Contributed by Ryan Peterson.

When it comes to your oral health, it’s something that you don’t want to ever neglect. Our pearly whites are more important to us than you may think. If we get an infection in our mouth, there’s a chance that it can spread to the rest of the body. Multiple studies have shown a strong association between oral health and heart disease. In general, having a healthy mouth is very important and it truly can affect multiple aspects of your health.

Here are some dental care tips to ensure that you have a healthy smile.

Brush and floss every day

Since you were a child, you were told to brush every day, twice a day. We already know to brush once in the morning and once at night. But plenty of people neglect to floss. Flossing is so important as it removes plaque from spots your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque can eventually lead to tooth decay if you’re not careful, but it can even lead to gum disease as well as cardiovascular problems.

Have a healthy diet

You already know that sugar isn’t the best for your teeth. A healthy diet is wonderful for your mental health, physical health, as well as your oral health. Good nutrition is going to build strong bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetables are quite chewy which helps the production of saliva. Saliva helps in cleaning out the mouth naturally. You can utilize both a nutritionist to help you get on track with a balanced diet as well as one of the many nutrition apps available to maintain positive changes (ie a food diary).  

Contributed by Ryan Peterson.

Much has been written about proper nutrition for heart patients, but some information has turned out to be a myth. To educate yourself further, consider reading Brad Schaeffer MedComp Sciences. Below I cover why these 3 nutritional myths belong in the realm of fairy tales.

Myth 1: 

“People affected by chronic heart disease should consume omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids have a protective effect on blood vessels.” This is partly true. Basically, omega polyunsaturated fatty acids are healthy. However, omega-3’s and omega-6’s differ in their effect. Omega-3 fatty acids work against inflammation, blood clots, and cardiac arrhythmias, and they also lower blood pressure. The composition of the fats in the blood and the health of the blood vessel walls can be improved by eating a diet rich in omega-3s. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids can both fight and promote inflammation. The body can use omega-6 fatty acid to make molecules that promote inflammation. Therefore, the proportion of omega-6 fatty acids compared to omega-3 fatty acids in food should not exceed a ratio of 5:1.