If not for the temporomandibular joint, more commonly referred to as the “TMJ,” you would not be able to speak, laugh, yawn, or chew food effectively. The joint consists of interconnected muscles, ligaments, and discs that connect the upper and lower jaw bones and allows you to move them from side to side, up and down, and forward and backward. As a crucial component of a workable mouth and overall oral health, dentists generally check its function during the course of an oral examination.

If you put losing weight at the top of your 2018 New Year’s resolutions list, we’ve got some good news for you that may add impetus for maintaining that resolution going forward: Not only does weight loss generally benefit overall health, but the food choices made during dieting often serve to benefit your teeth and overall oral health. That’s because many of the food items that can affect your waist line can also be detrimental to your teeth.

Smoking is a leading cause of both cancer and heart disease, and the more than 36 million Americans who still smoke compromise their oral health, as well. While the potential health impacts on hearts and lungs garner most of the public’s attention with regard to smoking, the potential impact to teeth, gums and the mouth in general are equally significant. When compared to non-smokers, smokers have a four-times greater risk of developing gum disease and are twice as likely to suffer tooth loss. The nicotine in smoke also inhibits the production of saliva, which in turn allows for a greater buildup of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Smokers are at a much greater risk of getting various forms of oral cancer, and are more prone to mouth inflammations and infections. Smokers also have a much harder time recovering from dental procedures, and are more likely to develop dry socket—a painful condition caused by bone and nerve exposure—after tooth extractions.