When we think about getting our bodies in tip-top shape, we think about regular exercise and a clean diet. We all know that eating healthy is a sure way to supercharge our body for a sports victory, but we don’t often emphasize the importance of brushing afterward. Because the mouth and body work together and influence each other, it’s crucial to care for our mouths alongside our bodies.
Did you know that poor oral health is actually common in elite athletes? It may come as a surprise, but oral health can often get neglected, even for the most athletic individuals. Between 28 and 40 percent of elite athletes in one study reported that being bothered by their oral health negatively impacts their quality of life.
Here are 4 expert tips to help you maintain your oral health AND your fitness game:
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- Set realistic weekly workout goals that include oral health. Keep a chart to track your progress and reward yourself for reaching your fitness goals. Add brushing and flossing to your cool-down regimen. Don’t forget to schedule your preventive care appointments with your dentist.
- Grab a buddy to help hold you accountable. Whether it’s a virtual workout session or in person, they can be great for talking you out of that post-workout donut. Encourage one another to take classes or go for de-stressing walks throughout the day.
- Control the carbs. If unhealthy foods aren’t around, you’re less likely to indulge in sweets. Replace junk food, high-sugar energy-boosting snacks, sports drinks, and carbohydrates. Reach for fruits and veggies instead that are healthy, tooth-friendly, and delicious.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is your best friend. If it doesn’t currently feel that way, you may need to add a little effort into the relationship. Consistently drinking water throughout the day will ensure you’re optimally hydrated. It also helps our mouths salivate, which washes away cavity-causing bacteria. If you’re not able to brush and floss after a workout, rinse with water to help prevent tooth decay!
Cosmo Insurance Agency is a full-service independent insurance agency based in Hackensack (Bergen County) and Lakewood (Ocean County), New Jersey that offers an all-encompassing range of insurance options for both individuals and businesses. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating our knowledge of the insurance guidelines for healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance, self-insurance, dental, disability, and long term care insurance, we keep our clients up-to-date with affordable plans that cover all their specific insurance needs.
