Dental Bits
The Link Between Oral Health andComplete Health Risk Factors and What You Can Do for Your Best Self
greater risk for developing heart disease. By that same notion, a poor diet rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sugars greatly increases the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Another major risk factor is poor hygiene. Poor general hygiene increases the risk of infection and inflammation in the body. Over time, poor hygiene can lead to serious health issues. When it comes to oral health, poor hygiene will result in gum disease and tooth decay. These risk factors can be mitigated by lifestyle choices. Again, when we practice good oral health, our bodies reap the benefits. Here are three things you can do to bring your oral health and your body’s health into sync: Eat right: Reduce your sugar and refined carbohydrates intake. Oral bacteria thrive on these “nutrients” and produce toxins that cause decay and inflammation.
Good oral health is critical to good overall health. The two are inextricably linked. Healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy body, and vice versa. When our mouth is healthy, generally, our body is healthy as well. In many respects, the mouth is the gateway to the body. An infection in the mouth can increase susceptibility to infection elsewhere in the body. Oral infections are often a sign that our immune system has been compromised. A common example is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been linked to other conditions in the body, including diabetes and heart disease. Nearly 91 percent of people with heart disease also have periodontitis, according to study featured in the Journal of Periodontology. The reason for the connection has much to do with shared risk factors. For instance, people who eat a poor diet are at
Brush and floss: It really can’t be said enough. Regular brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Get active: Daily physical activity does wonders for the body, and over time it can help reduce inflammation.
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Recipes For a healthy You!
What’s Cooking
Ingredients Taco Salad To Go
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8 ounces cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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½ cup salsa
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½ cucumber, chopped
1 large lime, juiced 1 large avocado 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
½ cup black olives
½ cup cilantro, chopped
Fresh spinach
1 mason jar
Directions
1. Place salsa in the bottom of mason jar. 2. Put avocado in a separate bowl, and mix with the lime juice. Drop the mixed avocado into the jar. 3. Add in chicken. 4. Place tomatoes, cucumber, and olives on top, followed by the cilantro and as much spinach as you can fit. 5. Seal and refrigerate until you’re ready for lunch.
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