We've all heard the term you are what you eat. This also applies to your teeth and gums.

We've also all heard of and tried multiple cleanses to detox our bodies (hello, New Year's resolutions), but what if the mouth itself is harboring most of these toxins, which can't be expelled just by changing your diet? As with most things, you'll have start at the beginning. Enter: the oral cavity.

A healthy mouth reduces bad bacteria that makes its way into the body, and is the simplest holistic approach to clean living. For example, people with gum disease need a deep cleaning and guided behavioral change versus just better brushing. Ask your dentist and hygienist for a complete overview of your oral health—this includes your teeth, gums, tongue, tonsils, floor of the mouth, and the palate. Every cavity needs to be taken care of so bad bacteria is reduced, which helps the cultivation of good bacteria in your body as opposed to detrimental ones.

Having a clean mouth not only feels better but is physiologically beneficial. It's critical to have this conversation with your dentist and ask her/him to give you a holistic exam and a roadmap to improve your overall conditions. A happy mouth means a happy body!

7x7 has partnered with Soothing Dental to bring a holistic approach to oral care. Install their app or book your initial visit in any of their offices in the Bay Area at Soothing Dental.