KEEP YOUR TEETH &
GUMS HEALTHY
A big smile can say a lot about your
overall health, so if you’ve been skipping
out on the dentist, you may want to
schedule your visit. A yearly dental
visit protects against poor oral health
that can lead to greater problems down
the road. Good oral hygiene, including
brushing at least twice a day with a
fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can
protect against the damaging effects of
gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form
of gum disease that is due to plaque and
tartar buildup on teeth, leaving gums
red, swollen, and irritated. When left
untreated, gingivitis can advance to
periodontitis. A more serious and painful
disease, periodontitis causes gums to
pull away from teeth, allowing bacteria to
build in the pockets between. Due to the
infection and inflammation, your body’s
natural reaction is to fight the bacteria,
which can lead to breakdown of the bones
and tissue around your teeth.
Studies also suggest that poor oral
health is related to systemic diseases
including diabetes, oral cancer, stroke,
and heart disease. Routine visits to your
dentist can identify oral problems before
they become painful and more serious. So
how can you protect your pearly whites
against long-term health concerns?
• Schedule routine checkups with your
dental professional.
• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Floss daily (you may not see immediate
benefits, but you’ll be saving your gum
health in the long run).
• Eat a balanced diet to get the proper
nutrients your teeth and gums need to
stay strong.
• Drink lots of water!
• Quit smoking; it is one of the most
significant risk factors in developing
gum disease.
• Replace your toothbrush every
three months.
NO BONES ABOUT IT
Is your job a pain in the neck? If you
work in a sedentary environment, your
response is probably yes. Musculoskeletal
pain is caused by excessive sitting
throughout the day, leading to slouching,
hunching over, and muscles in your body
going without use for hours. Studies are
finding that although a regular workout
routine helps, it won’t combat the
constant weight on your rump. Although
some offices are moving toward healthier
options, such as convertible stand up/
sit down desks or treadmill desks (if you
have the skill to think and walk at the
same time), most of us have to face our
chairs every day. What a pain!
There are ways to prevent the negative
effects, such as stiffness and poor
circulation, of constant sitting:
• Get up and move! If you find yourself
sitting for extended periods of time,
you need to break the habit. Schedule
an alarm for every 30 minutes to get
up and take a lap around your office.
Manage your time effectively by going
to pick up your paper from the printer
or grabbing a glass of water. Even
better? Visit a co-worker to talk about a
project instead of sending an email.
• Establish proper sitting habits.
Keep your back straight, feet at 90
degrees, and eyes level with the top of
your computer screen. Make sure your
shoulders aren’t hunched when resting
your elbows on your desk to type.
• Stretch in place. Adding stretching
to your daily routine is beneficial
for anyone. Stand up and do a few
stretches at your desk to get your
muscles loosened up and moving.
Feeling spunky? Add a few jumping
Continued on page 39 >
BETHEL PARK
❘
WINTER 2019
37