Like to Move It Move It?

Study Finds That Regular Exercise Lowers Risk of Periodontal Disease

Looking for one more way to improve the health of your teeth and gums? Get moving!

A new study published in the Journal of Periodontology has found that increasing your level of physical activity may lead to healthier teeth and gums.

Researchers from the University of Florida measured the body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage and maximal oxygen consumption in a group of volunteers, then used these factors to determine each person’s weight control and exercising capabilities. Researchers then reviewed each participant’s oral health, and oral care habits.

What the researchers found was that those who maintained a healthy weight and exercised regularly were less likely to develop gum disease, regardless of oral care habits.

“Weight management and physical fitness both contribute to overall health, and now we believe staying in shape may help lower your risk of developing gum disease,” said Samuel Low, associate dean of the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. “Since gum disease is related to other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, there is even more reason to take care of yourself through diet and exercise.”

Further, maintaining a healthy weight and staying in shape through exercise can help lower the amount of systemic inflammation we have as individuals, which many researchers believe may either cause or aggravate periodontal disease.