Don’t be surprised by the headline. There’s no mistake or mystery here.
Our circle of friends aims to turn everything into a beneficial movement.
It’s our way of life. Even our hobbies are part of this movement and help us stay fit.
John has a toothache. Or maybe several. We couldn’t figure it out.
His mouth was clenched, he was groaning, and there was a look of suffering in his eyes.
The poor guy couldn’t enjoy his favorite “frups” this morning.
He just turned 65 recently.
And already problems with eating “frups.” It’s odd. It shouldn’t be this way!
We all immediately set out to find the cause of his discomfort.
Remove the cause, and the problem will resolve itself. That’s what we learned in school.
Soon enough, we found the cause.
It turned out to be his negligent approach to reasonable movement.
Can you believe it?
His disregard for movement actually caused his teeth to ache! What a mess.
I recalled a funny story from my school days.
In a lesson, we were discussing pests. We talked about flies, cockroaches, mice, and other creatures “living with us.”
We eagerly suggested ways to tackle these pests. Our creativity knew no bounds.
The teacher praised us for the variety of our ideas.
And mentioned there’s a primary and effective method.
It’s simple: “Remove the food, and the pests will leave alone.”
We had no objections. The logic was sound.
But one boy timidly asked:
“But how do you remove the food if you have bedbugs?”
The class burst into laughter.
Of course, there’s a bit of truth behind these jokes.
But dive into the Internet and explore the connection between dental health and exercise. You’ll uncover a lot of fascinating and unusual insights.
I was pleasantly surprised.
Physical activity and oral health.
Exercise is well-known for boosting overall health, but it turns out there’s also a link to dental health.
Here are some research-backed facts.
Regular exercise lowers the risk of developing periodontal disease by 54%. If you exercise just three times a week or less, the risk reduction is about 30%.
That is a big percentage!
Periodontal disease is inflammation of the tissues around the teeth.
It’s not easy to treat, and if left untreated, it can lead to jawbone deterioration and tooth loss. So, it’s worth it to get moving and start exercising.
Exercise is enjoyable, while periodontal disease is a serious concern.
Excess weight also affects periodontal health.
There’s a connection between body mass index and dental health.
If you manage your weight and stay active, you do yourself a huge favor. You’ve cut your risk of periodontal disease by 40%.
What if you combine regular exercise and weight control with a healthy diet?
You might never face periodontal disease.
Interestingly, periodontal disease in teenagers is related to waist size and body mass.
Obesity can raise the risk of gum disease. Adequate physical activity and a healthy diet can prevent or slow its progression.
There’s also a link between liver function and periodontal disease.
Regular exercise improves liver function, which positively impacts gum health.
Physical activity also links oral health to digestion.
Regular exercise promotes good blood flow to the digestive tract, enhancing vitamin and nutrient absorption. This boosts the immune system and reduces gum disease risk.
Better blood circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reach the gums, helping combat harmful bacteria and clear waste from gum tissues.
Incorporating regular exercise and sports benefits oral health in several ways:
– It positively affects overall health.
– Helps maintain body weight.
– Ensures proper blood circulation.
– Strengthens the immune system.
– Reduces inflammation.
– Relieves stress.
– Promotes healthy eating habits.
Can exercise negatively impact oral health?
Yes, it can.
Sports injuries are an obvious risk.
Sweetened sports drinks are bad for teeth due to their sugar and acid content. Exercise increases fluid needs, so stick to plain water.
Exercise can alter saliva composition.
It typically:
– Increases saliva’s alkalinity (high pH).
– Decreases saliva production.
This change can neutralize proteins in saliva that protect against tooth decay, raising the risk of cavities.
I was surprised to learn that bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acid within 20 seconds, contributing to cavities. Frequent snacking, therefore, increases the risk of tooth loss.
What other factors might affect oral health?
Genetic predisposition.
Your genes can make you more susceptible to oral diseases. An estimated that nearly a third of people are genetically predisposed to gum disease.
In summary, the main issues are cavities, gum disease, misaligned bite, and tooth shape.
Genes influence enamel quality, which affects cavity development.
They also determine saliva composition, which has protective functions:
– Dilutes and removes sugar.
– Maintains a healthy pH balance.
– Reduces cavity-causing bacteria.
– Provides minerals to strengthen enamel.
Genes also affect tooth shape and size.
Teeth may be closely packed or uneven, creating more space for bacteria to accumulate.
So, how do we handle this?
While we can’t change our genetics, we can minimize their impact.
Follow these guidelines for maintaining oral health:
– Be thorough with daily oral hygiene.
– Visit your dentist regularly. Early detection prevents unnecessary suffering.
– Stick to a balanced diet.
– Engage in regular exercise.
– Avoid harmful habits (smoking, excessive alcohol, etc.).
It’s crucial to be aware of your family’s dental health history.
Tell this history to your dentist so they can tailor the best treatment for you.
In general, aim for a healthy lifestyle! It will enhance your quality of life.
