How Mental Health Impacts Oral Health
Did you know that your mental health can affect your oral health? It’s easy to understand how brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, you might not realize that your emotional well-being can also affect your teeth and gums. Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety can affect oral health in various ways, and it’s essential to consider mental health in oral health care. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between mental health and oral health. Stress and Oral Health Stress and anxiety are common mental health challenges that affect many people globally. Stress can make your heart rate increase, breathing shallow, and blood pressure spike, leading to clenching and grinding of teeth. When an excess amount of the stress hormone cortisol is found in the mouth, you’re more susceptible to chronic diseases, including gum disease.2 It has also been proven to contribute to: Inflammation […]
Understanding Alcohol and Oral Health
During Alcohol Awareness Month in April, take time to learn how alcohol impacts your mouth, gums, and teeth. Understanding the effects alcohol can have on your oral health is essential, as it can help you make more informed choices when it comes to drinking. What Is Considered Normal When It Comes to Moderation? According to the USDA dietary guidelines for Americans1, adults of legal drinking age should limit intake to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women. One drink can be defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor like gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey. Dry Mouth and Gum Disease Consuming alcohol causes your body to become dehydrated, which can lead to dry mouth. Without enough saliva in your […]
Gum Disease 101
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease, is a very common condition among adults. However, you may be wondering, “What is it?”, “What are the causes?”, and “Is it preventable?”. In recognition of February’s Gum Disease Awareness Month, we’ll help you brush up on your knowledge of risk factors, symptoms, and prevention so you can take action to protect your smile for years to come! What Is Gum Disease? Gum disease is an infection of the gums that damages, and in some cases destroys, the bone and soft tissue surrounding your teeth. Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and food particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless film known as plaque. When plaque isn’t removed by brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits, it begins to harden and form tartar. Only dental professionals can remove tartar. The disease can range from a mild stage, […]
Prioritize Your Oral and Overall Health in 2023
Family laughing together Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around increasing your health and your wealth. But did you know your oral health is connected to your overall health? In fact, more than 120 diseases can be detected by the dentist during a routine exam. By prioritizing dental resolutions not only will it help create a win-win situation for your oral and overall health but your financial situation as well. There’s no better way to solve dental issues than avoiding them in the first place, and it’s true that a dollar saved is a dollar earned! Power up your healthy habits Even if you think your oral health is in good standing, preventive care is an important way to maintain it. As you clean between your teeth and brush regularly, you may notice your gums become less sensitive and bleed less. Here are a few smile-friendly tips to help keep your routine: Gently brush teeth […]
Tips for Healthy Holiday Smiles
The holiday season is here, and so are all the tasty treats that come with it! While these traditional favorites are probably a staple of your festive celebrations, the starch and sugar they contain can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. Fortunately, you don’t have to miss out! Keep reading to learn tips that can help you keep your smile healthy and sparkling this holiday season. Keep your routine The holiday season is filled with plenty of hustle and bustle that can easily throw you off your oral health routine. It’s also a time for sweet treats and starchy foods – which can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay – so it’s important to remember to brush for two minutes at least twice a day, and floss once each day. If you’re traveling and want to keep up good habits, pack a toothbrush and small tube of fluoride toothpaste […]
