Teeth Pain and Exercise: Working Out the Why

Arguably the best way to get yourself to exercise more is to find an activity you love to do! Jogging, yoga, swimming, and weightlifting are a few that can bring stress relief and a strong body. But what if your favorite exercise causes your teeth to hurt? Your dentist in Beachwood is here to explain the four reasons that might be causing your pain and what you can do about it so your teeth can be as fit as your body!

Sensitive Teeth

Brrrrr! Sometimes taking a jog in the brisk early morning weather is refreshing, but not if it bothers your teeth. Tooth sensitivity is normally associated with drinking hot or cold food and beverages (hello, chocolate ice cream!), but the air can also affect those pearly whites. As cold air comes into your mouth, your teeth may experience some discomfort.

To continue to enjoy your outside workouts without tooth sensitivity, begin to breathe through your nose and out of your mouth. This will keep not only your teeth insulated, but your lips, tongue, and cheeks. When you get home, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to tell if your sensitivity is caused by a cavity or enamel erosion, or if you should switch to a desensitizing toothpaste.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition where you grind, gnash, or clench your teeth, often when you are asleep or stressed. But bruxism also can occur while you are exerting effort during exercise. Running up a hill or lifting heavy weights can cause you to clench your upper and lower jaws together. This can result in tooth pain as well as jaw issues.

A mouthguard is a perfect solution. Visit your dentist so they can examine your teeth and get a custom-made piece to protect your teeth as you work those muscles!

Sinus Issues

Oftentimes, the pain in our teeth can signal a problem that is occurring outside of the mouth. A toothache can be caused by a sinus infection. Your sinuses are located right behind your cheeks, eyebrows, and jaw and can cause pain when an issue arises. If you treat your sinus inflammation or infection, your tooth pain may diminish.

Gum Disease

In some cases, tooth pain can indicate a larger oral health issue like gum disease. When your gums are inflamed due to a bacterial infection, your teeth may begin to hurt during exercise due to increased blood flow. Gum disease may start out as mild irritation but if it goes untreated, you can risk losing your teeth. It’s best to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup for preventive care. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor your oral health for any issues before they turn into a bigger concern that not only stops you from exercising but turns into a dental emergency!

Exercise is great for your health but can sometimes cause dental pain. With the help of your dentist, you can work out the solution and return to optimal health for you and your teeth!

About the Practice

Orange Place Family Dentistry serves the community of Beachwood and the surrounding areas. Personal care is given through their three dentists who provide preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentistry.  The team’s goal is to maintain your best oral health with early prevention! If you are experiencing tooth pain while exercising or need to schedule a checkup, they can be reached via their website or by phone at 216-464-2448.