Can Exercise Improve Dental Health?

Regular exercise has been long proven to improve quality of life. Bet you did not know regular exercise is good for your dental health too! Recent research suggests that regular workouts can help prevent periodontal disease.

Exercise And Dental Linked?

Numerous studies have been completed over the last 10 years confirming a definite link between regular exercise and increased dental health. These studies have been published in well respected publications like the Journal of Periodontology and the Journal of Dentistry. Let’s see what each study had to say…

Journal Of Periodontology

One study followed three health enhancing behaviors maintaining normal weight, regular exercise, and a well balanced diet) to see the effect on periodontal disease. The researchers found that patients who followed these three behaviors were 40% less likely to have progressive periodontal disease. Another Journal of Periodontolgy study showed lower risk of periodontal disease amongst the least obese and the most physically fit subjects.

The study concluded that obesity and physical fitness may have some interactive effect on periodontal health. One factor they share: inflammation, which physical activity reduces. It is important to note that inflammation is a key factor in other systemic diseases as well. These include diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Journal Of Dentistry

This study followed the effects of exercise and smoking on periodontal health. The study found that patients who never smoked and exercised regularly were about 54% less likely to have progressive periodontal disease than those who did not exercise. It also found that former smokers had a 74% lower risk of having periodontal disease.

Exercise And Dental Health Conclusion

Working out helps improve digestion and can help your body use vitamins and minerals that are essential to dental health more effectively. If you exercise and eat a well balanced diet, your body is better able to use the nutrients in food to strengthen and protect your smile. Physical fitness can greatly contribute to dental health as well as your overall health. It can also improve your mood, help you manage stress and increase brainpower. If you’re not already, we encourage you to make regular exercise a habit.