Floss every day

Gum disease doesnt just make for foul breath and a mangled smile its also murder on your heart. If youre breeding bacteria between your teeth, your immune system is on chronic high alert, a condition called inflammation that taxes your vital organs, including your heart. In fact, a womans chance of having a heart attack may double if she has gum disease, according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Flossing is the best way to banish dangerous oral bacteria, so whip out that string every night before brushing your teeth, says Mark Schlesinger, D.D.S., of the New York University College of Dentistry.