Jeff Csatari explains some tips to help live longer, New York City, N.Y. RELATED LINKS Take the Anti-Aging IQ Quiz

Want to live longer? Call your dentist! You'd be surprised at the growing evidence connecting oral health to overall health.
It appears that periodontal bacteria — that's bacteria in the gums — can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs to begin new infections. Research suggests that this might do any of the following:

• Contribute to the development of heart disease
  
• Increase the risk of stroke
  
• Increase a woman's risk of having a pre-term baby
  
• Pose a serious threat to people with diabetes, osteoporosis or respiratory diseases

Look for these warning signs of periodontal problems:

• Swollen, tender or bleeding gums
  
• Tooth sensitivity
  
• Chronic bad breath

And try this: dry-brush your teeth a bit before putting on the water and toothpaste, as this is said to cut tartar by 60 percent!

Remember, don't play tooth or dare with your teeth!