SILENT GINGIVITIS DRAINS 75% OF WOMEN OVER 40

! Dental plaque harbors more than 500 types of bacteria that can break down gum tissue and sneak into the bloodstream, says periodontist and oral-health researcher Terrence J. Griffin, D.M.D. Once in the blood, bad bugs trigger inflammation that leads to a host of health issues, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain and acid reflux, as well as an increased risk of stroke and diabetes.

! 75 percent of adults have some type of gum disease, but many don’t have red flags like bleeding or pain—and most go undiagnosed since doctors often fail to connect gum disease with symptoms like fatigue.

✓ Women over 40 are most at risk due to flagging estrogen, which protects against inflammation. Another culprit: aggressive tooth brushing, which damages gums to raise infection risk.

Ask your dentist to check for gum recession yearly by measuring the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth—deeper pockets mean more room for bad bacteria to grow and enter the bloodstream.

Vitamin C helps prevent—and heal— gingivitis. Research shows women with low C levels are 50 percent more likely to have gum disease. The link? Vitamin C fortifies gums by helping the body make tissue-strengthening collagen. Plus, C boosts immune function so the body fights infections faster.

Top sources: broccoli (81 mg per cup) and bell peppers (341 mg per pepper). Or supplement with the study-proven dose of 100 mg daily.

The probiotic Streptococcus salivarius M18 cuts plaque by 44 percent and gingivitis inflammation by 42 percent in 30 days. Get it in Florassist Oral Hygiene ($15 for 30 lozenges, LEF.com/FFW).