, others can help keep a smile bright.

Anything that leaves a mark on  hands or clothes can also stain teeth. Some favorites may be on this list including coffee, tea, soda, red and white wine, grape or cranberry juice, blueberries, beets, soy sauce and tomato sauce.

People can still enjoy these foods, but it's a good idea to brush or rinse their mouth thoroughly afterwards.

Surprise; some common fruits and vegetables scrub teeth gently while people chew them. They also help make saliva, which counteracts acid and cleans a mouth. Stain-preventing fruits and vegetables include apples, carrots, celery and cauliflower. Hard cheeses also give teeth a scrub.

Other ways to keep teeth white are drink with a straw. When drinking soda, juice, or iced coffee or tea, using a straw helps keep the liquid away from the visible front surfaces of teeth.

Brush, floss and rinse. Plaque makes teeth sticky and gives stains something to hold on to. Brush twice daily, floss and use an antibacterial mouth rinse twice a day, that will help fight plaque, making teeth less likely to stain.

Get teeth professionally cleaned. At least twice a year, go to a dental hygienist for a thorough cleaning. Clean teeth look brighter. Don't smoke. Whether people chew it or smoke it, tobacco stains teeth.

When to whiten

Still seeing stains? There are other options. Bleaching can be a good way to brighten teeth. Tooth whitening works well on teeth that are yellow, but teeth that are brown or gray often have problems that bleach can't fix.

And while people can re-whiten if stains return, overdoing it can permanently damage the outer surface of your teeth, called enamel. Read the label and use the products correctly.

Talk with a dentist to find out if tooth whitening is a good idea. If so, the following options to choose from. At-home whitening kits can be purchased at a local drugstore. Keep in mind that teeth may become sensitive, a side effect that usually goes away after the bleaching period is over. If gums become irritated, talk with a dentist.

Some toothpastes and mouth rinses help whiten teeth. Follow the instructions on the label. Some people develop sensitive teeth if they use whitening toothpastes.

If people have their teeth bleached at a dentist's office, it may take one or more visits. The dentist will put a protective gel or rubber shield on the gums and then apply a bleaching agent to teeth. They may use lasers or lights to enhance the whitening process.

Proper tooth care can help keep teeth bright. So eat, drink, be merry and brush teeth regularly.

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Oral health affects personal well-being

More than 164 million work hours are lost each year because of dental health problems. A recent Delta Dental Oral Health and Wellbeing Survey indicates that about one in six Americans (16 percent) miss work because of oral health issues.

The survey also showed that more than one in four Americans (27 percent) say they have oral health issues that they’d like to address, but often are prohibited by their inability to pay for the work (cited by 62 percent of those with unresolved issues).

Dental care is directly connected to our overall well-being and productivity; according to a U.S. surgeon general’s report, ignoring oral health can lead to needless pain and suffering, causing devastating complications. The financial and social costs of poor oral health significantly diminish quality of life and even burden society.

Dental coverage is a significant factor: Nearly eight out of 10 Americans (78 percent) with dental coverage visit the dentist at least once a year, versus only about half (52 percent) of those who don’t have coverage. The connection between dental coverage and dental visits isn’t surprising, but the numbers demonstrate a stark contrast — Americans with coverage are more likely to receive preventive care.

Many Americans don’t realize that affordable dental coverage is available for individuals and small businesses. In fact, because the Affordable Care Act doesn’t mandate dental coverage among adults, we are seeing more and more coverage options. Individuals can enroll any time for dental coverage in this country and they don’t need to wait for next year’s open enrollment.

Prevention and coverage are the keys to success. Americans who go to the dentist at least once a year are 22 percent more likely to report their overall physical and emotional health as good or better, compared to those who seldom visit the dentist.

Prevention also promotes smiles. A healthy smile represents happiness and confidence, and has become a requirement for success in business and careers. In a recent interview, Malcolm Gladwell, author of “David and Goliath” and “The Tipping Point” said, “teeth are becoming the new benchmark of inequality.” According to Gladwell, those with bad teeth also have less chance of success because they often are denied opportunities for career advancement.

Providing employees elective dental insurance has become one of the most desired benefits. According to a survey conducted by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 77 percent of workers report benefits offered by prospective employers affect their decision to accept or reject a job.

As employers, it’s essential we employ smiling, productive and satisfied employees.

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Dental 101: Celebrity Dentist Dr. Banker Answers Your FAQ's About Teeth Part Two

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Dr. Banker is back with his tried and true tips for maintaining a gorgeous smile.  Check out his answers to your FAQ's below!


So Dr. Banker, what is the best kind of toothpaste to use? Are there real differences between them?

I always recommend selecting toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA evaluates products to ensure that they do what the label says they do.  Most toothpaste available today contains fluoride, which helps fight cavities. This is really the most important job of toothpaste, to topically deliver fluoride to the teeth. Toothpastes also containing triclosan, such as Colgate total, can provide an added antibacterial benefit.

Yes, there is an expiration date listed on toothpaste packages.  It can lose its effectiveness over time, and as with all products, if you are unsure, you are better off replacing it.


Any foods that help keep teeth and gums healthy?

A healthy, balanced diet is always important not just to a healthy mouth, but for your overall health.  Some foods like nuts and vegetables that are high in fiber can help cleanse teeth. Cheese can actually help prevent decay. Certain vitamins can boost the immune system, such as vitamin C and B12, so foods high in these vitamins will naturally help the body keep the mouth healthier. Foods high in carbohydrates can contribute to cavity formation. These foods should always be enjoyed in moderation.


What's the best dental regimen to follow between visits to the dentist?

We recommend brushing at least twice per day, flossing at least once per day, preferably before bed, and using either an antibacterial or anti-cavity mouthwash. Your dentist or hygienist may have additional home care tips specific to your individual situation. 


Any additional tips and tricks?

The better your home care is, the easier it is to maintain a healthy mouth.  Some people are more prone to cavities and gum disease, and this can make their job more challenging.  It is possible for everyone to achieve a great, healthy smile!


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Ten tips for beating dental fears

Does the sound of the dentist's drill make you cringe? Does the sight of the needle make you scared and nervous? If so, you're not alone. Fear of the dentist, or in more severe cases, dental phobia, is the main reason that many people avoid the dentist. The problem with avoiding dental care is that small problems can soon require major dental treatment! Here are some tips that can help you overcome your fear of the dentist.

Do Some Research. Not all dentists are sensitive to the needs of fearful patients. Ask friends, family members or co-workers about their dentist or if they know of a dentist who has an interest in treating patients who are anxious or fearful of dental treatment.

Check the website. Once you identify a dentist you think is a good fit for you, check the dentist’s website. See if there are testimonials of fearful patients or other information that can help you learn more about the dentist and dental office you are interested in.

Look at reviews. Patients that have had a good experience with a dentist in overcoming their fear will often mention that fact on a review site online. Genuine and heartfelt reviews are usually authentic and can give you a sense of what it would be like to be treated by that dentist.

Send an email. In some cases, it may be helpful to contact your prospective dentist by email. Let him or her know about what experiences you have had in the past that has made you afraid of the dentist. A caring and confident response can go a long way in helping you develop a level of rapport prior to your visit.

Schedule a consultation. Set up a consultation with the dentist. Explain your fears, and listen to what he or she has to say. Meeting the dentist in person can give you a comfort level with the dentist before you begin treatment.

Know what scares you. Before a dentist can help you, he or she has to know what triggers your fear of the dentist. Be open and honest about what scares you so the dentist knows how to approach treatment with you.

Ask for topical. Strong topical gels are available that can numb the gum to a significant degree that you can barely feel the needle.

And buffer too. In the last few years, new technology has made it easy for dentists to add sodium bicarbonate to the anesthetic to buffer the solution. This makes injections more comfortable and the anesthesia work better.

Something to take the edge off. Nitrous oxide gas is very helpful in getting some patients to relax. Highly anxious patients can also benefit from a mild sedative like Xanax prior to treatment.

Squeeze the bear. Don’t laugh, but sometimes I bring out a stuffed animal for a patient to squeeze if they are feeling anxious. The Dental Comfort Zone bear has come in handy over the years in getting patients past their fears.

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Top tips to a healthy smile

We’ve put together five top ‘need-to-knows’ when it comes to your oral health. We also have two handy animations to show you how to brush your teeth and floss properly – something many people often don’t do correctly.

Two minutes twice a day

Two minutes twice a day is the basic rule to remember when it comes to brushing your teeth. Daily brushing removes plaque. And if plaque builds up in your mouth, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Use a fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps to strengthen and protect teeth – and keep a clock or timer close by so you know when your two minutes is up. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough for adults, and a pea-sized smear for children.

Cut back on the sweet treats

Sugary drinks and foods are often in the media spotlight for causing weight gain and related health problems. But don’t forget, sugar affects your oral health from the moment it enters your mouth, causing damage and decay to your teeth.

It’s not a high level of sugar in your diet that causes tooth decay, but how often you eat sugar (how many acid attacks). Therefore, as well as trying to cut down on sugary foods and drinks in general, try to keep them to mealtimes.

Don’t forget to floss

It’s something many of you may not do as often as you should, or may not enjoy doing. But flossing your teeth is really important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, brushing alone isn't enough to remove plaque that lurks deep between your teeth. Aim to floss at least three times a week. If you have difficulty using floss, you could try using a floss holder, dental tape or an interdental cleaning aid. These look like little pipe cleaners.

Keep it electric

Manual or electric? It’s a common question when it comes to oral health. Tests show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque, especially those with a head that rotates in both directions (oscillates) and pulsates.

Electric toothbrushes are especially useful for:

• disabled or elderly people, who have difficulty with movement
• children, as they may enjoy using one more than a manual brush

Your dentist will be able to recommend a good electric toothbrush.

If you do use a manual toothbrush, make sure you’re brushing correctly (see our animation above) and be sure to change your toothbrush every two to three months. Worn-out bristles on your toothbrush head won’t be effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.

Don’t skip the check-ups

The saying ‘prevention is better than the cure’ holds a lot of truth when it comes to your teeth and gums. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly – as often as they recommend. They will be able to spot any problems early on, which makes treatment easier.

As well as seeing your dentist, make sure you make an appointment with your hygienist. This is usually every six months to a year. However, they will advise you when you’ll need your next clean. Regular professional cleaning, alongside good oral care at home, will help keep your smile healthy.

Use National Smile Month as the perfect time to consider your oral health. Are you up to date with your appointments? When was your last professional clean? How about investing in an electric toothbrush? A healthy mouth will help you keep your teeth, have fresh breath, encourage you to smile and overall be more confident.

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One of the components of red wine protects against tooth decay

WITHOUT regular brushing and flossing, teeth accumulate bacterial films that secrete acid and cause cavities (see article). But sometimes even these good habits are insufficient to shift such films, and a chemical called chlorhexidine has to be deployed as well, in the form of a mouthwash. Chlorhexidine, however, stains teeth and affects people’s sense of taste, so an alternative would be welcome. And Victoria Moreno-Arribas of the Institute of Food Science Research in Madrid believes she may have one: a derivative of red wine.

Dr Moreno-Arribas knew from previous work that red wine has antimicrobial properties, but she could find few studies which looked at whether it attacks dental biofilms specifically. To rectify that, she and her colleagues grew five troublesome oral bacteria, Actinomyces oris, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus mutans,Streptococcus oralis and Veillonella dispar, on discs of hydroxyapatite, the main component of dental enamel. They fed the bugs by dipping the discs into solutions of sugar mixed with saliva collected from volunteers, who spent several hours spitting into jars. The results have just been published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

As expected, the bacteria grew to form films on the discs, just as they do on teeth. After a week of such growth the researchers exposed each disc to one of five treatments every day for a further seven days. Some were swished around in red wine (a pinot noir, vintage 2010) for two minutes. Some were swished in a de-alcoholised version of this wine. Some were swished in chlorhexidine, some in a 12% solution of ethanol (ie, of the same alcoholic strength as the wine) and some in plain water. This combination of experiments let Dr Moreno-Arribas determine whether wine has antibiofilm properties beyond those bestowed by its alcohol content, and also how well it compares with chlorhexidine.

Sadly for oenophiles, chlorhexidine still came out on top. But wine did well against two of the five species, F. nucleatum andS. oralis. Intriguingly, in the case of S. oralis the de-alcoholised version was even more effective than the full-strength stuff.

To find out which chemicals within the wine were having the desired effect, Dr Moreno-Arribas and her team added wine extracts such as flavanols and yeast polysaccharides to the mix and repeated their experiments. The magic turned out to be provided by a group of chemicals called flavan-3-ols.

Regrettably, this work does not suggest that a nightly glass of wine is a sensible substitute for a thorough dental brushing before you go to bed. But it might, if pursued, allow an alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash to be developed—perhaps one that does not have such a horrible effect on taste buds.

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All white now: The best beauty products and tips for perfect teeth

How much do you spend on looking good? According to one recent survey, British women are shelling out an average £168 a month at the beauty counter. But if you’re really keen to turn back the clock, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And by that, I mean what’s inside your mouth.

“If you haven’t got good teeth you’re going to get a lot of wrinkles,” warns dentist Dr Jeremy Hill of the Ware Centre of Dental Excellence in Hertfordshire. His walls are adorned with photos of stars he has worked on, from teen idols One Direction to the alumni of The X Factor 2013 – he was the show’s official dentist – and he is rumored to have worked with the Beckhams. But he is no fan of the dental quick fix. “Patients who come in with a problem back tooth often tell me to just take it out,” he says. “But you need to be careful. People don’t realize it’s more damaging aesthetically in the long term to lose a back tooth than a front one. As we age our teeth wear away, so cheeks look gaunt and your nose and chin start to move closer together, creating those ‘marionette lines’ from the corners of your nose to your mouth. If you change your bite by losing teeth this wear happens more quickly, resulting in a marked increase in wrinkles.”

As for the perfect pout, that also starts with your pearly-whites. “Good teeth help the plumpness of your mouth,” explains Dr Hill. “But as you age that support starts to disappear and lips are left looking thinner. I regularly tell patients that they would be better putting tooth structure back in place, rather than trying collagen fillers.”

Like any good dentist, Dr Hill urges us to begin with good basic tooth care before considering any cosmetic intervention. “Gums recede with age if they’re not cared for, hence the expression ‘long in the tooth,’” he says. “You can look after your teeth and gums perfectly well with a manual toothbrush – it’s just easier and quicker with an electric one. It’s the same with toothpaste. The expensive whitening ones are great but you’d get the same result with 30 seconds more brushing so I always tell people to just go with whatever they like the taste of.” 

If you’re really keen to turn back the clock, it really counts what's inside your mouth [GETTY]

A faultless dental routine can take you only so far, however. If time has taken its toll or mother nature has not been kind, then cosmetic dentistry has a part to play. Whether you opt for a quick session of whitening or invest in an expensive set of veneers, a good dentist can take a decade off your looks at a stroke.

But even then, Dr Hill advises caution. “I always tell my patients there’s nothing as good as natural, perfect teeth,” he says. “Don’t let yourself get talked into extensive work in your teens or twenties or even thirties. Unless something is majorly wrong, you just don’t need it.”

Worse still, because veneers don’t last for life and need to be replaced, it can be highly damaging to begin the process too early. 

“I regularly see people who have had veneers done in their twenties,” says Dr Hill. “You know that the chance of them lasting more than a decade is remote, that’s just the nature of them, but every time you renew them you take more natural tooth away, so three decades later there’s very little structure left to work with. I’m starting to see more people in their fifties coming to me for help because they’re losing teeth having started cosmetic dentistry treatments in their twenties.” 

Additionally, the work itself can have repercussions. “Anything you do to a tooth carries a risk – even a small filling can lead to a tooth loss – so if a dentist isn't telling you the downsides he’s not being honest. Most research shows that if you drill teeth enough to apply a veneer, 10 per cent of them will go on to need root canal because of the work done. If you have your whole mouth done – that’s 16 or 20 teeth – it’s likely at least one or two will go wrong. That’s why you need to be sure about what you want to achieve, and what the downsides might be, before you get to the point of no return.”

Having said that, a good set of veneers can look wonderful, as plenty of celebrity clients have discovered. So whose teeth would Dr Hill most like to get to work on? “I think I've done that but she never smiles,” he says mysteriously.

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Oil pulling: Holistic technique believed to improve your oral health

One of the latest health crazes is oil pulling. Although it may sound like a way to strike it rich through underground wells, it’s actually an at-home oral care practice. Although its effectiveness is up for debate, some believe it can whiten teeth, eliminate bad breath, remove bacteria and reduce plaque and cavities.

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley swear by this method, and Dr. Oz even promoted it on his show earlier this year. But, it’s actually nothing new. Oil pulling is an ancient, traditional remedy that has been practiced in India and southern Asia for 3,000 years.

How it works

Oil pulling involves swishing one to two tablespoons of an edible natural oil — such as coconut, sesame or sunflower — in the mouth for 10 to 20 minutes.

“The best technique is to suck the oil or pull the oil in between your teeth,”
Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary wrote in an article for Dr. Oz’s blog. “Oil pulling helps to increase the secretion of saliva and trap the toxins within the oil particles. By oil pulling, you can use the salivary glands in your mouth as a detoxifying organ.”

When the oil is spit out, it should be white and frothy. If it’s still yellow, next time swish it longer, Chaudhary said.

The oil should go in the trash and not down the sink, Dr. Jessica Emery reminded oil pullers in a report for www.DentistryIQ.com. She also said that people need to swish gently, or else they’ll get a sore jaw after a few minutes. The oil is not supposed to be swallowed, and if that becomes a difficult task, it means there’s too much oil and it’s time to start over with less.

Niki Watkins, a Gastonia resident who started oil pulling three months ago and does it three times a week, said the oil starts out thick but thins out through the process. She recommended gradually building up to 20 minutes of swishing time.

“Your jaws, in the beginning, are very weak, especially with the swishing act going around. But then you get used to it, and your jaw gets stronger,” she said.

Twenty minutes may seem like a long time, but Watkins said she keeps herself occupied by going through with her morning routine while she’s oil pulling.

What the experts and experimenters say

The American Dental Association reports that scientific studies have not provided enough evidence to prove that oil pulling improves oral health or for them to recommend the practice. But, others believe differently.

“For the record, a regular oil-pulling routine should not replace routine dental visits and traditional at-home oral care,” Emery said. “Oil pulling does not reverse the effects of tooth decay. That being said, I do believe it is a great supplemental therapy. … Maybe more research and larger scale studies are needed to legitimize oil pulling.”

Alissa Knuutila, a Gastonia resident, has been oil pulling a couple times a week since March. Both Watkins and Knuutila are interested in holist medicine methods and gave the technique a try after acquaintances recommended it.

“I didn’t know if all of the benefits were accurate, but I just wanted to see what worked for me,” Watkins said. “My teeth are whiter, and it eliminates the smell of garlic.”

Knuutila said that she also did it to help with cavities.

“I saw some coming in, and I wanted to diminish them. Some of the small black spots in my teeth have gone away,” she said. “I actually feel more healthy overall when I do it.”

But she warned novice oil pullers to be patient.

“It doesn’t work completely overnight,” Knuutila said. “You kind of have to do it more than one time. You’re not going to see magical results the first time.”

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