The hectic pace of today's adult lifestyle often leaves little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. This is unfortunate since periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) defines oral health as "a state of the oral and related tissues and structures that contributes positively to physical, mental and social well-being and to the enjoyment of life's possibilities, by allowing the individual to speak, eat and socialize unhindered by pain, discomfort or embarrassment."

At any age, a complete oral health home program includes sound nutritional habits. Many of the foods that help your body build strong muscles and bones also help build strong, healthy teeth and gums.

The increased consumption of highly processed foods containing carbohydrates (eg sugars) and in particular, the regular snacking on these types of foods exposes teeth to an increased risk of dental disease.

Researchers from University at Buffalo found that obesity is a significant predictor for periodontal disease, independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking.