Did you know that there is a direct link between your oral health and your mental well-being?
This October, in honor of national dental hygiene month, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is acknowledging the strength and dedication that our dental professionals have shown since the start of 2021, while facing huge professional and personal challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The ADHA is focusing this month’s campaign on the power of positivity and the resilience displayed by our dentists and hygienists who show up each day to help protect their patients smiles. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), resiliency is having an optimistic life view, and expressing gratitude and appreciation. Our goal at Roselle Park Dental, is to foster feelings of resilience for our staff and our patients, so everyone can feel validated and encouraged.
Incorporating healthy habits to protect our teeth and gums into our daily routine, is a form of self-care that helps us to prioritize our overall wellness: both physical and mental. Poor oral health can have a negative impact on our mental health in several ways. If the appearance of our smiles or our ability to eat or drink is affected by dental issues, we may feel embarrassed and avoid social situations. Isolation can cause increased feelings of loneliness and sadness which can lead to depression.
Ideally, it is best to help children learn healthy oral health habits from a young age, with parents assisting them in caring for their teeth and gums until they are old enough to do so independently. But it is never too late! Regardless of your age or the condition of your teeth, make this October the month you start to practice good habits to achieve better oral health!
Here are the most important daily habits to keep your mouth, teeth, gums, and mind healthy:
- Brush: Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day – or even better after each meal. The ADHA recommends using a soft bristle brush for at least two minutes each time.
- Clean Between Teeth: Floss or another interdental device, such as floss picks or dental flossers, should be used once a day – preferably right before bed – to remove any residual food particles from between your teeth.
- Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash one to two times – along with brushing and flossing – ensures that all trapped food is thoroughly rinsed away before it can cause damage.
- Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks: Avoiding high sugar foods and drinks – such as soda and candy – most of the time, is an important step towards protecting your smile. Instead focus on eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water.
- Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year: Come visit us! Getting a professional cleaning and checkup twice a year is the best way to protect your oral health. Our hygienists will use special tools to remove all build up from your teeth and having one of our talented dentists inspect your teeth, mouth and gums will ensure that any issues are caught early and can be remedied as soon as possible
Call us today at (908) 998-4698 or visit us online at: www.roselleparkdental.com to schedule your next checkup today!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
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