So now you are asking yourself, “What does that have to do with my dental office?” EVERYTHING! We are finding out more and more about the correlation of our teeth and our overall health. Studies have been done on health complications of being overweight, such as risk of heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and certain cancers. Health care professionals urge patients to manage their weight by exercising everyday for their overall health. Researchers have now uncovered “another” benefit of maintaining a fit life style. That is.........Healthy teeth and Gums!
August, 2020 issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that people who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. This is great news as periodontitis is linked to heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has suggested gum disease is associated with other diseases.
While a healthy lifestyle may help to prevent periodontitis, by taking care of your teeth and gums you can reduce your risk of periodontal disease, lower your risk of heart disease, and more. So here comes the May sunshine! Get out there and get some exercise, keep your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments and enjoy a happier and healthier YOU!