As a holistic dental practice, we understand that the entire body and mind are interconnected. Your physical health can play a large role in your oral and mental health, and vice versa. Exercise and maintaining a healthy body are interrelated with maintaining proper oral health care. Living a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, and getting regular checkups by healthcare professionals is very important, especially in modern times where stress can take its toll. Let’s explore the many ways in which exercise and a healthy lifestyle can affect your oral health.
Exercise and Oral Health
Dental Related Illness and Exercise
Medical practitioners are just beginning to understand the links between our oral and physical health. There is still plenty of research needed on the topic, however, many recent studies support the idea that there is a correlation between oral and physical health.
Prevent Periodontal Disease
According to a recent study published in the US National Library of Medicine, it is stated that “Periodontal disease is closely related to lifestyle-related diseases and obesity.”
In this study, researchers looked at the exercise habits of patients with periodontal disease. They created an exercise and dietary program for a portion of the group, to measure any changes. The results showed an improvement in the periodontal pockets as well as less bacterial build up in the test group that exercised.
Although scientists are still testing the extent to which exercise affects oral health, this test demonstrated a positive correlation between the two. There are already countless benefits to regular exercise. These include improved overall health, weight maintenance, mental health, and now, a healthy smile too.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Proper Nutrition
Your teeth are greatly affected by what you put into your body. A healthy diet is part of a healthy lifestyle, and dietary changes can impact your oral health. For example, it is common knowledge that foods high in sugar contribute to cavities. Additionally, certain vitamin deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin C can cause illnesses such as scurvy, which subsequently result in tooth loss.
However, there are many foods that can help to improve your oral health as well. Some of the key foods that can maintain and improve your oral health include:
Calcium
Calcium can be taken as a supplement, however, it is also found in most dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt. These foods are often low in sugar and also contain protein. Calcium-rich products work to strengthen your jaw bone, it is a mineral that helps to keep bones healthy. This, in turn, strengthens your teeth as the jaw is able to keep your teeth securely in place.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for absorbing both phosphorus and calcium. It is also useful in naturally decreasing inflammation, especially around the gum line.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is often found in protein-rich foods, such as fish eggs and poultry. It is important, as it plays a vital role in rebuilding tooth enamel.
Learn more about foods that can benefit your oral health, along with other helpful tips in the article “The 7 Best Foods for your Teeth.”
Preventative Treatment & Care
Visit your health care professionals to help prevent and detect illness early-on, before it becomes a problem. In an article by the Canadian Dental association is it noted that “Research has shown there is an association between oral disease and other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, respiratory illness in older adults.”(Canadian Dental Association)
Many of the illnesses that can cause oral health problems can be detected early before they become serious. Part of living a healthy lifestyle is keeping on top of any health concerns that may emerge.
This means that it is essential to visit your doctor, dentist, and other health care professionals frequently. That is why we suggest you visit your dentist for regular, bi-annual check-ups. Your dentist will properly clean your teeth and check for cavities and abnormalities.
Get Regular Dental Check-Ups, Visit VCCID
Regular dental checkups are part of living a healthy lifestyle. At VCCID we are committed to our patients’ health and wellness. Our team would be happy to meet with you and discuss additional ways in which you can improve your oral health. Our holistic approach to dental care means that we take all aspects of your health into consideration. Contact us and book your appointment today.
