Celebrate Spring by Staying Active and Improving Your Physical and Dental Health

After such a long, cold winter, spring is finally here and summer is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to get outside and get active! 

Taking full advantage of the warmer weather means enjoying an almost endless array of exercise options: from bike rides to gardening, from water and team sports, to simply running around the park or in the backyard with your kids.

One of the most common excuses people have for not staying physically fit is that they don’t have enough time.  Making the time commitment now to take care of your body will mean positive long-lasting health benefits for your future. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans adults should get at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous each day, at least five days a week.

Similarly, taking quick and easy preventative measures to protect your dental health – including brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly for routine care and checkups – will protect your smile for years to come.

Keep your Muscles and Your Enamel Strong

Limiting consumption of extra sugar is beneficial for maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, and it also protects the outer layer of your teeth. Consuming sugary food and drinks, such as soda and candy, adds empty calories to your diet. It also lowers the acidity level in your mouth, which in turn allows more bacteria to thrive and cause tooth decay.

Beware of chlorinated pools!  If the levels are not maintained correctly, the water can become too acidic and cause erosion to tooth enamel. According to the CDC, 15% of frequent swimmers showed signs of enamel corrosion compared to only 3% of people who don’t swim. But don’t let this deter you from swimming! Swimming is a fantastic combination of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training, and a great way to burn calories and build muscles at the same time. Check with your club or gym to ensure the chlorine is monitored. To avoid exposure, keep your mouth closed while swimming.

Maintaining vigorous exercise for extended amounts of time – for example going for a long jog – is an excellent way to get fit, but it can lead to dehydration, especially in warmer weather. Staying hydrated helps to prevent dry mouth, which can reduce the amount of salvia in your mouth. Salvia protects your teeth by helping to wash away food and bacteria that can cause decay and counteracts the effects of too much acid in your mouth.

Get outside and celebrate spring by staying active and improving your physical and dental health!

To learn more about how to keep your mouth and body healthy, call Roselle Park Dental today at 908-245-1745 or visit us at www.roselleparkdental.com!

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