Today, many people are overweight. In fact, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 62.1 percent of Idaho adults are overweight or obese. Not only is that bad for your body, it is bad for your oral health.

Recent studies have suggested a link between obesity and periodontal disease.

Obese individuals between 18 and 34 were found to have a rate of periodontal disease 76 percent higher than individuals with normal weight. While the connection between the two is complex, part of the reason may be diet.

It is important to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy products. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals which help prevent gum disease. Not only are these foods good for your teeth, but they are good for weight loss and overall health.

So what can you do to help fight periodontal disease and lose weight?

• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit snacking
• Avoid sugary drinks

These behaviors can help to cut your risk of obesity and periodontal disease. For more information on improving oral health with your diet, click here.