Tooth care tips for the active person

Everyone knows how important keeping your body in shape can be. A good diet and regular exercise are things we should all strive toward. But what about the fitness of the mouth? And what about that active lifestyle's effect on the smile? Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy-Daisy Smiles are here to help.

Dr. Robert and Mandy Shearer of Soddy Daisy Smiles finish in the Nashville HalfMarathon. They are working to help patients make sure a health smile is also part of their healthy lifestyle.

Protect your teeth.

An athletic mouthguard is a must, and not just for sports that involve physical contact such as football and hockey. All it takes is one good hit to the face, and a healthy smile could be in big trouble, according to Robert Shearer.

"An athletic mouthguard, especially one custom fit to your mouth by your dentist, helps spread out the impact of any blow," he said. "And it's not just protecting the teeth; it also protects the lips and gums."

Studies have even credited mouthguards with a reduced risk of jaw fracture and concussion. The best choice is a custom unit made by a dentist -- which can even be made in a favorite team's colors -- but an over-the-counter solution, while not as comfortable or protective, is still a better choice than nothing.

Too late; I've knocked out a tooth.

If you did not have a mouthguard in and you have the unfortunate luck of knocking out a tooth, there is still a chance the tooth can be put back in. Dentists agree the best choice is to stick it back into the socket and head for your dentist or the emergency room.

"If that's not an option, store it in some mild saltwater until you can get dental treatment," Mandy Shearer said.

Did the pool stain my teeth?

If you spend a lot of time in the pool -- more than six hours a week -- the chemical additives will not only treat the water; they can stain your teeth too.

"It's called swimmers calculus, and while the mechanism that causes it isn't clear, it's like a reaction between the chemicals in the pool and the proteins in your saliva," Mandy Shearer said. "The good news is it comes right off with a thorough dental cleaning."

You may want to consider visiting your hygienist every three months instead of every six to keep those pearly whites looking their best, Robert Shearer said.

Should snorkeling or scuba diving making my teeth hurt?

It is common among people who scuba dive or snorkel to find themselves having soreness in the jaw or gums, sometimes even a toothache. Poor-fitting mouth pieces can cause pressure and subsequently pain.

"It's also common for these devices to cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath, mouth infections, and a higher rate of cavities," Robert Shearer said. "Those that dive deeper have even reported worsening of underlying conditions like abscesses and cavities."

The bottom line is to make sure your mouth piece fits well, and if it does not, consider a custom unit. Also make sure any underlying issues are treated before your dream diving vacation is ruined with a toothache.

I'm working hard and sweating harder: Is it time for a sugary sports drink?

How do you keep hydrated when you play hard? The journal of the Academy of General Dentistry recently reported that sports drinks are more likely to cause tooth erosion than cola.

"Just think, when you drink that sports drink when working out, you are often sipping on it for an hour or more," Mandy Shearer said. "That's a constant bath in sugar for your teeth. Something as simple as just rinsing your mouth out with water can make a difference."

Better yet, drink water for all your hydration needs, she said. The body does not need electrolytes unless you have been sweating hard for more than an hour. For most people, water is a better choice and free of empty calories, too.

Do not let a toothache put you on the bench.

Remember that even the best athlete can be sidelined by an old-fashioned toothache. Make sure to keep regular checkups and cleanings, paired with meticulous brushing and flossing at home to keep teeth in great playing shape.