Your teeth and gum’s health rely largely on your diet and what you choose to put inside of your mouth and in your body. Today, there is a record amount of consumption of unhealthy foods, loads of sugary drinks and snacks, and non-nutritious foods that really take a toll on your oral health.

Proper diet and oral health should start at an early age. The foods you consume growing up, especially when you receive your permanent teeth, are extremely important for your dental health in the future. You only have one set of natural, permanent teeth, and you must make sure you are eating the right foods and drinks to ensure your dental longevity and health.

Sugar is one of the biggest enemies for your mouth and teeth. When bacteria, or plaque, comes in contact with sugar in your mouth, acids are produced. The acid can then attack your teeth for 20 or more minutes which can eventually lead to tooth decay.

Many foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. They should not be removed from your diet based on their natural sugar occurrence but their consumption should be monitored and balanced. The nutrients that they contain are a big health benefit which is why they should still remain a part of your well balanced diet. Added sugars in certain foods are the types we need to be aware of and limit.

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Many people chew gum simply for the taste, flavor, or to cover up bad breath. Well, for whatever reason you chew gum, keep it up.  Chewing sugarless gum after every meal stimulates salivary flow which clears food from the mouth and neutralizes plaque acid. By chewing gum, you increase the production of saliva by 10 times the normal amount! Proper saliva flow through your mouth is very important for dental and oral health because it aids in the prevention of tooth decay and disease by removing waste and particles from the mouth.

Gum has evolved over time since ancient use with the Greeks and Mayans. Today, the base of gum products are made from a blend of synthetics such as resins and waxes. The American Dental Association supports the use of chewing gum based on numerous studies of the positive effects sugarless gum has in oral care. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can reduce the risk of tooth decay.

The act of chewing initially starts to increase the flow and production of saliva in the mouth. Chewing gum after eating will help neutralize and wash away the acids produced during the break down of foods. Without sufficient saliva flow, plaque and bacteria can remain on the tooth, causing it to break down the enamel, which then may result in tooth decay.

Chewing gum should never replace brushing and flossing. It is still necessary to brush twice a day and floss at least once. For a complete list of ADA approved sugarless gum, check out this list.

Good dental health isn’t only necessary for our smile and mouth, it’s necessary for our heart and arteries. By taking proper care of your teeth and gums, you can decrease your chances of heart disease.

Brushing and flossing your teeth everyday is a must along with routine dental check-ups every 6 months. By avoiding your toothbrush or dentist, plaque starts to build up on your teeth and into your gums. Your gums become weak and may bleed when you brush your teeth. This can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. The bacteria that builds up in your gums can travel through your bloodstream into other parts of your body, increasing plaque in your arteries and damaging vessels and cells on the way.

Studies have shown that people with coronary artery disease have higher levels of periodontal bacteria in their system. This bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides, illness causing toxins. These toxins can also damage the cells that line the vessels, causing more harm to your body and heart health.

When we have oral infections, a certain protein is released into our bloodstream-C-reactive protein. Harvard researchers have studied the effects C-reactive proteins have on our bodies. They found that this protein is a good predictor of second heart attacks in cardiovascular patients. When the oral infection is treated, the levels of C-reactive protein decrease.

Smoking also increases the chances of oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. Smoking makes blood vessel linings stickier, which makes it easier for bacteria to stick to the vessel walls and build up. Smoking causes numerous health defects and cancers and should always be avoided.

Taking care of your mouth is an essential step in taking care of your body. With proper oral hygiene, your heart and body will benefit greatly. Your chances of heart disease will decrease and you’ll feel great with a beautiful smile, too.