(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
TAKE CARE of your teeth. That’s the advice from Tina Donvito, writing for thehealthy.com, a Reader’s Digest brand.
She lists 50 ways to live longer.
“The condition of your teeth could be a reflection of your overall health, so daily brushing and flossing may help extend your life.
“Studies have shown a link between poor oral health and risk of death, and gum disease has also been associated with mouth cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.”
She cites a Harvard study showing that consuming soda and other sweetened drinks is linked with a greater chance of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Soda contains sugar, sodium (read: salt), additives, chemicals, and dyes – all not necessarily good for your health – and teeth. And soda can damage the enamel, your tooth’s natural protection.
Calcium helps prolong life, writes Ms. Donvito. Calcium is stored in the bone. While teeth are not actually bone, over 99 percent of the body’s calcium can be found in bones and teeth.
So eat more calcium-rice fish and dairy products like milk and cheese as well as dark leafy, and green vegetables. “As a study from Sweden showed, higher levels of calcium reduce the risk of death from all causes,” Ms. Donvito points out.
Based on science, these are among the 50 ways to live longer, she: go nuts, or eat a lot of peanuts and the like; exercise, walk and jog, stretch, and don’t sit all day; eat less meat and more fish.
Consume more fruits and vegetables, especially plant protein.
If variety is the spice of life, spice is life: chili pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, onions, garlic, and so on and on.
Drink moderately, whether it’s coffee, liquor, wine or beer. As for alcohol, not drinking at all is probably better. And don’t smoke, ever.
Age gracefully and gratefully. Stay young at heart and be generous to others. Sleep more, stress less.
Then there’s “hara hachi bu”, the Japanese tradition to stop eating before one feels sated. The Japanese, after all, have the highest life expectancy in the world.
Sing. Laugh. And wonder in awe, meditate, stay in tune with nature. Take a break, a me time or, better, a vacation.
And have sex.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
