If you are a competitive athlete, you may not give much thought to how your oral hygiene habits affect your training. However, neglecting your dental care needs can directly impact your performance and quality of life. Below, the caring dentists at Four Corners Dental Group in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, discuss why you should make your oral health a priority for the sake of athletic performance.

Why Do Athletes Need to Mind Their Dental Needs?

Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist twice a year for cleanings are all critical to your oral health. When you neglect one or more of these responsibilities, you increase the risk of developing problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Both of these dental issues take a toll on your physical and psychological health. One common symptom includes tooth pain and sensitivity, which can make it difficult to sleep at night or eat properly. Over time, a lack of quality sleep or proper nutrition will hinder your performance and reduce concentration.

What Are the Effects of Halitosis?

Gum disease also causes bad breath, or halitosis, a symptom that can take a toll on your psychological well-being and confidence. When an athlete suffers from low self-confidence, they’ll be too distracted to perform to the best of their abilities on the field. Bad breath may also be the result of dry mouth, which is often caused due to excessive breathing through the mouth. This condition increases your chances of a mouth infection, which may cut into your training.

You can help to combat these symptoms and issues by practicing a proper daily oral health regimen and seeing a dentist twice a year for cleanings. Make an appointment with Four Corners Dental Group. They specialize in a wide range of general and cosmetic dentistry services to help you improve your oral health, from routine cleanings and checkups to veneers and implants. Call (907) 258-3384 to speak with a staff member or visit the dentists online for more information about their locations and services.