Why Being Fit is Good for Your Gums

We all know that being healthy has many benefits. Lower BMI, healthy heart, & hearty immune system to name a few. But did you know your overall health can also impact your oral health? Healthy teeth and gums have been scientifically linked to maintaining a fit lifestyle.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a common, yet preventable disease that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth and can eventually lead to tooth loss. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about 64.7 million people suffer from periodontal disease. There are key symptoms that can signal your gums are infected. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as symptoms of gum disease:  

• Swollen or puffy gums
• Bright red, dusky red, or purplish gums
• Gums that feel tender when touched
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

So, what can you do to help prevent periodontal disease? Turns out, there are several things we can do. 

First, good oral hygiene is key. Periodontal disease begins when bacteria build up between the gums and teeth. If not removed, it breaks down the soft tissue and causes an inflammatory response signaling infection. However, if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, plaque will be removed and it lowers your chances of getting periodontal disease. The second way to prevent periodontal disease is to see your dentist regularly. Fuquay Family Dentistry can help assess and test the current health of your gums and make recommendations on how to improve your health.  Your dental team also plays a critical role in keeping the bacteria cleaned out from between your gums and teeth. Regular check-ups also allow your dental professionals to discuss diet, behavior, and products that can help improve your oral health. 

Obesity and Periodontal Disease

We’ve known for a long time that obesity increases certain inflammatory illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. However, it has been more recently linked to periodontal disease. According to the Obesity Action Coalition and a recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology people with higher BMI, waist circumference, and high waist-to-hip ratio had higher incidents of periodontal disease.  The good news is that in a study in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. So, if you are overweight and have periodontal disease, another way to help improve your oral health could be starting a fitness routine. For those who are regular with their fitness and have a normal BMI, your weight won’t put you at risk for periodontal disease. 

In either case, it’s always good to have all the information when considering behavior change. If getting fit is part of your goals, you can know you are doing something good for your oral health.

The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.