Do you brush and floss regularly? Do you make a point of visiting your dentist once every six months? Do you ever wonder if there’s anything else you can do to keep your teeth healthy and strong? If you do wonder, would you be surprised to learn that exercising regularly can help?
For example, exercising regularly can even decrease your risk of getting periodontal disease—which is commonly referred to as gum disease. 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.
Luckily, you won’t need to engage in extensive exercises every day to enjoy the health benefits that come from exercise. In fact, you’ll only need to exercise for approximately 30 minutes a few times a week. Still, before you jump into an exercise, you should consider your options. You see, if you enjoy the exercise you do, you’ll probably be more likely to exercise more often. Similarly, 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 Derek M. Lichter, DDS, Inc. at 619-591-8945. Dr. Derek Lichter and our team look forward to hearing from you soon.
