Interested in becoming a mouth taper? Perhaps you saw an Instagram ad for mouth taping and how it can benefit your sleep. It is a highly popular solution to encourage nose breathing during sleep, which may help address everything from snoring issues to bad breath. 

Although mouth taping is increasing in popularity, it hasn’t been studied extensively, especially on a large scale. A handful of small scientific studies were conducted, so most of the existing benefits are primarily anecdotal. In this article, we aim to discuss how mouth taping works, how to tape the mouth safely, and if there are any risks involved. Continue reading to learn more. 

What Is Mouth Taping?

Mouth taping is the practice of taping your mouth shut at night before you go to bed. If you want to breathe through your nose while you sleep, taping your mouth shut forces that to happen. That ultimately helps you avoid the negative effects of mouth breathing, such as snoring or even sleep apnea. The tape is usually porous and you stick it over the upper and lower lips. That makes opening your mouth very difficult, encouraging you to breathe through your nose during sleep.

Does Mouth Taping Help With Snoring?

There is a large argument that sleeping with mouth tape may benefit people who snore. One study involved people with mild obstructive sleep apnea, and they wore a porous patch over their mouths while sleeping. That caused all of the participants to breathe through their nose, and it changed the angle and palate of the tongue. These changes contributed to less snoring, and fewer instances of lapsed breathing. According to researchers, there are no definitive findings that indicate mouth tape’s positive impact on snoring in people who do not have obstructive sleep apnea. More research is necessary on this topic to see if mouth tape can help with other snoring issues. 

Benefits Of Mouth Tape

According to anecdotal claims, mouth tape has helped ease a variety of problems, including snoring, fatigue, concentration issues, and bad breath. Existing research has only found mouth tape to reduce snoring and tiredness in people with obstructive sleep apnea. What research does show is that nose breathing helps to filter out allergens and adds resistance to benefit lung volume. It also helps deliver warmer, more humid air to the lungs. Although studies on mouth taping for people with asthma have not shown any benefits, the research and anecdotal reports that do exists claim that mouth taping aids the following:

• Dry mouth
• Gum disease
• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Cavities
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms
• Slowed growth in children
• Bad breath
• Decreased cognitive ability

Side Effects Of Mouth Tape

There are some existing side effects of taping the mouth for sleep, but most of them have not been fully studied. The following list of side effects are merely anecdotal:

• Pain when ripping off the tape, especially if you have facial hair
• Anxiety in people who feel uncomfortable with tape over their mouths
• Irritation on or around the lips
• Discomfort or difficulty breathing
• Interrupted sleep due to irritation from the tape

How To Tape Your Mouth Safely

First of all, make sure to use a porous tape intended for human skin if you decide to use mouth tape. Masking tape or other tapes that are not intended for the body will likely cause irritation. Some companies sell strips that help keep the mouth shut while you’re asleep. There are currently no guidelines on how to tape the mouth safely, but it isn’t like building a combustion engine from scratch. 

Before you tape your mouth, make sure to test the mouth tape during the day. This is especially important if you have difficulty breathing through your nose due to nasal polyps, allergies, or another reason. Minimize irritation on the skin by applying a food-safe gel to the area around your mouth prior to sticking on the tape. When you apply the tape, consider folding it over at one corner to promote easy removal in the morning.

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Do you soak in a warm bath in the evening to promote relaxation and prepare the body for bed? Perhaps you use a trusty supplement or a great sleep mask that works every night. These things signal your brain that it is time for bed and help you wind down. Hopefully, you don’t rely on alcohol or medications to get a good night’s rest, though. 

One medical expert recently shared three products that have helped her get sound sleep almost every night. For years, she has slept with earplugs, blackout curtains, and kept her room at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. When you keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, you can promote deeper, high-quality sleep. For a guide to how you can incorporate these three products into your nighttime routine, continue reading. 

Blackout Curtains

Some people are very sensitive to light and cannot sleep if a red button on the bottom of a TV is in the room. Others can simply fall asleep no matter what, even if a giant searchlight is beaming through the window. Too much light exposure in the evening can keep the brain awake and disrupt your sleep. When you sleep in a dark bedroom, you can better regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It works best when you are exposed to bright light during the day and darkness at night.

Light exposure can still throw off your sleep even when your eyelids are closed. That’s why blackout curtains are a smart choice if you want to create a more restful bedroom. There are many blackout curtains that do not effectively keep light out, though. For this reason, make sure you read reviews of the blackout curtains you decide to buy. The best ones usually drape all the way down to the floor. 

Earplugs

If you are someone who prefers to use a sleep machine and find it to be effective, keep doing what you’re doing. If you are a light sleeper and find that any noise disrupts your slumber, earplugs may be a great product for you. The majority of repair and restoration occurs during the later stages of sleep, you want to minimize your exposure to things that can wake you, such as traffic or loud air conditioning. 

Foam earplugs are available at most stores. Ideally, choose ones that are extra comfy and easily stay in your ears all night. If you cannot get them to stay in your ears, though, you may want to consider a sound machine that produces rain, wind, ambient, or other noises that keep you asleep. According to experts, a pink noise setting is better than a white noise setting because white noise isn’t the best sound range for optimal sleep.

A Fan Or Some Cooling Device

Every person should have some sort of cooling device in their bedroom. The ideal temperature for an optimal sleeping environment is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This temperature range assists a drop in core temperature, which helps prepare the body for sleep. You don’t need to buy an expensive fan to improve your sleep, but some people are attracted to fans that have built-in air purifiers. Not only does this device help to move air around the room, but it also works to remove potential irritants from the bedroom air. 

As you are getting ready for bed and the room is cooling down, take a hot shower. This works to get blood flowing away from the body’s core, which leads to a temperature dip that can help you fall asleep.

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If you are an older adult, you are well aware that your appetite isn’t what it used to be. Perhaps you’ve traded a plate of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and toast for a small bowl of oatmeal. Tackling the grandiose meals of your youth seems like an impossible feat in your older age. Why exactly is this and what happened to your body?

Older adults usually cut back on portions and reach for foods that are easier to digest. Eating smaller portions isn’t necessarily a bad thing if the meals provide ample nutrition. A problem can arise if loss of appetite stems from an underlying health issue. If you don’t address this issue, you may experience weight loss, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis, anemia, trouble balancing, or other illnesses. 

Dietitians state that, while proper nutrition is vital for everyone, it is especially important for older adults. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet can help older adults retain energy and reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases. If you or someone you know has recently lost an interest in food more so than before, the following reasons may provide more explanation. 

Dental Issues

You can have problems with your teeth and gums from childhood into old age. The problem is that dental issues become more common as you get older. If you have problems with your teeth and gums, eating is less enjoyable, so you may eat less. Tooth loss, poor-fitting dentures, and other problems make it harder to chew. Untreated cavities or gum disease may cause pain while chewing.

Colds Or Infections

The immune system naturally declines with age, which makes older adults more susceptible to colds and infections. If you are sick, you may only have an appetite for some toast or a few bites of soup. Other food options that have more sustenance may not appeal to you. If the illness or infection causes dehydration, you are less likely to eat food, according to health experts.

Age-Related Physical Changes

As covered so far, your appetite can shrink as you get older. One cause that health experts attribute this to is your sense of taste and smell diminish with age, making food less appealing. If you are less active than you used to be, you may not require as much energy to fuel the body as you did as a young person, according to a 2020 review. The less fuel you need, the less likely you are to eat large amounts of food.

Changing Social Circumstances

What exactly do social circumstances have to do with your appetite, you ask? Well, your living situation may change and fewer people may live in your household. That means that you don’t cook for large groups of family any longer because you may live alone and eat by yourself. The unfortunate reality is that older people are twice as likely to have poor appetite when living alone. As your social circumstances change and increase loneliness, you may lose your appetite even more. One of the most common symptoms of depression is loss of appetite, so make sure to care for your mental health if this factors into your appetite. 

Cognitive Decline

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common age-related cognitive disorders. In addition to loss of memory and forgetfulness, cognitive decline increases the risk for depression which often leads to weight loss due to lack of interest in food. Studies note that eating regular meals also proves to be challenging for people with Alzheimer’s disease. This may stem from overstimulation or too many food choices. They may also have trouble focusing on the food if there are other distractions present. Lastly, a person with Alzheimer’s may forget to eat or stop eating if the condition is more severe. 

Medications And Chronic Diseases

Chronic health issues can accompany old age if you do not take care of the body. As an older person, the risk of chronic pain, heart failure, kidney failure, liver disease, cancer, and more increases. All of those can decrease your appetite, and some conditions (such as arthritis) may affect your ability to hold utensils, which makes it harder to eat. Medications that doctors prescribe for some of these conditions also affect appetite. Additionally, medications can alter your taste preferences, cause dry mouth, or make you less hungry, according to health experts.

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Are your teeth looking a little longer these days? If so, you may need to change some lifestyle habits because your gums may be receding. Receding gums can increase your risk for sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss. Although gum recession is a gradual problem, you don’t want to let it get out of hand. 

What Are Receding Gums?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease that occurs when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth. If left untreated, the gums can recede so much so that the roots of the teeth become exposed. That can cause irritation when brushing, eating, or drinking liquids at varying temperatures. 

Gum recession is most common in people over the age of 65, but it can affect people of all ages. You are more likely to develop receding gums if you had braces or other orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, or use chewing tobacco. Interestingly, brushing your teeth excessively or having a lip or tongue piercing also increases your risk of receding gums. About 88% of people over the age of 65 have gum recession on one or more teeth, and you can learn about more causes below. 

You Have Plaque Or Tartar Buildup

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, your gums can recede. Dentists explain that poor dental hygiene can cause plaque (a film from bacteria and food) and tartar (hardened plaque that causes tooth decay) to build up along the gum lining. Not only can plaque and tartar inflame the gums, but they can also make them more susceptible to recession. If you want to prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes at a time. Floss once a day and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to encourage optimal oral health.

You Grind Your Teeth

Repeatedly grinding your teeth can put stress on your gums, which can cause inflammation and swelling. Over time, that inflammation can cause gums to recede. Bruxism, the technical term for teeth grinding, can happen to anyone, but it typically results from unmanaged anxiety. Most teeth grinders don’t realize that they do it because they usually grind while asleep. That’s why you may wake up with tooth sensitivity or tight jaw muscles. If you have tooth grinding symptoms, consider talking with your dentist about it. You may need to wear a mouthguard at night or practice relaxation techniques to manage stress. 

You Smoke Or Use Tobacco

Smoking causes discoloration of your teeth, but it also affects your gums, especially if you dip (use chewing tobacco). Tobacco reduces immune function, making it more difficult for your gums to fight off infection. That can lead to gum inflammation and gum recession, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obviously, the best way to protect your mouth from this is to stop smoking or using chewing tobacco. There are many methods that can help you stop smoking, but if you do use tobacco, please continue to brush and floss regularly. Don’t forget to get regular cleanings from the dentist as well. 

Your Tongue Or Lip Piercing Is To Blame

This sounds strange, but an oral piercing can actually increase the risk of gum recession over time. The piercing can cause irritation or inflammation that causes the gums to recede. Oral piercings may also cause an injury that damages the teeth or gum tissue. Damaged gum tissue can lead to inflammation and recession. If you have an oral piercing, you have to be extra attentive with your oral care. In addition to brushing and flossing, follow oral piercing cleaning instructions to reduce the risk of infection or gum recession.

You Brush Too Hard

Brushing regularly is a must for optimal oral health, but being overzealous with your brushing can do more harm than good. Aggressive brushing can irritate gum tissue, which causes inflammation that can lead to gum recession over time. If you have sensitive gums, consider getting a soft- or medium-bristle toothbrush to be more gentle on your gums. Always brush your teeth twice per day, but remember to be gentle on your teeth. Use gentle, circular motions with and consider holding your toothbrush differently to reduce intensity. Try to hold the brush with only your thumb, index, and middle fingers. Not only does this give you less leverage, but it may also remind you to go easier on your gums.

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Dental experts agree that your gums should be a beautiful pink. This shade of pink might vary slightly depending on your natural skin tone, but if you notice a different hue, there might be something else going on in your mouth. As it turns out, the tone or tint of your gums can inform you of other health issues, especially if the change in color accompanies other symptoms. In this article, we cover a list of gum colors and what they could mean for your oral health. 

What Color Are Healthy Gums?

Healthy gums are typically pink in color and firm to the touch. Your skin tone may determine the shade of pink. For example, white or light-skinned people tend to have lighter pink gums, while darker-skinned people can have darker pink or pinkish-brown gums. Your gums should be resilient and they shouldn’t move when you touch them or bleed when you brush or floss. Healthy gums are not inflamed or swollen in their natural state, nor are they tender to the touch. Your breath tends to feel fresh with no unpleasant tastes in your mouth. Continue reading to learn more about what your gums can tell you about your health. 

Red Gums

Dentists say that red, swollen gums commonly indicate gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Plaque that builds up on the teeth causes gingivitis, and the tenderness of the gums can cause them to bleed when you floss. If you notice red, swollen gums, take action as soon as possible. Gingivitis can worsen over time and lead to gum pain, tenderness, and eventually gum damage or tooth loss. 

Black Gums

Unless you decide to consume a handful of dirt, your gums should not be black. If you notice very dark red, dark purple, or black gums, you most likely have a case of periodontitis. This is a common gum infection that damages the gums and destroys the jawbone, but it is fairly preventable. In addition to the darker-colored gums, you may also notice new spaces between your teeth and a change to your bite. This occurs because teeth start to loosen. Two less common reasons for black gums are smoking or unmanaged diabetes. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, can also temporarily cause gums to take on a back hue. 

Purple Gums

If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, gums may take on a purplish appearance. Some dental experts suggest that gums with a subtle purple hue may not always indicate gum disease. The gums must be firm and healthy, not bleeding, for the purplish hue to be acceptable. If you notice purple gums that are puffy and painful, or that pus comes from between the teeth, see your dentist to address the problem. Eating or chewing may also become uncomfortable in this situation.

White Gums

If you notice that your gums have taken on a ghostly white appearance, the problem isn’t usually cause for major concern. Gums can turn white temporarily from excess use of teeth whitening products, according to experts. The chemical bleaching ingredients in these products can also cause gum and tooth sensitivity. Less often, white spots or patches on the gums can indicate leukoplakia, a condition that results from heavy smoking or tobacco use. In some cases, white patches on the gums may indicate oral cancer, but the patch typically feels sore or irritated in this situation. 

Pale Gums

Gums that appear paler than normal may be a symptom of anemia, which occurs when the blood doesn’t make enough red blood cells. Anemia often stems from too-low iron or vitamin B12 levels, and it can cause weakness, pale skin, pale gums, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. If you experience other symptoms of anemia, consider speaking with your healthcare professional to address the issue.

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We all know that we should floss, but seldom do we see that vision through. Most people even lie about how much they floss to their dentists when they ask, “How often do you floss?” There is no point in lying because the dentist looks inside the mouth, only to see mild plaque build-up that may not be there if you floss regularly. 

As much as dentists harp on flossing, are there really benefits to this oral care activity? The American Dental Association (ADA) says that interdental cleaners like floss play an integral role in removing bacteria, plaque, and other debris from areas that a toothbrush cannot reach. That’s why most dentists encourage people to floss daily, in addition to brushing. Flossing helps you dig out a lingering piece of popcorn, steak, celery, or carrot chunk. The relief is amazing and you may not get that food piece unstuck with a toothbrush. Aside from getting food out of your teeth and helping your gums feel great, flossing can also lead to the following benefits. 

May Prevent Gum Disease

Plaque doesn’t just stain your teeth or make them look unsightly. Plaque build-up in the mouth can increase the risk of gum disease, which refers to inflammation and infection of the gums. Failure to remove this plaque can cause it to eat away at gum tissue, the primary indicator of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is the advanced form of periodontal disease, and that can result in root canals or extreme tooth decay. An effective way to combat these gum diseases is by flossing on a regular basis because it can help remove bacteria from the base of the teeth. 

May Benefit Your Heart Health

How can flossing your teeth help your heart? Well, a large body of research supports the link between oral health and heart health. As wild as this theory seems, it is actually quite valid. A 2010 review found a strong link between gum disease and heart disease. That doesn’t necessarily mean that gum disease causes heart disease; rather, researchers believe that people who take better care of their teeth most likely take care of their overall health. A 2020 study followed over 160,000 people who kept a strict oral hygiene routine for over 10 years. The results indicated that these participants experienced a decreased risk of heart problems like heart failure and irregular heartbeat. 

Reduce The Risk Of Cavities

Tooth decay can result in cavities, which cause tiny openings or holes in the hard surface of the teeth, also known as enamel. The more plaque on your enamel, the higher risk you are for developing cavities. When you floss at least once per day, you can get rid of hidden food particles and plaque build-up, both of which increase the risk of tooth decay. The toothbrush can’t always reach every part of your teeth, especially between them, which is why the ADA encourages daily flossing.

Helps With Bad Breath

Forget that breath mint and bust out the floss before your big date! A 2013 research review found that you may be able to kick halitosis to the curb by flossing on a regular basis. Even if you brush regularly, bacteria can build up between your teeth. In addition to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, you can experience serious odors if you don’t get rid of bacterial build-up between the teeth. An interdental brush and the occasional use of a tongue scraper can also help keep bad breath at bay. 

Get Rid Of Plaque

As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, the removal of plaque can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It can be difficult to see plaque at first because it is a stick, colorless film that collects around and between the teeth and along the gum lining. The combination of starchy and sugary foods and drinks is a recipe for plaque formation. Bacteria release acids that break down carbohydrates and failure to brush and floss means that plaque can accumulate more easily. If too much plaque builds up, it can harden and turn into tartar, which collects along the gum line. That increases the risk of gum disease!

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Bad breath plagues the masses, being one of the most common oral health problems. Some people are unaware of the foul odor that emits from their mouth. When people point it out, it’s very easy to lower self-esteem and confidence. The last thing you want is for someone to cringe when you open your mouth to speak to them, so if your breath is less than fresh, you need the cinnamon mouthwash in this article.

While bad breath typically results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth, it can also occur because of poor digestive health. In fact, a common sign of poor digestive health is bad breath. A dietary change can help restore gut health, but this may not always get rid of bad breath. Sometimes, you need to combat the bacteria in the mouth, and that’s where mouthwashes come into play.

Are Mouthwashes Beneficial?

Believe it or not, people have been using mouthwash for thousands of years. According to historical records, people in China used saltwater rinses to combat gum disease over 4,000 years ago. The higher class citizens in Ancient Greece used salt and vinegar rinses to keep teeth clean. The mouth contains tons of bacteria, which is a good thing. Like your gut, however, there are good and bad bacteria present in the mouth. 

Modern day antibacterial mouthwash kills both the good and bad bacteria, which can lead to hazardous bacteria takeover. Additionally, alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out tissues in the mouth, which can irritate mouth ulcers if you have them. If you use alcohol-based mouthwash and drink soda, coffee, tea, or red wine, you may find that your teeth stain more easily.

You need to maintain a regular flossing and brushing routine, in addition to using mouthwash, to keep teeth and gums fresh. Don’t think that mouthwash can take the place of flossing and brushing, which are two essential components of oral care. 

Cinnamon

Historically, people chewed on cinnamon sticks to help maintain optimal oral health. There’s an essential oil in cinnamon that helps to kill bad breath. It does this by killing harmful bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, cinnamon has a potent aroma that works to cover up bad breath almost instantaneously. Cinnamon also contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help control tartar and prevent plaque formation.

Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Turmeric is a popular superfood, especially for those who want to reduce inflammation in the body. Newer studies found that it may even reduce the risk of periodontal disease and certain oral cancers. Turmeric has also been recognized as an effective, natural teeth whitener. The results may not be instantaneous, but continued use may yield whiter, healthier teeth. 

DIY Cinnamon Mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Instructions:

• Place a small saucepan over low eat and pour in the water. 
• Add the cinnamon and turmeric and mix well. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let this mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. 
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. Pour the mixture into a jar and use as regular mouthwash. 
• After you brush your teeth at night, swish the mouthwash in your mouth and spit it out. 

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The biggest meal of the year has come and gone and there’s no better way to follow this day than to floss your little heart out. That’s right, people, we are telling you this because November 29^th is National Flossing Day. We know it isn’t as exciting as National Prank Your Friend Day, or National Leave Work Early Day, but the reality is that flossing on a regular basis has some pretty amazing benefits.

Let’s be honest for a quick second: nobody really wants to floss. Flossing is an oral hygiene routine that is typically done reluctantly. Statistically, the average person lies about how much they floss when they go in for a dental checkup, despite the fact that the American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day for optimal oral health. Dental floss gets into the nooks and crannies that the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach.

National Flossing Day was established in 2019 to remind people of the importance of flossing, because taking care of your teeth and gums is part of life. Not to mention, a great oral hygiene routine decreases your risk of gum disease or gingivitis, and lessens the chance of you needing expensive veneers in the future. For more reasons why you should be flossing, read about the benefits below.

Flossing Reduces Bad Breath

If you have chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, chewing gum or popping mints all day will not remedy the problem. The smell is always there, and it may be attributed to tartar build-up, which has an unpleasant aroma. Brushing your teeth helps to reduce tartar build-up on the teeth, but flossing removes it from between the teeth and gums. Start flossing at least once a day to help freshen your breath.

Flossing Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

When plaque builds up on or between your teeth, people can develop cavities, but too much plaque can increase the risk of periodontal disease or gum disease. Periodontal disease is an infectious process that can alter the entire structure of the mouth. All you need to do is floss regularly to get rid of the bacteria between your teeth.

Flossing Prevents Gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral health conditions, resulting in inflamed gums that are extremely sensitive. In some cases, people with gingivitis experience bleeding gums. One of the easiest ways to decrease your risk of gingivitis is by flossing, which works to remove bacteria around the gum line.

Flossing Helps Control Diabetes

This one is a shocking benefit, but diabetes and flossing are in fact connected. Failure to floss regularly can lead to a faster accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. As it turns out, research has shown that oral bacteria can affect glucose levels in the blood, creating a problem for people with diabetes. In order to help stabilize blood glucose levels, floss at least once a day to remove oral bacteria from between your teeth.

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Obesity rates in the United States have increased exponentially over the past 20 years. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 67% of American adults are overweight or obese, and 34% of those obese adults have severe obesity. Additionally, childhood obesity has tripled since 1980.

While some people might blame weight gain on the foods they eat, the real culprit may be your oral health. This is an oversimplification because a complex, reciprocal relationship exists between your oral health and overall health. While it may seem incorrect, your oral health can influence unhealthy behaviors that can lead to weight gain.

Are You Avoiding Healthy Foods?

If you have sore gums or sensitive teeth, you will sensibly avoid foods that cause irritation. The unfortunate reality is that many healthy foods, like crisp fruits and vegetables, are difficult to eat with sore teeth, or they can harm the gums. Vegetable fibers can also get caught between your teeth and cause irritation. Because of this, softer foods that are easier to eat become go-to foods. Many of these foods are processed, low in nutrients, and high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. While there are soft foods that are healthy, people often opt for foods that unhealthy soft foods that lead to weight gain, or make it difficult to lose weight.

Inflammation Can Cause Weight Gain

Remember that complex relationship between oral and overall health? Inflammation plays a large role in the relationship between obesity, diabetes, and oral health. Inflammation is a natural, bodily response to foreign invaders, but chronic inflammation can occur if a chronic infection, such as gum disease, exists in the body. The inflammatory proteins interfere with hormones like leptin, which helps to regulate energy use and weight loss. As you start to gain weight, the fat cells trigger the release of inflammatory proteins, and this makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.

Is Exercise Difficult?

An unhealthy mouth can make it difficult to exercise. The reason for this is because a chronic infection like gum disease is similar to dealing with a cold or flu, ultimately reducing the amount of energy that is necessary for exercise. Diabetes may also be depleting your energy levels, and diabetes also increases your risk of gum disease, which in turn worsens diabetes.

A Healthy Mouth Leads To A Healthy Body

Maintaining a body, which is free of disease and at a healthy weight, requires you to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Gum or tooth infections can spread throughout the body and negatively influence your blood, breath, and the foods you consume. When you treat an oral health problem the right way, you have a better shot at experiencing a healthier body. Try to find a holistic dentist for the most benefits.

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There is more to keeping your teeth healthy than just brushing and flossing every day. When it comes to taking care of those pearly whites, watching what you eat is essential. Tooth decay and gum diseases can take a long time to develop, and as such, they can go unnoticed before we realize that there is a problem. This is why knowing which foods benefit and harm our teeth can help us prevent a lot of pain, and expensive visits to the dentist.

The Best

Apples

It is for various reasons that apples are on this list. The action of eating an apple produces enough saliva in your mouth to rinse away bacteria and food particles. Its fibrous texture can also stimulate the gums, while the fiber it contains can help remove traces of stains and plaque on your teeth.

Celery

Along with other crunchy veggies, such as carrots, celery can protect your teeth in two ways. The extra chewing that celery demands produces plenty of saliva, which neutralizes the bacteria that cause cavities. Additionally, its texture makes it naturally abrasive, meaning it gently scrubs and cleans other food particles off your teeth.

Leafy Greens

The reason why leafy greens, like kale and spinach, can promote healthier teeth is because they are high in calcium, which builds your teeth’s enamel. They are also rich in folate, which can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women, given that it can treat periodontal disease.

Strawberries

These berries contain malic acid, which helps to soften and dissolve stains on your teeth. They are also brimming with vitamin C, an antioxidant that is necessary for the production of collagen, a key protein that maintains strength of your gums.

The Worst

Chewy Candy

The stickier the candy, the worse it tends to be for your teeth. Candies like taffy or caramels stick to (and between) teeth for a long time, allowing bacteria in the mouth to leisurely feast on the remaining sugar. As a result, bacteria burns sugar to create acid, which dissolves the protective layer of tooth enamel, and causes cavities.

Pickles

As tasty as they may be for many people, pickles contain vinegar, which is highly acidic. This can demineralize your teeth, causing erosion and long-term damage.

Dried Fruits

Although they are still better than processed fruit snacks, and are used by many as a complement to their diet, dried fruits are still very sticky and high in sugar. They are like chewy candy, adhering to the teeth, and promoting dental erosion. If you eat dried fruit, strive to only purchase unsulfured varieties that don’t contain added sugars or other preservatives.

Crackers

Along with starchy foods, the refined carbs found in saltines and other types of crackers convert to sugar in the mouth very quickly, providing food for cavity-forming bacteria. Crackers also become mushy when chewed, turning into a paste-like substance that builds up in your molars.

Citrus Fruits and Juices (in excess)

Citrus fruits are beneficial in many ways. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients that are essential for the body. However, consuming sugary fruit juices (particularly grapefruit and lemonade) in excess can erode tooth enamel over time due to the high sugar and acid content.

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