Movement is one of the fundamental pillars of good health. When you engage in regular physical activity, you can lower your risk of many diseases, strengthen your body to maintain independence later in life, support your emotional health, and more. Exercise may even play a role in preventing gum disease! How can it do so? Continue reading this blog post to find out.
What Does the Research Show?
Several studies have been conducted that show a relationship between exercise and gum health. For example, one study — carried out using rats — showed that the subjects that exercised had less severe gum disease than their sedentary counterparts. Human studies show similarly promising results. Research published in 2005 showed that people who ate a balanced diet, maintained a normal weight, and exercised were 40% less likely to have periodontitis (advanced gum disease) than participants who did not regularly engage in those health-supporting activities.
How Does Exercise Support Gum Health?
Since most advice about preventing gum disease focuses on oral hygiene, the link between exercise and gum health might seem surprising. However, there are some very logical reasons for their connection:
- Exercise reduces the body’s burden of inflammation. Inflammation is a key component of gum disease.
- Exercise is great for circulation. When your circulatory system works well, your gum tissue gets more oxygen and essential nutrients to keep it healthy.
- Exercise promotes a healthy immune system. In turn, your immune system is better equipped to fight off oral infections, including gum disease.
- Exercise aids in stress management. Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in the body and helps to reduce stress hormones. When you feel good, you may be less likely to grind your teeth, overeat sugar, and engage in other activities that are not good for oral health.
- Exercise supports good blood glucose levels. This is particularly important for individuals who have both diabetes and gum health concerns, since uncontrolled blood sugar can weaken blood vessels in your mouth and interfere with your immune system.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
You do not need a rigorous or unrealistic workout routine to enjoy the benefits of exercise. Try to engage in around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. Walking, working in your garden, and even some household cleaning tasks can be counted toward that total. To help you stay on track, you might consider using a smart watch or another device. If you have been sedentary in recent months or years, gradually increase your activity level so you do not accidentally injure yourself or get discouraged.
Exercise is amazingly beneficial for head-to-toe health. Do your best to incorporate more movement into your routine — your smile will thank you!
Meet the Practice
At Wellesley Dental Group, our highly skilled team of professionals offers both non-surgical and surgical gum disease treatment. We are also eager to provide services and advice to help our patients prevent gum disease from developing in the first place. To learn more about us or to set up an appointment, contact our office at 781-691-4914.