HHS HealthBeat (August 10, 2006)

Beyond brushing

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A healthy mouth seems to live in a healthy body. Research finds that people who are physically active, eat right, and don't get fat were 40 percent less likely to develop the gum infection periodontitis, which can cost people teeth.

The researchers base that on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nabil Bissada of Case Western Reserve University reported on the study in the Journal of Periodontology.

Bissada says brushing and flossing are still crucial to prevent gum disease. But he says being active – especially over years – and eating right are also important. And even more important for some:

"For those people who are susceptible to periodontal disease, then in this case physical exercise, and diet, and maintaining your weight will be very protective." (10 seconds)

Learn more at www.hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: August, 15 2006