Gum disease affects countless adults throughout the United States each year. Millions remain unaware of their symptoms or assume the bleeding and swelling will go away on their own. While dentists offer treatments to combat the infection plaguing soft oral tissues, there are ways for you to prevent it altogether, one of which is exercise. Keep reading to discover how moving our body can make a big difference when it comes to your gum health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when an infection forms inside the soft oral tissues that surround your teeth and help hold them in place. Bacterial accumulation causes plaque to build up around the gumline and harden, making it increasingly difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing.
Over time, you may begin to notice that your gums start to bleed, become inflamed and red, and are uncomfortable when trying to eat.
What Can Untreated Gum Disease Cause?
The initial stage of gum disease – gingivitis – produces many of the symptoms listed above, all of which can be reversed if good at-home oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings occur. However, if left to worsen, the infection can spread and wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Some of the complications that can arise include:
- Loose teeth
- Bone loss
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive decline
- Respiratory disease
Failing to seek treatment early on will eventually lead to the infection reaching the bloodstream and traveling to different areas of your body. This can result in additional time and money being spent to address these problems.
How Can Exercise Help Prevent Gum Disease?
While exercise may not be one of the more popular answers, the truth is that it can lower the risk of gum disease. How? When you start to move your body, your digestive system improves, allowing the blood to pump more readily throughout your body and ensure normal bowel function. When your gut health is working properly, you’re less likely to develop infections, like gum disease.
To ensure your gut remains in the best possible shape, you must make sure that you’re eating nutrient-rich foods and not those full of sugar and starch. This not only safeguards teeth and gums but also creates better overall health in the long run.
When preparing for your next workout, remember that your commitment not only positively impacts your body but also your smile.
About Grand Dental – Aurora
At Grand Dental – Aurora, we have an in-office periodontist who treats patients with gum disease using some of the best solutions available. In addition, we provide tips and helpful resources that offer additional ways to safeguard your oral health. Whether you currently exercise or not, our team will be happy to discuss why it’s important for your overall well-being, but especially how it can lower your risk of gum disease. Visit our website or call (630) 538-8302 to schedule an appointment to discuss which lifestyle changes can make a difference.