Did you know that good oral hygiene is also a step toward a healthier life? Given that recent research suggests potential links between the bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease and problems like Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, Pneumonia, Premature Births and Low Birth Weight Babies. Prevention of periodontal disease is an important step in maintaining overall health.

Brushing and flossing daily, eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks, and regular visits to your dentist will help you maintain a healthy smile.

The importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be overemphasized. In addition to checking your teeth, your dentist looks also for signs of diseases such as oral cancer. Alert your dentist to any sores, swelling or discoloration that you find on your tongue, lips, cheek, throat, jawbone, or palate. Because the majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45, dental checkups are increasingly important to detect cancerous lesions in early, more easily treatable stages.

Today, many adults are enhancing their smiles with braces, veneers and whitening products to keep their smiles young and healthy looking. Talk to your dentist about these options.

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Preventing and treating bad breath are essential to self-esteem. If you're concerned about bad breath, see your dentist, who can help identify the cause and—if it's due to an oral condition—develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it. If you frequently have bad breath, keep a log of what you eat. Avoid constant use of breath mints and other hard candies containing sugar. They will only temporarily mask bad breath and can lead to tooth decay. Also make a list of over-the-counter and prescribed medications that you take, because some medications may cause dry mouth and play a role in causing bad breath. Let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness, or whether your medical history has changed since your last visit. Schedule regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups

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"Keep a stiff upper lip" or "get a grip!" That's often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress.

If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It's called bruxism, and often it happens as we sleep, caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that is missing or crooked.

Symptoms include a dull headache or a sore jaw.

You could have teeth that are painful or loose from severe grinding. This can lead to fractures in your teeth.

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep.

If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax! Physical therapy, muscle relaxants, counseling and even exercise may help reduce tension.

Don't make your teeth the brunt of your stress.

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