Daily physical exercise is beneficially related to dental health. In recent years, several scientific studies have been published that show how certain diseases of the oral cavity influence the body’s general responses. Thus, for example, periodontal disease is related to a decrease in aerobic capacity, balance and motor coordination.
On the other hand, people who practice sports regularly have much lower inflammatory markers than those who do not, which shows us that sport can protect us from an excessive inflammatory response in periodontal diseases.
The relationship between obesity, good physical health and periodontitis has also been analyzed, concluding that people with a low body mass index and higher oxygen consumption during exercise (aerobic exercises) have better periodontal health. Obesity has also been shown to be a risk factor in periodontal disease.
In addition, oral problems can cause a decrease in performance at the sports level, for example by decreasing respiratory capacity and that the severity of periodontal disease is directly related to the reduction of muscle strength, recovery, and neuromuscular coordination, causing in some cases inflammatory problems such as tendinitis, arthritis … that limit the athlete, especially when associated with pain and functional limitation.
Other oral disorders that can minimize sports performance are, for example, malocclusion producing alterations in balance, jaw tension, related to neck and back pain, or bad chewing that can cause a decrease in the energy power of the athlete.
Article by Dr. Miguel A. de Mingo
