Many people most consider their teeth when they think of their oral well-being, but without sufficiently healthy gums, there would be nothing to hold them in place. In fact, advance-stage gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults.
But thankfully, this condition can be potentially prevented by making healthy changes to your daily lifestyle, such as exercising more. Continue reading to learn more about how your workouts can help you avoid developing periodontal disease!
What Causes Gum Disease?
Did you know that the average human mouth houses billions of bacteria representing hundreds of different species? Some of these are necessary for certain processes, like digestion, but others are more harmful.
For example, if unhealthy germs in your mouth overpower the helpful ones, they can form plaque along the gumline and penetrate your tissues. This triggers an infection, gingivitis, that can start out small but often goes undetected, which allows it to progress to more advanced stages. Once your condition worsens, you’ll require treatment, such as a deep cleaning or gun grafting, to halt the disease, maintain your tissues, and improve your dental health.
Does Exercise Impact Gum Disease?
Increasing your physical activity can benefit your body in several ways. For instance, weight lifting builds and strengthens muscles and supports your skeletal structure, while cardio exercises, like running or swimming, enhance your heart health, speeds your metabolism, and sharpens cognition.
But studies also show that exercising more can also potentially prevent periodontal disease. For example, in 2021, researchers shared a meta-analysis that discovered an association between higher frequencies of physical activity and lowered risk of gum disease. They learned that those who completed 5+ moderate or 3+ intense workouts weekly were less likely to develop this condition. This may be partly because exercise reduces inflammation throughout the body, including in your connective tissues.
How Can I Help Prevent Gum Disease?
It’s natural to want to do all that you can to avoid common oral issues, including gum disease, but many people have different abilities and/or medical conditions that can make it challenging or impossible to engage in various physical activities. Fortunately, increasing your exercise isn’t the only way to avoid periodontal problems.
For instance, you can remove harmful plaque and bacteria by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding overly sugary foods that attract unwanted germs, and scheduling a routine dental exam and cleaning with your provider every 6 months.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, you can contact your dentist to learn more about your current dental condition and recommended ways to help maintain your smile.
About the Practice
Patients at Turning Leaf Dental benefit from 3 dentists passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, strong teeth and gums. Dr. Beamer, Dr. Yudi, and Dr. Davis share decades of experience and today, they collaborate to provide a complete menu of services, including gum disease treatments, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their caring approach, paired with advanced technology, delivers more comfortable, accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (617) 536-5182.