Here are Jon and Katie's dental secrets to promote a beautiful and healthy smile with a side of healthy body.

Many studies have shown a link between gum disease and systemic conditions, including:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Premature birth
• Respiratory disease

So what can you do?

• Brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day
• Clean between your teeth every day
• Visit your Dentist and Hygienist regularly
• Stop smoking

Remember: healthy gums DON'T bleed!

You're sweet enough!

• Every time you eat or drink anything sugary, your teeth are under attack for up to one hour
• Sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque to form acid which then attacks the teeth and destroys the enamel
• Your saliva helps to neutralise this acid, however frequent sugary intake means that your saliva cannot keep up production to counter this

Knowing the damage that food and drinks can do to your teeth, what can you do?

• Drink through a straw and avoid 'swishing' around the mouth
• Avoid brushing straight after acid intake - wait at least an hour
• Reduce the frequency of your acid intake and seek more alkaline drinks including peppermint tea.
• Chew sugar-free gum
  
  All of these healthy swaps, tips and ideas will not only promote the health of your teeth but your body too. With the media reporting each day on the dangerous levels of sugar consumption and risk of conditions including diabetes, starting with your teeth really could be the first step in your journey to fitness and health.