By Dr. James Sexton

Flossing your teeth once a day can make your Real Age 6.4 years younger. Let us help you add years to your life.

Bacteria - Our bodies are under constant attack from wild animals in the millions. Your mouth has a large population of these bugs. Do your gums ever bleed? If so, bacteria are able to enter your blood stream. As a result of this invasion, your liver produces increased amounts of C-reactive protein which has been shown to greatly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's, certain types of cancer and many other inflammatory diseases.

The importance of excellent oral hygiene and quality dental care cannot be overstated. "Real Age" states that keeping these bacteria under control with daily flossing will add 6.4 years to your life.

Digestion - The first step of digestion takes place in the mouth where thorough chewing allows for the enzymes in saliva to start the biological process and prepare the food for the stomach. Any decrease in your ability to chew will limit this first important step toward getting the nutrients out of the foods you eat.

Stress - People who clench or grind their teeth during sleep not only wear their teeth out prematurely, but they cause muscle and joint stress resulting in chronic fatigue and pain. A very simple bite-guard can eliminate this stress.

Sleep - If you don't get enough sleep - you will age faster. Do you snore or have sleep apnea? If so, this will lower the oxygen level in your blood and increase the level of stress hormones, both of which make you older. A dental mouthpiece can eliminate snoring and mild sleep apnea.

Smiling - It seems too simple to believe but people who smile live longer. When you smile your body produces hormones which relive stress. Many people rarely smile because of the appearance of their teeth. Modern cosmetic dentistry can give anyone a proud smile with beautiful teeth.

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