CREAMY BAKED PUMPKIN RISOTTO
What happens in your mouth doesn’t necessarily stay in your mouth. The health of your teeth and gums can affect your overall health. To protect your general health, you need to understand the connection. Proper and routine oral care helps to keep oral bacteria under control and at a safe level. Because the mouth is the entry point to both your digestive and respiratory systems, when oral bacteria reaches unsafe levels, you are at risk of infections, gum disease, and tooth decay. Studies prove that oral bacteria and gum disease can lead to a variety of health concerns. On the flip side, certain health conditions also affect the immune system and lower our body’s ability to fight infections, potentially leading to oral health complications. The link is a vicious circle! A Window to Your Total Wellness Your Oral Health
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Nothing highlights fall quite like pumpkin-inspired dishes. Grab your blankets, turn on your favorite movie, and enjoy a delicious meal.
• 5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 2 cups Arborio rice • 2 cups of pumpkin, diced • 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin purée • 1/2 yellow onion, minced INGREDIENTS
• Salt, to taste • Pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 2 tbsp mascarpone cheese • 2 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
So, what conditions lead to poor oral health, and which ones potentially create oral health concerns? Let’s take a look:
1. Heat the oven to 400 F and arrange a rack in the middle. 2. In a 3-quart baking dish, combine broth, rice, diced and puréed pumpkin, and onion. 3. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until evenly combined. 4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until water has been absorbed and rice granules are puffed. 5. Remove from the oven and stir in basil, grated Parmesan cheese, mascarpone cheese, and olive oil.
Your oral health can contribute to:
• • • •
Cardiovascular disease
Endocarditis Pneumonia
Pregnancy and birth complications
Conditions that may affect your oral health include:
• • • • • • •
Diabetes
TAKE A BREAK
Osteoporosis
Alzheimer’s disease
HIV/AIDS
Eating disorders Certain cancers
Bats Broomstick Cemetery Creepy Grave Halloween Harvest Maze Monster Scarecrow Skeleton Treats
Rheumatoid arthritis
With so many risks to your overall health, safeguarding your oral health is paramount. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Don’t forget to floss daily and swish with mouthwash to remove any food particles left behind after you brush and floss! Limit the sugary foods and beverages you consume and focus on eating a healthy diet! Avoid smoking and tobacco use and don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three months (sooner if the bristles become damaged). Lastly, attend regular checkup and cleaning appointments!
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