Weight loss opens the door to better fitness. It can also give you a reason to smile again.
A person who exercises regularly and eats a healthy diet typically has healthier teeth and gums than someone who does not do these things. A national health survey conducted on more than 12,000 people revealed the correlation between a healthy lifestyle and good oral health.
People who maintained an active lifestyle, a healthy weight and a healthy diet cut their risk of developing gum disease by 40 percent. Having just two of those habits cut the risk by 29 percent. Even doing one of the three reduced the chance for gum disease by 16 percent.
Only 7 percent of people who lived healthy, ate nutritious foods and exercised regularly developed gum disease. 18 percent who did none of these things, on the other hand, suffered from gum disease.
The connection between healthy lifestyle and good oral health makes sense. People suffering from obesity tend to have poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to infections and inflammation in the gums and teeth. Bacteria develops in these affected areas, leading to chronic medical conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes.
People who eat healthy will eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which help clean plaque off teeth. They also tend to avoid candy, soda pop and other sugary foods and drinks that can damage tooth enamel over time. Regular exercise can cut down on inflammation and pain throughout the body – including the mouth.
The bottom line is that eating healthy and staying active aren’t just good for shedding unwanted pounds. It’s also a path toward keeping your mouth happy and healthy. And that is enough to give anyone a reason to smile.