Did you know the health of your gums can affect your overall well-being? Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.* Taking care of your gums isn’t just good for your smile — it’s good for your body, too.

Watch for warning signs

Swollen, red or bleeding gums? Bad breath that won’t go away? These could be early signs of gum disease. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat — so don’t wait to talk to your dentist.

Build better habits daily

Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and seeing your dentist regularly go a long way in helping to prevent gum disease. Bonus tip: use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle on your gums. Brushing too hard may injure gums and cause them to recede, or pull back from around the teeth. 

Your dental benefits have you covered

Most dental plans cover routine dental checkups — your first line of defense against gum issues. Schedule your cleaning today and take the next step toward a healthier smile.

Quick recap: what to remember

Healthy gums are key to a healthy body. Know the signs of gum disease, daily brushing and flossing habits and using your dental benefits to stay on top of routine care. A few small steps today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

*U.S. Surgeon General Report on Oral Health, 2000

Recipe of the month

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ cups sliced button mushrooms
• 1 red pepper, diced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 16 oz. block medium-firm tofu
• 2 cups canned black beans, drained and rinsed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add all of the spices into a bowl and stir to combine.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the mushrooms, pepper, onion and garlic and sauté for about 8 minutes until everything starts to brown.
3. Add the tofu block and break it apart with your spoon until you get a nice scramble texture with lots of chunks. Stir in the spice mix and black beans. Heat through for another 5 to 8 minutes. Serve hot with whole-wheat toast. 

Source: “Mouth Healthy Cookbook,” Delta Dental of Arizona, 2024

Activity of the month

⚔️ Monthly Challenge: Complete this coloring page in less than 10 minutes.