2024 is right around the corner, so now’s the perfect time to reflect on your progress this year and set healthy goals for the coming months. If you’re like countless others, you might resolve to exercise every day to shed the extra pounds you put on over the holidays. Did you know, though, that in addition to improving your physical fitness, working out regularly contributes to your oral well-being? It may come as a surprise, but moving more actually reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease. Keep reading to learn more about it!
What Is the Connection Between Exercise and Gum Health?
Researchers are learning that aerobic activity has a measurable impact on how likely you are to develop periodontal disease. For example, Colgate completed a study that compared the likelihood of smokers versus non-smokers, as well as those who exercise regularly and those who don’t, to develop it. They discovered that non-smokers who regularly exercised were 54% less likely to have gum disease.
A separate study analysis revealed that people with high metabolic equivalent tasks, which measure exercise intensity, had a lower risk of developing periodontal problems. Even light physical activity, like walking 30 minutes for 5 days each week, makes a difference.
How Does Exercise Improve Gum Health?
While it hasn’t been studied specifically, experts hypothesize that working out contributes to gum health by reducing chronic low-grade inflammation. Physical activity alters your modulation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, like C-reactive protein (CRP). One study demonstrated that more time spent exercising resulted in decreased levels of CRP in patients with gingivitis. This is great news because a higher CRP level is associated with worsening gum disease, as well as other systemic disorders like coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
There are additional, indirect ways that exercise impacts your gums, too. People with diabetes, for instance, are at increased risk of periodontal disease due to higher sugar levels in their bodily fluids including saliva. Because physical activity improves blood glucose control, it also helps prevent gingivitis.
How Much Exercise Is Needed to Make an Impact?
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to see an improvement in your dental condition. You can start with moderate-intensity activities and then gradually yourself up. It’s recommended that you accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity each week to improve your health.
For those with desk jobs or who are largely sedentary all day, that might not be feasible at first. You can start by taking movement breaks, like a walk around the office hallways, every other hour. As you get moving, your body will adjust so you can then set an attainable goal, like taking a 20-minute walk several times a week. Continue building intensity slowly by doing something you enjoy like hiking, biking, running, swimming, or dance classes.
Now you have multiple reasons to stick with your New Year’s Resolution to exercise more. In addition to losing weight, you’ll boost your immune system and protect your smile!
About the Practice
At Turning Leaf Dental, a team of dental experts works together to provide a wide range of services to meet all your oral healthcare needs. They take pride in building relationships and educating patients about their smiles to improve their dental condition. Their warm, friendly staff takes time to get to know each individual’s unique needs and goals to provide the best possible solutions. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by contacting the office at (617) 536-5182.