Studies have shown that gum disease and bone loss around our teeth can increase risks for serious health problems including heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, respiratory health, pancreatic cancer and dementia.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene throughout the year and take the necessary steps to keep our teeth and mouth healthy. Maintaining proper oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing our teeth regularly. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria buildup and flossing removes food particles that are stuck between teeth and gums. Doing this regularly will reduce the chances of gum disease and tooth decay.

While a sweet treat from time to time is alright, having too much sugar and acidic foods in our diet can cause major damage to our teeth. Soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, coffee and tea with sugar or milk and even fruit juices are examples of drinks that can damage our tooth’s enamel. Remember, bacteria in our mouth feed on the sugar and acid found in most foods, creating a film that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Dental visits and check-ups are essential in maintaining optimal oral health. It is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year for regular checkups, cleanings and preventive care.

So let us help you maintain good health with a healthy mouth and smile. Yes, your smile is contagious not only to your health but to others!

We invite you to give us a call today at 732-738-9087 to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent dentists. Dr. Stella Backos and Dr. Rauaa Romhen look forward to seeing you here at Fords Family Dental Care in Fords, New Jersey. You can rest assured that your smile will be in good hands!

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1-Conscious Smiling

Although many look at smiling as an involuntary response, it can also be a conscious decision. Some of the reasons one should consider intentionally incorporating smiling more into their everyday lives is because smiling is known to relieve stress, improve your mood, improve your immune system, lower your blood pressure and in the long run may also help you live longer.

2-Stress Relieving

Studies have demonstrated that although performing the same stressful task, the smiling group’s heart rate recovered more quickly with comparison to the subjects with a neutral expression. Various research has testified that there is an activation that occurs in the brain whether the smile is spontaneous or displayed intentionally (Basaraba, 2021). This research portrays smiling not only as a source of stress relief but also proof that smiling may help lower one’s blood pressure.

3-Strengthening Immune System

Furthermore, due to smiling relieving stress, naturally the body is in a more relaxed state. When the body is in a more relaxed state the body can function more effectively, therefore strengthening the body’s immune system. The opposite is also true, regarding staying healthier overall by eating healthier and exercising, which may all contribute to helping you feel less stressed and relaxed, thereby strengthening your immune system (Mark Stibich, 2023).

4-Mood Boosting

Lastly, a biproduct of the body being in a relaxed state and the action of smiling releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are often known as the body’s natural happy chemicals, smiling automatically aids in improving one’s overall mood (SCLHealth.org, n.d.). This has been portrayed despite the action of a smile being forced or not, turns out, or our brain does not know the difference and will reap the benefits regardless.

5-Living Longer, Healthier and Happier

To summarize, the benefits discussed were that smiling is known to relieve stress, may help lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and immune system. The benefits depicted above in culmination will all ultimately assist in living a longer and happier life. These are just five reasons why one should consider incorporating more smiles into one’s life. Considering it is such a simple action, there is no reason why you can’t make the attempt to smile more. We hope this motivates to smile more today!

References

Basaraba, S. (2021, April 1). How to De-Stress With a Smile. Retrieved from Verywell mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/beat-stress-with-as-smile-2223757

March Stibich, P. (2023, February 17). Verywell mind. Retrieved from 10 Big Benefits of Smiling:
https://www.verywellmind.com/beat-stress-with-as-smile-2223757

SCLHealth.org. (n.d.). Intermountain Health. Retrieved from SCLHealth.org.

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Why Straighten Teeth

Some of the chief common complaints that inspire patients to attempt wearing clear aligners are gaps in their teeth, crowding, malalignment in their bite, such as having an open bite, crossbite, underbite, and more for mild or moderate cases. With that being said, it is important for patients to frequently visit their dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings prior to and during treatment with their clear aligners. In some cases, a dentist may also refer a patient to an orthodontist for completion of more severe cases.

Getting Your Aligners

The process of getting aligners is very simple. Most offices will use a modern scanner to take a digital impression, but some offices will take physical impressions and pictures. Either way, despite the chosen method both create molds which help the lab and dentist further study the patient’s mouth and decipher whether the case is moderate or severe. This is decided based on the crowding and type of bite adjustment that is necessary for the teeth to be manipulated.

Oral Hygiene With Aligners

Clear aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays formed to fit the individual’s teeth; a series of aligners are created to move the teeth a certain amount in every set of trays. The doctor reevaluates the movements and ensures that the trays are tracking well in accordance with the treatment plan.

Good hygiene and compliance with wearing the trays in accordance with any additional instructions the dentist may have will all help ensure the best outcome. It is important to follow the rules with tray maintenance as well as only keeping the aligners in the mouth when drinking water, otherwise the trays must be removed to eat any kind of food or drink any beverage such as soda or juice, and if possible, to at least rinse the mouth with water after eating or drinking anything other than water. These practices will help ensure that the aligners stay clean and that food particles are not getting trapped in with the aligners on.

Why Invisalign?

Although wearing aligners does require some additional discipline, it is a temporary and worthwhile investment in the long run. Most cases tend to last on average anywhere from a year or two, but most patients are very happy with the outcome, aesthetically speaking. However, clear aligners will also help your oral health stay healthier by moving the teeth to proper alignment, and the Invisalign app makes it very easy to keep track of trays and answer any questions the patient may have about Invisalign in particular. If you are interested in finding out more about Invisalign do not hesitate to see our dentist and ask what your options are for your specific case.

Bibliography:
Orthodontists, A.A. (n.d.). AAO Member Site. Retrieved from:
AAO Clear Aligners

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