Exercise And Gum Disease Are Often Related

Three keys to good health are diet, rest, and exercise. These are things that help keep the body healthy, but many may not know how much they really help.

They know it helps them maintain a healthy weight and can prevent many problems, but they may not know how exercise helps them when it comes to gum disease. It surprises people to find out the relationship between these things.

How Gum Disease Works

Gum disease is a progressive condition. The longer it is left untreated, the worse it gets. Gum disease is a result of bacterial growth on the teeth and gums. Over time, plaque forms on the teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed, it irritates the skin of the gums causing inflammation. That causes the gums to separate from the teeth leaving gaps and leading to different oral health issues.

What Does Exercise Do

Exercise can help with gum disease. There are many factors that can increase the risk of gum disease. Diabetes is one of those things. Diabetes causes the blood vessels to thicken. That makes it harder for the gums to get the oxygen and nutrients they need for good health. Diabetics also struggle to control their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar in saliva can facilitate more of the bacteria growth that leads to gum disease.

Exercise is a good way to control weight and to lower the risk of diabetes. In that way, exercise can lower the risk of gum disease. Exercise also impacts the immune system. It helps reduce some of the proteins in the body that trigger inflammation in the body. It is the inflammation of the gums that is a sign of a problem with gum disease.

One last thing that exercise does to help promote healthy gums is getting a person used to following healthy routines. Good oral hygiene habits only work when they are practiced every day. People that can follow an exercise routine are more likely to follow other routines too. Those habits can help keep the gums healthy and happy.

For more information about how to keep your gums healthy, contact the dental professionals at our offices.