Healthy news and information from Exquisite Smiles / 2021 July Issue
Do you ever wake up with a headache or sore jaw? Chances are, you’re a nighttime teeth grinder. Also known as bruxism, teeth grinding is extremely common. However, it can have negative effects on your oral health and ultimately lead to chipping, cracking and decay as your enamel wears thin.
If you suspect teeth grinding, give these tips a try:
1. Alleviate stress before bed. This can mean different things for different people. You might try relaxing with a few pages of a book, light stretching, or a cup of decaf tea.
2. Skip alcohol or caffeine before bedtime. This can trigger grinding.
3. Massage your jaw muscles. Gently rubbing them may help relieve tension.
4. Be conscious of clenching your jaw during the day. If you recognise this, release your jaw muscles.
5. Visit us. We’re proud to offer a number of solutions for teeth grinding and can explore those options with you at your appointment.
It would be impossible to describe the past year as “fun”. However, as we slowly find our new normal, it’s important that we restore the fun in our lives, too-and science agrees. Scheduling 30 minutes of fun each day is great for our well-being. Here’s why.
It may improve your relationship. As we age, we get lost in the day-to-day routine of life and miss out on new opportunities. Partaking in a new activity with your partner that induces laughter is a great place to start.
Fun can encourage movement. Physical activity releases dopamine, serotonin and other feel-good endorphins. Physical movement doesn’t have to be intense-you can try things like gardening, swimming, or a walk around the block.
You’ll laugh more. When we’re having fun, we naturally laugh. It’s long been said that laughter is the best medicine as it’s an antidote to stress. Individuals who laugh frequently tend to show fewer negative feelings in stressful situations.
What “fun” will you be adding to your life this month?
Source:
*Gottman Research Institute, Seattle
Vaping has become popular in recent years, often viewed as a “healthier” alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, research suggests that vaping isn’t healthy at all-and may do extensive damage to your oral and overall health.
Here are a few common problems vaping can cause for your mouth.
1. Increased bacteria. A 2018 study revealed individuals who vaped had more bacteria in their mouth than those who didn’t. Excess bacteria is associated with tooth decay.
2. Inflamed gums. In 2016, researchers found e-cig use can trigger an inflammatory response from gum tissues.
3. Dry mouth. E-cigarette liquids like propylene glycol are known to cause dry mouth, which can lead to bad breath, decay and even sores.
