What is the secret to a beautiful smile? Exercise. That's right. Individuals who regularly exercise have a lower risk for developing periodontitis, according to a study published in the August 2010 issue of the Journal of Periodontology. Periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth (e.g., attachment fibers, bone, etc.,). If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

The findings of the current study are supported by data obtained from an earlier investigation that was published in the August 2005 issue of the Journal of Periodontology. This latter study found that there was a 40 percent lower incidence of periodontitis in individuals who exercised, followed a healthy diet, and maintained normal body weight compared to their counterparts who did not share any of these characteristics. The researchers suggested that exercise helps to prevent periodontitis by three mechanisms:

• Exercise lowers the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is linked to an increased prevalence of periodontitis.
• Physical activity plays a role in modifying the inflammatory response of the body (e.g., decreasing C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker in the blood) and, therefore, may prevent periodontitis via this physiological mediator.
• Exercise may protect against periodontitis by reducing prostaglandin synthesis in the gum tissues. Prostaglandins are a group of chemicals that play a role in inflammation.

A third study reported that the effects of physical activity on periodontitis can be mitigated by smoking. This investigation,which was published in the October 2005 issue of the Journal of Dentistry found that physical activity significantly reduced the incidence of periodontitis in nonsmokers and former smokers, but not in current smokers.

To maintain a healthy smile you should visit a dentist twice a year, or more frequently if you notice changes in your teeth or gums. Notify your dentist if you experience redness, bleeding, swelling, and/or tenderness of your gums or loose adult teeth. Receding gums and chronic bad breath are reasons to contact your dentist as well.  Frequent brushing, flossing and avoidance of certain foods and beverages, such as sugary sodas, will help to promote oral health. And, don't forget that exercise does the body good--from your smile to your toes.

Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.