Endurance runners may be jogging their way to a worse smile.

When you exercise you begin to see change in saliva production dropping. This means that your mouth becomes drier, explains the New York Times and it happens even if you are consuming liquids.

Although running has fantastic health benefits it can be damaging to the teeth. A study published in The Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, found that there is a higher rate of tooth decay in triathletes than in non-athletes. The study involved 35 experienced triathletes and 35 participants who did not exercise regularly. The multi-sport athletes trained almost 10 hours a week with a mix of cycling, swimming and running. They were examined for cavities and tooth erosion and also took a saliva test both at rest and while exercising. Based on a questionnaire, 46 percent of athletes reported consuming sports drinks while training and 51 percent drank water. Seventy-four percent ate gels or bars. Compared to the control group, athletes who trained regularly had the most cavities. Consuming sports drinks, gels and bars during training, can lower the mouths PH below the critical mar of 5.5. Dr Susan Tanner adds that this is can lead to dental erosion and caries. The athletes breathe through the mouth during hard exercise. The mouth gets dry, and produces less salvia which normally protects the teeth. Salvia acts as the mouth’s natural cleansing agent by breaking down food particles and rinsing out the mouth.

Solutions?

Drink plenty of water even after consuming sports drinks as they contain high amounts of sugar- to neutralise the mouth’s PH levels. Also consider brushing your teeth or rinsing with an alcohol- free mouthwash.

Dentex Clinical Limited is an appointed representative of Product Partnerships Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Product Partnerships Limited’s FCA registration number is 626349 and its address is Second Floor, Atlas House, 31 King Street, Leeds LS1 2HL. Product Partnerships Limited’s permitted business is to act as a Principal for a network of Appointed Representatives who arrange regulated credit facilities for customers who are purchasing goods from them.

Dentex Clinical Limited (FRN: 1003024) acts as a credit broker not a lender. We can only introduce you to Secure Trust Bank T/A V12 Retail Finance Limited (FRN: 679653) who may be able to offer you finance facilities for your purchase. We will only introduce you to this lender. We do not receive any commission for introducing customers to a finance provider. Credit is provided subject to affordability, age, and status. Minimum spend applies. Not all products offered by Secure Trust Bank PLC are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00 to 5:30
Tuesday: 9:00 to 5:30
Wednesday: 9:00 to 7:00
Thursday: 9:00 to 5:30
Friday: 9:00 to 5:30

Saturday: Open on the 1st and 3rd of every month from 10:00 to 4:00

Blog

Copyright © 2025 The Dawood & Tanner Specialist Dental Practice as part of Dentex Manco Limited registered in England and Wales with Company Number 11513188

Sign up to our Newsletter