Walking the Talk: How Our Healthy Habits at Drew Dental Support Your Smile
At Drew Dental, health is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re visiting for a routine checkup or a smile makeover, our goal is always the same: to help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. But here’s something you might not expect: our commitment to health isn’t just about our patients — it’s about our team, too.
We believe that great dental care starts with a team that’s energized, engaged, and committed to wellness. That’s why we’ve made intentional choices at our office in Aptos, CA to prioritize our own health — and yes, that includes getting up and moving during the workday!
Standing Desks and Walking Pads? Yep, We’ve Got Them!
Let’s start with something called glycemic control — essentially, how well your body manages blood sugar levels. When we move our bodies, our muscles use glucose (sugar) for energy. This helps reduce the amount of sugar circulating in the blood, leading to more stable blood sugar levels.
Why does this matter in a dental blog? Because blood sugar levels are directly linked to oral health — especially when it comes to gum disease.Here’s what the research shows:
•People with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk for periodontal disease — a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.
•In fact, studies like PMID31605062 and PMID37990177 have shown a strong two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. That means not only can diabetes increase the risk of gum disease, but gum disease can also make it harder to control blood sugar levels.
This creates a cycle — but the good news is that daily movement and consistent blood sugar management can help break it.
Every Step Counts — Literally
That’s why, at Drew Dental, we believe that every step counts. Whether it’s 15 minutes on the walking pad between patients or simply standing while working, we’re taking steps — literally — toward better health. And the benefits go far beyond blood sugar control:
Improved circulation
More energy throughout the day
Better posture and reduced back pain
Sharper mental focus
Lower stress levels
We’ve found that when our team feels better, we work better — and that translates to a more comfortable, efficient, and positive experience for every patient who walks through our doors. Click here to check out our walking pad and desk converter recommendations.
The Oral-Systemic Connection: Why Your Dentist Cares About More Than Just Teeth
As your dental care providers, we’re not just focused on your teeth — we’re looking at the bigger picture of your health.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. What happens in your mouth doesn’t stay there. Chronic inflammation, infections, and gum disease can all impact other parts of the body, from your heart to your pancreas. In fact, research has linked gum disease to:
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Kidney disease
Pregnancy complications
And, of course, diabetes
This is why we take the time during your exams to evaluate not just your teeth, but your gums, your bite, and even your lifestyle habits — because they all work together to create (or compromise) health.
And it’s why we’re passionate about walking our talk.
What You Can Do at Home
Now, you might be thinking, That’s great for the team at Drew Dental — but what about me?
We’ve got you covered! Here are a few simple tips to help support your own oral and systemic health at home:
1. Move More (Even Just a Little Bit!)
You don’t need a walking pad or a gym membership to benefit. Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk after meals, stretching during TV commercials, or doing some light housework. Every bit helps!
2. Balance Your Blood Sugar
Eating meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Reducing added sugars — especially sugary drinks — benefits both your overall health and your teeth.
3. Brush and Floss Daily
Oral bacteria thrive in sugary environments. Keeping your teeth and gums clean helps prevent infections that could further complicate blood sugar control.
4. Visit Us Regularly
Your regular dental visits are a key part of maintaining health. We can detect early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other issues — and help you stay on track with personalized care.
Why This Matters to Us
For us, dentistry isn’t just a job. It’s a calling to help people live healthier, more joyful lives. We love our community here in Aptos, and we’re committed to being more than just your dental team — we want to be your partners in whole-body wellness.
That’s why you’ll find us standing, walking, and doing whatever it takes to support our own health. Because when we feel our best, we can help you feel your best, too.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about progress. One step at a time.