While brushing, flossing and other dental hygiene helps prevent gum disease, another solution is exercise. Working out even one or two times a week is associated with lowered rates of gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontitis, which can cause tooth decay or worse. For those who exercise vigorously three to five times a week, that rate is 52 percent lower than in inactive people, according to a nationwide study of over 2,500 people. Why exactly isn't fully understood, but gum disease is associated with metabolic syndrome, which exercise helps prevent.