If you want to lose weight you need to have good choppers. Good chopper ya say? Yep, you need good teeth.

Did you know that digestion starts in the mouth? You need your teeth to bite food as well as chewing and grinding the food. Food needs to be ground and mixed well with saliva.

If you don’t have good teeth, you can’t chew your food. If you can’t chew good healthy foods, you can’t be healthy.

No teeth or teeth in poor condition is related to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Journal of Dental Researsch found that many dental problems can be signs of serious health complications.

The sugar and carbohydrates in food, known as “fermentable carbohydrates” are thought to be the cause says University of Washington School of Dentistry professor Philppe P. Hujoel, DDS PhD.

“Fermentable carbohydrates are found in drinks high in sugars like soda pop, fruit juices, presweetened teas and coffees. You can also find these carbs in snack foods like chips and processed grains like white bread.

The fermentation process goes like this. You eat/drink a high carbohydrate food. It is joined with bacteria in the mouth and produces acids. A mouth high in acids causes tooth decay and loss of teeth. Remember that processed foods often have lots of sugars and trans fats.

If you are having dental problems you are setting yourself up for some major health problems. Problems with your teeth set you up for cavities, bleeding gums, periodontal disease, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.

Choose a diet that is healthy for your teeth. Choose whole foods. Have a wide variety of colors in your vegetables. Chose lean meats and fish. Eat fresh fruit instead of juice.  Limit sugars, simple carbohydrates, and trans fats.

Also take good care of your teeth. Brush twice a day. See a dentist twice a year. If you are short on money, find a dental clinic. Your health depends on the health of your mouth.

Remember to chew, chew, chew your food. Digestion starts in the mouth. Give your digestive system half a chance.

Healthy weight is about over all health. Let your healthy smile help.

Chose health. How? One healthy choice at a time.

Blessings, Mary Pat

Mary Pat FitzGibbons RN MS writes on weight loss and other health issues facing Baby Boomer Women today.