Healthy teeth and gums are as important as a healthy body, spirit and mind.

In the Netherlands, we didn’t have city water which is fortified with fluoride and other minerals. Since I grew up around my parents’ bakery and genetically don’t have strong teeth, my teeth have been a challenge throughout my life. As soon as we had teeth, we were at the dentist every six months and I still continue this trend with my wonderful dentist Dr. Hartung right here in town. I have been challenged with cavities, root canals, crowns and broken teeth my whole life. But I also know how important healthy teeth are to a healthy lifestyle so I try to keep them as healthy as possible.

At almost 52, my bottom row teeth really started shifting more than they were the last 10 years and it caused all kinds of problems including breaking off molars on the bottom. I fully trust Dr. Hartung and asked what we can do about it. He recommended braces to get the teeth realigned (actually aligned, they have been crooked at the bottom my whole life). You see more adults with braces but the cost is high and deep down I felt it was “cosmetic” and just thought it was too much for a cosmetic procedure. After breaking off another molar, I went ahead and had a consultation with Busby and Webb orthodontists. I know them well and my daughter Frankie had braces with them and had an amazing experience with them and their staff.

After the (free) consultation, it took me a couple of months to make a decision. I knew I was headed toward dentures on the bottom if I didn’t do anything about it. I bit the bullet and got bottom braces last September. I have been amazed at the difference they have made in my teeth’s health, my gum health and also my confidence. My bottom teeth had gotten so bad, I became very conscious about it, watching how I smiled and talked to people. I can keep them clean so much better and they don’t get stained like they used to from coffee or red wine. Because they were so crooked, it was hard to get a brush in those places.

Did you know how important healthy teeth and gums are? Taking good care of teeth and gums prevents bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. When you don’t take of them, the normal bacteria living in your mouth takes over and breaks down into an acid which will eat away on tooth enamel, causing cavities. If you are like me, I am just unfortunate genetically. I brush least twice a day and have been going to the dentist every six months my whole life and still have had cavities and other tooth-related problems. However, I also believe if I hadn’t I would have had full dentures by now. By going to the dentist every six months, they can do a thorough cleaning, taking off the plaque which builds up on your teeth which can cause gum disease. It’s amazing how mouth health can affect your whole body. Bad mouth health can affect heart health and cardiovascular disease. The bad bacteria in your mouth can go into the bloodstream and cause inflammation and infections. It even has been linked to premature births and low birth weight in babies, just to name a few side effects. So what can you do to keep a healthy mouth and teeth?

• Brush with toothpaste at least two times a day for a minimum of two minutes.

• Floss daily.

• Eat a healthy diet and limit your sugars.

• Replace toothbrush every two to three months or when your bristles of your brush are frayed.

• Regular dental checkups, which the recommendation is every six months.

• Avoid tobacco use.

Many people are terrified of the dentist. I understand, I had my fair share of the scary ones. Find one you trust and who is willing to listen. There are so many ways they can prevent pain and discomfort now to make your visit pleasant, or for some, doable. I know Dr. Hartung and his staff have helped many people who were terrified of the dentist to become comfortable and helped them to healthier teeth and a healthier mouth. I am so happy I listened and chose to get braces on the bottom to help prevent further damage, and now I have a much healthier mouth.

Don’t be scared. Whether it is your dental checkup or getting braces to get a healthier, more beautiful mouth. Your healthy lifestyle includes healthy teeth and gums!

Ester Marsh is health and fitness director of the JF Hurley Family YMCA