If you’re an athlete or simply enjoy being physically fit, you likely already know that regular exercise can benefit your body in several ways. For example, staying active can improve your heart health, enhance your musculature and strength, help you lose weight, or manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes.

But would you be surprised to learn your gym routine can also potentially affect your dental health? Studies have revealed a connection between exercise and the likelihood of developing gum disease. Keep reading to learn more about this relationship and how you can help preserve your connective tissues!

What Exactly Is Gum Disease?

Also known as periodontal disease, it happens when bacteria form a sticky film on your teeth and gums, known as plaque. If left unaddressed, it can build up and harden, forming tartar or penetrating your tender tissues and causing an infection.

Although the earliest stage of this disease, gingivitis, can sometimes be halted or reversed by improving your dental hygiene, it often goes untreated because it doesn’t always exhibit obvious symptoms until it progresses into its more advanced stage, periodontitis. Your dentist can help manage the latter with routine cleanings and other procedures, but it’s not always completely curable, making prevention essential for protecting your smile.

Can Exercise Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease?

Staying physically fit can benefit your oral health just as much as your general well-being. For example, a Colgate study found that non-smokers who exercised regularly were 54% less likely to have gum disease than non-smokers with a less active lifestyle. Not only that, but a meta-analysis of seven different studies using national survey data found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a lower occurrence of periodontal disease.

This may be because exercise helps regulate your body’s blood sugar, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and boost immunity. That means your systems can send appropriate nutrients and infection-fighting cells to your mouth more easily to help prevent potential problems, including periodontal disease.

Are There Other Ways to Prevent Gum Disease?

Regular physical activity, such as moderate workouts every day or more intensive exercise every other day, can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition, but it’s not the only way.

Most patients can help prevent gum disease by:

• Upgrading their dental hygiene routine. Brushing twice daily only removes about half the plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth; flossing is required to clear germs and residue from between teeth and below your connective tissues.
• Choosing foods carefully. Steering clear of overly sugary foods can prevent disease and decay, and incorporating more citrus fruits and leafy greens high in vitamin C can support your gum health.
• Scheduling routine exams and cleanings. Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your oral health so they can catch and treat areas of concern, like swollen gums, before they worsen.

If you suspect you may have developed gum disease, the best next step is to contact your provider for an appointment!

About the Practice

Patients at Cityline Dental Center benefit from two dentists who are passionate about helping them build beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Stampe and Dr. Gater share decades of combined experience, and today, they collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease treatments, to meet your unique needs under one roof. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to improve comfort and deliver more accurate results meant to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 231-9499.