It’s not always easy to find time to work out; most of us have busy lives and hectic schedules—and trying to squeeze in a trip to the gym can often get pushed towards the bottom of our to-do lists. However, working out has many benefits that positively affect your whole body, including your smile! In addition to helping you lose weight, gain muscle, or simply stay fit, regular exercise can also protect your mouth from gum disease. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about this connection along with some tips for staying healthy.
How Does Exercise Prevent Gum Disease?
Simply put, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Often caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease can sometimes lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including missing teeth, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more. Common symptoms often include bad breath, red and swollen gums, bleeding gums, and pain when chewing. However, despite these symptoms occurring in the mouth, gum disease can actually be mitigated by working out!
Research shows that people who live an active lifestyle, meaning they exercise on a regular basis, are 54% less likely to suffer from gum disease. This is because exercise helps to reduce the level of inflammation throughout your entire body, including the inflammation that’s associated with gum disease. Working out is also in integral part of weight management; and if you’re overweight, you’re more likely to develop problems like sleep apnea that can directly impact your oral health.
Exercise also improves the functionality of your digestive system; due to the increased blood flow throughout your body, your bowel movements actually become more effective. When your digestive tract is working at peak efficiency, your body becomes more resistant to infection which reduces the risk of gum disease. You’re also able to fully absorb all of the vitamins and minerals that you consume, further bolstering your oral health.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Body & Smile
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to take care of your body as well as your smile. Consider the following tips for staying in healthy shape:
- Exercise regularly (3 to 5 times per week).
- Eat a well-balanced diet with many natural fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods with excessive sugars and acids.
- Drink plenty of water—this hydrates your mouth and helps keep it clean.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Brush your teeth twice daily and also use dental floss and mouthwash.
- Visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings.
It might not be the first thing on your mind when you step onto the treadmill, but your smile can actually benefit a lot from regular exercise. Gum disease is serious and can lead to several long-term consequences but working out is a small price to pay to protect and preserve your beautiful pearly whites.
About the Practice
Buda Dental Professionals proudly serves patients and families in the Buda, TX community under the leadership of three skilled specialists: Dr. Ashley Strickland, Dr. Donald Taylor, and Dr. Jason Carlyon. Together they combine several years of experience to provide their patients with an elite level of dental care. Their practice is pleased to offer a wide range of available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options. If you or a loved one has any questions or concerns about gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone: (512) 295-5555.