IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Winter 2019 | Page 31

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: HEALTH & WELLNESS Digital eyestrain symptoms • Burning • Itchy or tired • Increased headaches • Fatigue • Blurry vision • Head and neck pain The best way to properly monitor eye and vision health is to make sure your child gets a comprehensive eye exam every year. 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 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL Continued next page > ❘ WINTER 2019 29