Healthy news and information from Exquisite Smiles / 2020 April Issue
As circumstances change around us, rest assured our practice stands with you during this global crisis. While we’ve always been committed to painstaking sanitation and implementing disease mitigation strategies, we’re taking extra special precautions these days.
As health care professionals, we have a role to play in helping “flatten the curve” and follow sound, scientific public health advice to slow the spread of the virus.
To help you stay healthy and safe, we thought we’d pass along a few tips:
• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Eat a well-balanced, nutrient rich diet
• Maintain recommended social distancing
• If you’re feeling ill, stay home — and reach out to your medical provider
If you have a dental concern during this time, please ring us and discuss your situation. As always, we’ll do everything we can to help.
Making sure your children practice proper oral hygiene when they’re younger goes beyond a clean and healthy mouth—you’re also setting them up for success in their studies.
How? Poor oral health in young children can have serious consequences in their personal and social development. Ultimately, this can lead to a negative learning experience in school for the child. Certain oral conditions like cavities, abscesses and bad breath can cause concentration difficulties and a reduction in their self-esteem. Other signs of poor oral health in children include:
• Impaired speech development
• Difficulty chewing
• Difficulty sleeping
When children brush their teeth each morning and night, limit sugary drinks and floss daily, they have the best chance of growing up without experiencing the negative effects of poor oral hygiene.
For athletes, sticking to a dedicated training schedule, eating well and staying hydrated are all essential aspects of achieving success in their performance goals. While they may consult with physical therapists and dietitians, the importance of oral health beyond mouth guards is often overlooked.
What does oral health have to do with athleticism? It’s not a surprise that teeth are susceptible to erosion and decay when drinks high in acid, sugar or artificial sweeteners are consumed. Many athletes consume these types of refreshments every day.
If you’re an athlete who enjoys drinks like Gatorade or Vitamin Water during a sporting event, alternate sips from a water bottle to help rinse the sugary drink from your teeth.
Many popular brands also make different tasting fitness waters with many of the same benefits but without the added sugar. Check them out.
