Physical and bodily movement is paramount to keeping up your health. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be miserable at the gym or force yourself into 5 a.m. runs. There are multiple health benefits that come from taking relaxing walks in nature or dancing around your house to your favorite album.
Physical fitness can also have an impact on your oral health. According to the World Health Organization, oral diseases affect nearly 3.5 billion people, many of which also report health risk factors due to poor diet and mobility.
A healthy smile starts with your feet. Here are a few ways that getting your body moving can improve your oral health.
Improved Circulation and Oxygen Levels
Your gums play a key role in your oral health. Not only do they cover your teeth and protect them, but they also block bacteria from entering your body. If you experience gum inflammation or wear, you might notice other health problems will start to form.
Increasing your fitness levels is one way to build up healthy gums. When you start moving, you can increase the blood flow throughout your body. Deep breaths from your workout can increase your oxygen which is particularly important for soft tissue like your gums. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or professional weight lifter to experience good health. Low-impact exercises like swimming or stretching in your home can get your blood moving.
Even if you are physically fit, an annual dental visit can help you track your gum health and catch potential problems early on.
Reduced Stress Levels
Exercise releases endorphins, otherwise known as happy hormones. These are chemicals in your body that regulate your emotions and stress levels. Some people turn to biking, running, and other forms of exercise because they feel less stressed and better able to manage life’s challenges after a workout.
Your stress levels have a big impact on your oral health. When you are stressed, you are more likely to clench your jaw or grind your teeth (especially while sleeping). You also might stress eat and neglect key dental health practices like flossing. Physical activity can boost your mood and channel your energy into healthy release points — like pulling on a row machine instead of clenching your jaw.
Lower Risk of Tooth Decay
Every human mouth is filled with bacteria and germs that want to eat away at the teeth. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash all remove these bad particles in order to protect your oral health. Your body also removes bacteria with saliva production, which allows you to swallow away harmful sugars and remnants.
Exercise can potentially reduce your risk of tooth decay by creating more saliva. When your body is under stress, it recognizes that it needs more water. It creates saliva to simulate water while creating a dry mouth feeling that urges you to hydrate. Even the act of drinking more water can have an impact on the number of bacteria in your mouth.
Of course, some people are more sensitive to bacteria than others. Make sure you schedule routine dental cleanings to remove plaque and make sure you aren’t sensitive to cavity formation.
Improved Immune System Functionality
Your saliva and gums aren’t the only defense mechanisms against bacteria in your mouth. Your immune system constantly fights germs and does its best to keep you healthy. You can support your immune health by caring for your body through regular sleep, a healthy diet, and frequent exercise.
Studies show that exercise can stimulate immune cell circulation in your body (similar to your blood and oxygen circulation). This means there are more immune cells brought to your mouth to protect your teeth and gums. Exercise can also raise your body temperature, which is important when fighting off germs.
Finally, exercise can help you sleep better, which is when your immune system really gets to work. You might notice that you recover from illness faster or get sick less often once you develop good exercise habits.
Better Nutrition
When you take small steps to increase your physical activity, you might notice that you make other healthy choices in your life. Studies show that people who work out are more likely to choose healthier foods. They are more likely to reach for fruits and vegetables that have hydrating properties and are less likely to turn to high-salt, high-fat foods.
There also could be secondary benefits to working out that affect your diet and eventually your oral health. For example, if exercise leads to better sleep, you might be less dependent on coffee, sugary sodas, and energy drinks to get you through the day. Those are some of the worst drinks for healthy teeth, so moderating how much you consume could keep your teeth healthy.
This doesn’t mean you have to give up coffee or avoid french fries in order to improve your health, but maintaining a balanced diet could lead to better dental check-ups.
How to Improve Oral Health Through Exercise
When it comes to your health, small choices add up. Think of your physical health like climbing a flight of stairs: you don’t have to jump from one floor to the next, just take it one step at a time and soon you will reach the top. Here are a few ways you can improve your oral health through physical fitness. By allocating a few minutes here and there throughout the day, you can make a big impact over time.
- Commit to brushing your teeth and flossing twice daily. This is still the best way to care for your oral health and protect your teeth and gums.
- Find an exercise that you love. If you aren’t excited to work out, you likely aren’t going to do it that often. Look for fun activities like dancing or swimming.
- Look for small ways to move your body. Take the stairs at work or park farther away from the store. Those steps still count!
- Practice healthy sleep habits. Staying up late can leave you too tired to work out the next morning. An extra hour of rest can make a big difference.
- Know that you will feel better afterward. A lot of people don’t like to work out but they love how they feel after. Develop a mantra to motivate yourself when you just want to rest on the couch.
Most physical fitness activities can be done in the comfort of your home, from completing yoga classes found on YouTube to dancing in place while you wash the dishes. However, make time at least once a year to visit a dentist for a professional check-up and cleaning. They will let you know if you are on track for good oral health.