[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A healthy dose of physical activity is essential to help our children grow strong and stay in shape. And let\u2019s be hones – how proud does it make us feel to see them sprinting across the soccer field, gliding through the pool like little dolphins, or sinking a perfect basketball shot? <\/p>\n
But when we focus on their health during sports,<\/strong> there\u2019s one often-overlooked aspect that deserves attention: the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums.<\/strong><\/p>\n No matter what the sport, or what the level of ability: teeth need care and attention both during and outside of physical activity.<\/strong> It would be a real shame to have to miss a training session \u2014 or worse still, a competition or a match \u2014 because a cavity forces us to take our little champion to the dentist! <\/p>\n The risks to dental health during sports are many, and some are not immediately obvious.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Watch Out for Energy Drinks” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n During training sessions, it is common practice to consume large quantities of energy drinks.<\/strong> If this habit is unhealthy for adults, it is even more so for children: these drinks, although rich in electrolytes, contain high levels of sugars \u2014 the primary enemies of oral health.<\/p>\n Energy drinks, being extremely sweet and often brightly coloured, can be particularly appealing to children. Unfortunately, these products very frequently have an acidic pH, meaning that when consumed regularly, the teeth are exposed for extended periods to acidic conditions that cause permanent damage to the enamel.<\/strong> <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Micro-Lesions in the Mouth” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Even during sports that appear relatively harmless for dental health, our young athletes may engage in habits that are less than ideal. How many times have we seen them open a snack wrapper with their teeth because their hands were occupied or too sweaty? Even this can create small lesions that, over time, may lead to more serious damage.<\/strong> <\/p>\n And while seeing our little champions on the podium is always thrilling\u2026 biting the gold medal isn\u2019t exactly great for their teeth!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Stress and Bruxism” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]Another aspect that should never be overlooked is stress. Sporting activity \u2014 especially when it involves competition \u2014 is exciting for our children, but also for those of us who watch and have invested so much in their athletic development. This can translate into involuntary competitive pressure, leading younger children to manifest stress in ways that are harmful to the oral cavity, such as bruxism.<\/strong>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”3 Tips for a Healthy Smile” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n So, how can we make sure that sports benefit our children\u2019s health – teeth and gums included? Here are three tips to keep their smiles bright: <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”1. Pay Attention to Nutrition” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”21px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A healthy and balanced diet not only helps keep our body in shape, but is also fundamental for the dental health of our children. Carbohydrates are the best source of energy for physical activity, but complex carbohydrates are always preferable to simple sugars.<\/strong><\/p>\n While it is important to balance fluid loss during physical activity, it is equally important to teach our children that water is the best source of hydration. Energy drinks can be useful in replenishing electrolytes lost through perspiration; however, due to their high sugar content and elevated acidity, they should be consumed in moderation \u2014 reserved for particularly intense training sessions lasting at least 60 to 90 minutes. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”2. Champion-Level Oral Hygiene” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”21px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brushing teeth is always important<\/strong>, but even more so for children engaged in physical activity. Their mouths are more vulnerable to harmful bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, and other issues. <\/p>\n Every time food or beverages are consumed, oral pH is altered and the body activates its Buffer System to restore balance.<\/strong> This task is performed by saliva which, thanks to its bicarbonate-based composition, neutralises acids and, under normal conditions, restores the mouth to a neutral pH in approximately 40 minutes. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”3. Keep Stress at Bay” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ title_font=”museojhslab-700-woff||||||||” title_text_color=”#004687″ title_font_size=”21px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ text_font=”museojhsans-300-woff||||||||” text_text_color=”#444444″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#f2b858″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We know that stress affects overall health, and oral health is no exception. Too often, we place too much responsibility on children in sports, creating excessive competitiveness that can reduce their enjoyment. <\/p>\n As adults, we must remember that sports should first and foremost be fun and a way for children to release tension.<\/strong> Let them enjoy the activity as a game – their smiles will thank you! <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A healthy dose of physical activity is essential to help our children grow strong and stay in shape. And let\u2019s be hones – how proud does it make us feel to see them sprinting across the soccer field, gliding through the pool like little dolphins, or sinking a perfect basketball shot? But when we focus on their health during sports, there\u2019s one often-overlooked aspect that deserves attention: the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums. No matter what the sport, or what the level of ability: teeth need care and attention both during and outside of physical activity. It would be a real shame to have to miss a training session \u2014 or worse still, a competition or a match \u2014 because a cavity forces us to take our little champion to the dentist! The risks to dental health during sports are many, and some are not immediately obvious.During training sessions, it is common practice to consume large quantities of energy drinks. If this habit is unhealthy for adults, it is even more so for children: these drinks, although rich in electrolytes, contain high levels of sugars \u2014 the primary enemies of oral health. Energy drinks, being extremely sweet and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":471,"featured_media":4332,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,93,80,182],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3249","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-approfondimenti","category-dental-erosion","category-erosione-dentale","category-further-reading"],"yoast_head":"\n