HEALTH & WELLNESS
SPECIAL SECTION
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.
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