February 22, 2022
Healthy eating and good oral hygiene are essential to keeping teeth looking good, but the role of exercise should not be neglected. People who exercise regularly usually have a healthier lifestyle overall, but many don't realize that exercise can impact oral health.
The question does exercise increase metabolism gets asked a lot. But what about the impact of exercise on dental health? You could be surprised by the answer. This blog post will discuss how exercise helps keep teeth looking their best.
1. Exercise helps improve your blood circulation. As your heart rate increases, so does the amount of oxygen-rich blood flow through your body. This increased blood flow also carries more saliva, which helps fight bacteria that clings to teeth and gums. Teeth are a form of bone and receive nutrients from the bloodstream. Exercise pumps up your heart, which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your cells, including those in your gums. ‘’If you exercise regularly, you will have increased blood flow promoting a healthy delivery of nutrients to the gum and tissue cells,’’ says Jeff Burak, DDS, and a board-certified periodontist. When those cells are nourished, they're better able to resist infection. That's good for your teeth, too. Exercise with proper circulation leads to improved immunity and decreased inflammation.
2. Another way exercise improves oral health is by shaping the posture of the teeth. Studies show that one of the most essential components of a beautiful smile is your teeth' natural curves and angles. Exercise helps to increase musculature and bone tone for a more confident look. Exercise does more than keep your body fit. By strengthening the muscles of the cheeks and jaw, exercise assists in establishing a proper bite by maintaining the correct shape of the teeth.
If you have ever been on a long walk and felt a bit of pain or soreness in your jaw, the chances are that there was an issue with your posture as you exercised. The same thing goes for your teeth, as bad posture when exercising can lead to poor oral health. Good oral health depends on more than just brushing and flossing; good posture also plays a role in preventing tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues.
3. Exercise also makes your teeth look good by managing obesity. Exercise helps you manage your weight. That enables you to avoid the extra stress on your teeth from obesity and the higher levels of inflammation that come with obesity. Excess fat cells in the neck and jaw areas can put pressure on specific nerves, which can cause toothaches and sensitivity. Regular exercise reduces stress and anxiety that makes you prone to bad habits like overindulging in food or neglecting your oral hygiene. Obesity is a condition associated with multiple diseases, including many gum infections. Exercise can help manage weight and reduce your risk for periodontal disease.
4. Physical activity also improves the health of the teeth by managing cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease the incidence of heart disease and diabetes, both of which can affect oral health. Exercising works wonders for preventing clogged arteries, especially those in the heart. When arteries become blocked, blood flow is restricted, including blood flow to the mouth. Plus, routine exercise has proven beneficial for tooth health.
5. When you exercise, you improve your overall mood, which plays a significant role in improving your teeth health. Exercise triggers the release of neurotransmitters that make us feel happy and more relaxed. This can make it easier to sit still during the cleaning process, plus the relaxing endorphins can help you shake off any dental anxiety. Strenuous exercise such as running, biking, and swimming can also cause your body to release hard-hitting antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, which in turn could protect against bad breath and gum diseases.
Conclusion
Exercise can improve overall health, but it is not directly responsible for keeping a healthy-looking smile. However, the benefits of exercise extend to oral health in various ways. With that said, we can conclude that exercise can indirectly benefit oral hygiene by providing many health and lifestyle benefits that promote improved dental hygiene.To ensure your mouth stays as healthy as possible, exercise should be combined with good oral hygiene habits at home and regular check-ups at the dentist.