We’ve all seen captivating weight-loss transformation videos when people hit the gym regularly. We’ve had the benefits of exercise drilled into us since grade school. Exercise can prevent heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help to strengthen our bones and prevent our chances of developing osteoporosis.
But did you know exercise is also beneficial for your smile? Physical activity keeps your body healthy, which directly affects your oral health in several ways.
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Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Research in the National Library of Medicine (NIH) highlights several ways that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease. Physical activity lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels, and reduces inflammation—all risk factors for heart disease.
Additionally, exercise enhances endothelial function, leading to better blood flow and reduced plaque buildup in arteries. Even moderate amounts of physical activity can lead to significant decreases in both illness and death related to cardiovascular disease.
Emerging research also shows a link between oral health and heart disease. Untreated periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflamed blood vessels and plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). The plaque buildup narrows the arteries, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
Without proper dental care, the bacteria in our mouths can reach critical levels. This worsens systemic inflammation throughout the body, which is a critical factor in cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that individuals with severe gum disease are more likely to suffer from heart conditions due to this inflammation and bacterial spread. Since exercise is good for your heart, it’s also good for your oral health.
Helps with Digestion
Consistent exercise can improve the body’s digestive system by increasing blood flow to the intestines and the rest of the digestive tract. This enhances the body’s metabolism and ability to absorb nutrients. Healthy absorption of nutrients boosts your immune system and improves oral health, lowering the chance of developing gum disease.
In addition, regular exercise causes your body to maintain a healthy amount of saliva in the mouth, regulate bacteria, neutralize your PH levels, and decrease the risk of halitosis, or bad breath.
Decreases Stress Levels
To quote the famous Elle Woods from the 2011 box office hit “Legally Blonde”: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” When your body releases endorphins, you get energy through dopamine and serotonin. The more you work out, the more your body increases serotonin levels and decreases cortisol levels. This helps to boost confidence and mitigate depression and stress.
Believe it or not, high cortisol levels can significantly impact oral health. Stress, anger, and anxiety cause us to clench our jaws and grind our teeth, leading to long-term damage to the enamel. Constant teeth grinding wears down enamel, increasing the risk of chipping, cracking, and nerve damage. In severe cases, your gums may recede, causing permanent damage to your mouth.
Affects Posture
You may have never put your oral health and posture in the same category before. However, they are more interconnected than you realize. Poor posture can directly affect your jaw. For example, slouching can push the lower jaw forward, leading to a misaligned bite. As the jaw compensates, this can result in TMJ disorders, orthodontic problems, and other types of damage. Bad posture can also cause:
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Teeth misalignment
- Loose teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Headaches
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
A lack of exercise can lead to poor posture, which can negatively impact oral health. Regular physical activity can help improve poor posture and minimize the risk of jaw pain and other oral health conditions.
Heightens Risk of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, sometimes called gum disease, is an infection in the mouth caused by bacteria in plaque. It negatively impacts the tissues that support your teeth and your gums. The most common cause of periodontal disease is a lack of oral hygiene. Not brushing your teeth often or well enough leads to plaque buildup in your teeth.
Periodontal disease is often avoidable by brushing and flossing daily and going to the dentist every six months. Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to severe pain, bleeding gums, inflammation, and even tooth loss.
According to the Journal of Dentistry, regular exercise boosts periodontal health. The study shows that those who exercised regularly had a 54% lower chance of developing periodontal disease than those who did not. Another study in the National Library of Medicine revealed that those who maintain an average weight and get the recommended daily exercise have a 40% less chance of developing periodontal disease.
Boosting Your Oral Health with Exercise
Now we know that exercise can benefit our smiles. However, it works the other way around, too. Practicing good oral hygiene can help to protect your heart, which affects your ability to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
With that in mind, remember to prioritize exercise and take good care of your teeth so you can reap the benefits of a healthy heart and a beaming smile. Whether you need tooth fillings in Davis County, have pain, or just haven’t been to the dentist for a very long time, make a positive change and reach out to your Kaysville dentist today.