You already know that regular exercise is good for your health. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, improve mood and energy levels, and even lower your risk of certain chronic diseases, and. But did you know that hitting the gym can also benefit your smile?

While it may seem like your oral health and your fitness routine are unrelated, research suggests that there may be a surprising link between the two. Here’s what you need to know about how exercise can impact your teeth and gums and how to make the most of your workouts for a healthier smile.

The Oral Health Benefits of Exercise

So, how exactly can exercise affect what’s going on in your mouth? Here are some of the potential ways exercise can improve your oral health:

Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a common culprit behind many oral health problems, including gum disease. When your gums are inflamed, they’re more susceptible to infection and damage from bacteria.

Regular exercise has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the mouth. By keeping inflammation in check, exercise may help decrease the chances of developing gum disease and other oral health issues.

Boosting Saliva Flow

Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system against cavities and other dental problems. It helps neutralize acid, wash away food particles, and remineralize your teeth.

Exercise can help stimulate saliva production, keeping your mouth moist and better equipped to fight off harmful bacteria. This is especially important if you suffer from dry mouth, a condition that can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Improving Circulation

When you exercise, your heart pumps harder, and your blood flow increases. Improved circulation can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to your gums and other oral tissues, promoting healing and healthy cell turnover. Better circulation may also help your mouth fight off infection and recover more quickly from any dental procedures or injuries.

Managing Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, you may be at a higher risk for developing oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and fungal infections. This is because uncontrolled high blood sugar can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off bacteria in your mouth.

Exercise, along with a healthy diet and any necessary medications, can help you manage your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of diabetes-related oral health complications.

Relieving Stress

Believe it or not, stress can take a toll on oral health in many ways. High stress levels can contribute to teeth grinding and clenching, which can wear down your tooth enamel and cause jaw pain. Stress can also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections like gum disease.

Exercise is a well-known stress-reducer, releasing endorphins that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed. By managing your stress levels through regular physical activity, you may be able to reduce your risk of stress-related oral health problems.

Making the Most of Your Workouts for Oral Health

While any type of exercise can potentially benefit your oral health, there are a few things to keep in mind to maximize the positive impact on your smile.

• Stay Hydrated – Drinking healthy amounts of water before, during, and after your workouts is crucial for preventing dry mouth and maintaining healthy saliva flow.
• Breathe Through Your Nose – Mouth breathing during exercise can contribute to dry mouth and make you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease.
• Protect Your Teeth – If you play any sports or participate in activities that could result in facial injuries, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from trauma.

Learn More

If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, or you have questions about how a healthy lifestyle may impact your oral health, we’re here! Contact us today to schedule an appointment and for a healthier, fitter smile.