Gum Disease and Exercise: How They’re Related

When people think of ways to maintain a healthy smile, brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist every six months are common things that come to mind. The same goes for cutting back on their sugar consumption. Many people think or oral health as being all about teeth, but your gums are also an important part. There are several things you can do to encourage healthy gums, including exercising. Read on to learn about the connection between exercise and gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Also called periodontal disease, this is an infection of the gums that is often the result of poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush twice and floss once per day, this allows plaque, bacteria, and food particles to build up in your mouth. The bacteria attack your gums, which may eventually lead to an infection.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is treatable and even reversible. But, if you let it progress into a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, this can result in a range of oral and overall health issues. Some common symptoms of gum disease include: 

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Gums that are swollen, tender, or red
• Pain or discomfort when chewing
• Loose teeth or tooth loss
• Consistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Toothaches

How Exercise Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

Colgate did a study related to the connection between exercise and gum disease and found that non-smokers who work out five days a week are 54% less likely to develop gum disease versus non-smokers who don’t do so regularly.

Researchers believe that this is due to regular exercise getting the blood pumping, which helps your digestive tract function more efficiently. This means the tissue in your digestive tract, which includes the gums, is better at fighting off infections. Additionally, this allows your body to more easily absorb nutrients from food, which encourages healthier teeth and gums.

5 Other Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Now that you know more about the link between exercise and gum disease, what are some other ways you can prevent it? Along with exercising, there are several other ways to keep gum disease from developing, including:

• Avoid tobacco products – Smoking and using tobacco products more than doubles your risk of developing gum disease.
• Brush your teeth – Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and do so for two minutes twice per day.
• Floss – Do this every night to remove food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth.
• Rinse – Use mouthwash to remove food particles and bacteria in hard-to-reach places.
• Visit your dentist – Do so every six months for checkups and cleanings.

If you don’t exercise on a regular basis, now is the time to start. Not only can this help prevent health issues in the body, but it can also keep gum disease at bay. This will promote a healthy, happy smile to last a lifetime!

About the Practice

Drs. Thomas Novak and Garrett Johannsen lead the team at Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford with care and compassion that’s apparent in the way they treat their patients. They offer a range of oral health services to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues. They can also teach you about how exercise and gum disease are connected so you can run, jump, and lift your way toward a healthy smile. To schedule an appointment with Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford or to learn more, visit their website or call (817) 594-7302.