German dental researchers have found that "hard-core" exercise might have a negative affect on oral health, according to the publication Newser.
In a new study, a group of 70 participants, including half triathletes, half non-athletes, with an average age of 36, reportedly underwent an oral examination that involved them having their saliva tested while sitting, answering questions about their diet and exercise and oral habits.
Fifteen of the athletes had their saliva tested while running for about 35 minutes. The results reportedly showed that these athletes had a higher risk of dental erosion.
Also, the more training time an athlete logged, the more likely he suffered from cavities, regardless of how many sport drinks the athlete consumed, according to Runner's World. Exercise decreased the saliva flow rates in the athletes' mouths and changed the acidity of the saliva, which can contribute to tooth decay, according to Cosmopolitan.
Although experts are aware that saliva contains enzymes as well as other substances that protect the teeth and gums, it is unclear why the pH increases during exercise, stated lead author Dr. Cornelia Frese, a senior dentist at University Hospital Heidelberg in Germany.
It should be noted that the athletes that participated in the study trained about nine hours per week, which is more than the usual person.
The "prolonged endurance training" is what puts oral health at risk because your teeth are exposed to "altered saliva" for a sustained period of time, according to Dr. Frese.