You know how you go to the Dentist for your mouth and the Doctor for the rest of your body? Does that make you feel like your mouth is a separate entity and not really that connected to your body? If so, then you’re not alone. Most of us missed the memo about the “oral-systemic connection” (mouth-body connection). Maybe you have read in a newspaper or magazine or even heard on the news that gingivitis affects your heart. Just how connected are they?

In the past decade studies have proven that they are VERY connected! So much so that a healthy mouth will actually increase your life expectancy by three to ten years!!! The mouth has the highest concentration of bacteria of anywhere in the whole body, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. These bacteria aren’t all bad. They start the process of digesting your food and actually have some very positive roles in your health. The problem comes when those bacteria don’t stay in the mouth and they get into the rest of your body.
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You may not think it, but certain foods are vital in maintaining your oral health. The dentistry team at Atrium Family Dental in New Lenox want to make sure you’re eating the right things for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

• First of all, it is important to eat fruits and veggies because they contain nutrients for your gums. Calcium that comes from milk products also helps prevent tooth loss and promotes bone growth.
• Cheese is another great fighter of cavities, thanks to the calcium and phosphorus, which helps to eliminate plaque. Cheese also encourages saliva production which washes away food bits on your teeth. Protein and fat found in cheese stops cavities, so enjoy a slice of cheese or two after a meal to help maintain the best oral health possible.
• Furthermore, high-protein foods, which include nuts, eggs, meat, poultry and fish, are easy and delicious snacks that will strengthen the state of your teeth. Here’s a great healthy teeth tip: drink a glass of milk with a sugary treat, it can help to reduce cavities.
• You may also be surprised to hear that chocolate milk does not typically cause cavities. Because it is a liquid, the sugar from chocolate milk doesn’t stay in the mouth long enough to cling to your teeth. Cocoa and several nutrients in milk are cavity fighting agents, so the sugar content in chocolate milk won’t affect your teeth.
• Sugar isn’t the only culprit when it comes to cavities – acids found in pickles, citrus fruits, and colas can cause tooth decay and erode enamel. Sour candies are the worst kind of food because they are both a sugar and an acid.

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