It is a well-known fact that staying active is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Exercising keeps your heart healthy, helps control your blood sugar and insulin levels, can improve mental health, lowers high blood pressure, and has many other whole-body benefits. One lesser-known bonus of exercising is that it can benefit your oral health. Read on to learn more about this fascinating connection!
Keeping your gums healthy is a vital part of your oral care. Gum disease can destroy the bone underneath the teeth and even cause tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, practice proper oral hygiene and clear away bacteria before plaque and tartar take hold.
Want another way to improve periodontal health? Be sure to stay active! One study published in the British Dental Journal found that people who exercised consistently were 54% less likely to develop periodontitis than those who did not exercise. Similarly, there is a valuable link between BMI and gum health. Another study published in the Journal of Periodontology revealed that those who maintain a normal weight and get the recommended amount of exercise are 40% less likely to develop gum disease. For a happy body and healthy gums, make staying active a priority.
With spring just around the corner and sunnier days approaching, now is the perfect time to start getting outside for exercise. Outdoor activities like walking, biking, running, or sports are great ways to get your dose of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps keep bones strong, allowing calcium to be absorbed into your digestive system from the food you eat.
Calcium is part of what makes up the protective layer of the teeth, the enamel. Dentin is under the enamel, which contains cells that protect the blood supply and nerves in each tooth. On the border of the enamel and dentin are cells that help repair the dentin when necessary—but only if the body has enough vitamin D. Without this essential vitamin, the body struggles to repair and protect the teeth. For strong teeth, get outside and get moving!
Not only does exercise benefit your oral health, but your oral health can also affect how you exercise. When you brush and floss, you clear away bacteria that can cause gum disease. If neglected, that same bacteria can travel through the body, inflaming blood vessels just as it does gums, leading to issues like heart disease. A healthy heart and cardiovascular wellness are vital to reaping all the benefits of exercise! To keep your heart and mouth healthy, make sure to keep up with your dental hygiene routine, including cleanings and exams at Bowen Legacy Dental.
Now that you know how healthy smiles and active bodies are connected, it's time to get moving! In our community, there are plenty of great options for physical activity and lots of smiles. Take a trip to a Columbus Metro Park. Climb your way to fun at Vertical Adventures. Have a blast dancing at Jazzercise Upper Arlington. Or choose Barre3 Columbus, one of Dr. Gehlert's favorites!
Ready to boost your oral hygiene and set up your smile and body for success? Visit us for your next appointment here at Bowen Legacy Dental. Call us at 614.459.2300 today!
