It’s estimated that in the U.S. alone, nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. It’s a prevalent dental problem that can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful. A great way to avoid it is by taking care of your oral health, but did you know exercising can be a beneficial thing to do alongside it? Here’s how working out can boost your smile.
What’s the Link Between Gum Disease and Exercise?
As a quick refresher, gum disease is an infection in the soft tissues of your mouth. It starts as gingivitis, which causes inflammation, redness, and bleeding when brushing and flossing. As it progresses into periodontitis, it can cause gum recession or even tooth loss.
Thankfully, physical activity has proven to be fruitful in preventing the initial symptoms. A study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that those who exercise have reduced swelling, plus lower attachment and bone loss. So, by getting your heart pumping, you can boost your gum health and lower your risk of this condition.
In fact, another study in the Journal of Dentistry estimates that those who work out regularly have a 54% lower chance of this oral health issue. Even doing it three times a week or less had a 33% lower likelihood, per the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
How Much Should I Work Out in a Week?
Since physical activity can help against gum disease, you might wonder how much you should do. In short, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise every week. If you’re new to this, then you might want to start small and build your way up.
How Else Can I Protect My Smile?
That said, working out can boost your gum health, but don’t forget to take care of your smile as well. Here are a few simple tips:
- Brush and floss twice daily to remove bacteria that cause problems in the first place.
- Limit sports drinks as they are often sugary and acidic.
- Breathe through your nose during intense sessions to avoid dry mouth.
- Avoid clenching your teeth or wear a mouthguard to protect them from the excess pressure.
In the end, don’t forget to visit your dentist. They have the advanced training to spot gum disease in its early stages. Tackling it sooner rather than later can help you avoid complications and get you a step closer to a problem-free smile.
About the Practice
Want a stronger grin? Our team at Forever Young Dentistry of Sterling Heights is dedicated to helping patients avoid a wide range of dental problems with personalized services. Led by Dr. Michael Young and Dr. Joseph Samona, we are proud to offer gum disease treatments to handle this condition. If you are worried about this oral health issue, schedule an appointment or call our office at (586) 795-5678.