When you think about ways to keep your teeth healthy, swimming might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, new research suggests that elite swimmers could have better oral health than athletes who participate in other sports. Our dentists in Jamaica, NY, are always excited to share insights that help our community understand the surprising connections between lifestyle choices and dental wellness.
The Surprising Link Between Swimming & Dental Health
General dental health is a key part of overall wellness, but it’s often overlooked by athletes focused on training and performance. Poor oral health doesn’t just mean cavities; it can lead to inflammation and infections that affect your general health and even your athletic ability.
Published in 2024, a study compared the oral health of elite swimmers who spend hours training in chlorinated water to athletes involved in non-swimming sports. The findings were eye-opening. Despite concerns that exposure to chlorinated water might harm teeth, swimmers actually showed fewer dental problems like cavities and plaque buildup compared to their non-swimming peers.
Who Was Studied?
The study included just over 200 young athletes, aged between 13 and 26, all training intensely (at least five hours a week for two years or more). Out of these, 101 were swimmers, and 100 were athletes from other sports. What the researchers found was that swimmers tended to be younger and had a lower body mass index (BMI), but most importantly, their teeth were in better shape.
They used advanced tools like the DIAGNOcam (a device that helps detect cavities without X-rays) to measure tooth decay. The swimmers consistently had fewer decayed, missing, or filled teeth and less plaque than the other athletes.
Why Do Swimmers Have Better Oral Health?
There are a few theories to explain this surprising result. One is the difference in diet: swimmers in the study consumed less juice and sugary drinks, which are known to contribute to tooth decay. Another possibility is the rigorous hygiene habits swimmers adopt due to their sport, including regular showering and mouth rinsing, which may reduce harmful bacteria.
Chlorinated water, while sometimes thought to damage teeth, might actually help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth, thus lowering the risk of cavities. However, it’s important to remember that swimming pools need to be properly maintained; poorly chlorinated water could have negative effects.
What This Means for Athletes & Everyone Else
For swimmers and other athletes, this research highlights a critical but often ignored part of training: oral health. If you’re training hard, whether you’re swimming or playing another sport, don’t neglect your teeth. Poor oral health can lead to pain, infections, and even impact your stamina and performance.
At Jamaica Estates Dental, we encourage all athletes to prioritize their dental care. This includes regular checkups, cleanings, and adopting good habits like brushing twice a day, limiting sugary drinks, and wearing sports guards during contact sports.
5 Tips for Protecting Your Smile, No Matter Your Sport
- Stay Hydrated with Water: Choose water over sugary drinks or juices, especially during training. This helps reduce the risk of cavities and keeps your mouth clean.
- Brush and Floss Daily: No matter how busy your schedule, don’t skip your dental hygiene routine. Proper brushing and flossing remove plaque that can lead to decay.
- Use a Mouthguard: If your sport involves contact or risk of injury, a mouthguard protects your teeth from trauma.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Routine checkups allow your dentist to catch problems early and provide professional cleaning.
- Rinse After Swimming: Swimmers should rinse their mouths after pool time to wash away chlorine residue and maintain oral balance.
Dentist in Jamaica, NY: Supporting Athletes’ Health From the Inside Out
Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or a weekend warrior, your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being and athletic performance. Our dentists in Jamaica, NY, can provide personalized care that fits your active lifestyle. We understand the unique dental needs of athletes and can offer advice, treatment, and preventive care to keep your smile strong and healthy.
Curious about how your sport impacts your teeth? Have questions about the best dental care routine for your training schedule? Contact us or stop by our Jamaica, Queens dental office. Together, we’ll help you achieve your best smile and your best game.
