Healthy news and information from Exquisite Smiles / 2022 March Issue
Picture this: you’re halfway through your workday and catching up with coworkers. You notice they take a step back from the conversation. Then, it hits you. You forgot to brush your teeth this morning!
While it happens to the best of us, bad breath that lingers can sometimes be attributed to a more serious health problem.
Here are a few common culprits beyond forgetting to brush.
A consistent fishy breath can be a sign of a kidney problem. Additional symptoms include fatigue and frequent urination.
Sweet-smelling breath is sometimes linked to diabetes. Other symptoms include dry skin and constant thirst.
Bad, sour breath is often a sign of oral bacteria or infection, commonly seen in patients with tooth decay. Making regular visits with your dentist is one of the best ways to catch this before it advances!
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed? You’re not alone. Sometimes, taking a moment to ourselves can make all the difference when it comes to mental health. Here are some of our favourite ways to relax quickly.
Get your head below your heart. Hanging with your arms and head toward your toes lessens your fight or flight response.
Connect with your breath. Did you know that when we’re stressed, we tend to hold in the air? Set a timer for 60 seconds and breathe in and out slowly for a full minute.
Squeeze yourself. Progressive relaxation is the practice of tensing and releasing muscles one by one. Start with tensing your fists for a few seconds and consciously releasing them. Then move to your arms, shoulders, feet, and so forth.
We all know that braces, both traditional and clear aligners, can correct misaligned teeth to reveal a stunning straighter smile. But did you know that isn’t all they’re good for? Here are a few other surprising things that braces can correct.
Misaligned jaw. Often caused by an uneven bite, jaw misalignment can cause issues resulting in facial pain and TMJ.
Underbites. An underbite is a lower jaw that is more forward than the upper jaw. Braces can bring an underbite to proper alignment.
Periodontal problems. When teeth are incredibly misaligned, brushing and flossing properly can be hard, leading to gum problems. A straighter smile is easier to care for.
Speech problems. Crowded and crooked teeth can affect the way a person talks. A straighter smile may help improve pronunciation.
