15 Everyday Habits That Could Add 5 Years to Your Life

Floss

Taking good care of your chompers has unexpected links to longevity, because dental hygiene may actually have benefits for your heart. “Periodontal bacteria have been found in diseased arteries, and in the plaque deposited within these arteries,” says Sanda Moldovan, DDS, a Beverly Hills periodontist. Recent research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed women with gum disease had a 12 percent higher risk of premature death. “Keep periodontal disease away through good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing,” Dr. Moldovan says. “Medical opinions out there say it could add 18 months to six years to one’s life.” Here are the golden rules for white, healthy teeth.

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