Do you like exercising? Whether you love it or hate it, being active has proven to have many benefits for your health. It keeps your heart healthy, strengthens your muscles, improves your mood, and can even help change your dietary cravings. In fact, exercise positively impacts nearly every aspect of your body, including your smile! A recent study from Colgate reports that exercising may help prevent gum disease. Read on as we go over the connection between staying active and keeping gum disease in Bonita Springs at bay.
The Basics of Gum Disease
When plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth, typically because of poor oral hygiene, your gums can become infected. The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and its most common warning sign is gums that bleed easily when you floss or brush. At this point, it can still be reversed and treated. However, if not addressed, it can progress to periodontitis. This second, more serious stage of gum disease includes severe inflammation, bright red gums, and permanent gum recession. Periodontitis can also damage and destroy the connective tissues that help hold your teeth in place. It’s even the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States.
Gum disease is an incredibly common oral health issue that studies estimate impacts well over half of the American population. Fortunately, many of these cases are gingivitis and still have the potential to be completely reversed. However, not only is periodontitis the leading cause of tooth loss, but it’s been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. That’s why it’s essential to do everything you can to prevent gum disease.
How Exercising Might Help Keep Your Gums Healthy
While research is still ongoing, there are indications that exercising could help keep gum disease at bay. In a study by Colgate, findings showed that non-smokers who exercised regularly were 54% less likely to have gum disease than non-smokers who weren’t as active. In fact, the study indicated that non-smokers who exercised moderately 5 days a week or vigorously 3 times a week for 10 years were at a 55% lower risk of periodontal disease. The same study was conducted on former smokers, who showed an impressive 75% lower risk!
Exercise combats inflammation, which is a major symptom of gum disease. It also improves the digestive system and your immune system, both of which work to help keep the tissues strong a healthy enough to fight off infections like gum disease.
Other Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Of course, there are plenty of easy, healthy ways to avoid gum disease, like:
- Brushing for two minutes twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash
- Quitting tobacco products
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings
By incorporating a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and some of the tips above, you can keep your smile in great shape and free of gum disease!
About the Practice
At Pelican Landing Dental, we’re dedicated to maintaining healthy gums and brighter smiles in Bonita Springs and the surrounding communities. Our knowledgeable and highly experienced team of dental professionals offer personalized preventive care and lifestyle tips to keep issues like gum disease at bay. Should any problems develop, they are proud to offer effective and comfortable periodontal therapy options such as scaling and root planing. To learn more, we can be contacted online or at (239) 948-2111.
