Did you know that exercising can actually help you keep up your oral health? For example, exercising regularly can even decrease your risk of getting periodontal disease—which is commonly referred to as gum disease.
Sadly, if unaddressed, gum disease can lead to a wide variety of problems. For instance, did you know that gum disease can lead to bad breath, crooked teeth, and even loose or missing teeth. Similarly, if you don’t address gum disease, you could eventually have to deal with heart disease and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, exercise can help. In fact, individuals who have a regular exercise regime are 30% less likely to have gum disease. Incidentally, if you exercise and refrain from smoking, you can reduce your odds of having periodontal disease by up to 50%. Other studies have shown that keeping your BMI (body mass index) low can also help protect your oral health. Practicing sound oral care, eating well, and scheduling regular dental checkups can all keep periodontal disease at bay.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an Olympic athlete or a marathon runner to enjoy the benefits of exercise. In fact, even walking for 30 minutes a day a few times a week will help. We recommend finding exercises you enjoy. If you do, you’ll be more likely to work out more often. If you have other health issues, you may need to speak with your dentist before deciding on an exercise for you. They may recommend low impact exercises such as yoga, swimming, or walking. While this will help you with your oral health, it will also help your overall health.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mark Andrews, D.D.S.1 at 425-821-8100. Dr. Mark Andrews and our team look forward to hearing from you soon.