Posture and Your Oral Health

We all know that good posture is important; it’s almost a universal fact. Still many people don’t realize that bad posture can affect your oral health.

People often ask how poor posture is connected to jaw joint pain. Improper posture places the spine in a position that causes stress to the jaw joint. Being slouched or hunched over causes the lower jaw to shift forward, causing the upper and lower teeth to not fit together properly, and pushing the skull back on the spinal column.

Continuing to slouch or hunch over will put stress on your muscles, joints and bones.  Which leads to inflammation in your muscles and joints followed up by pain.  Furthermore, bad posture often alternates the position of the facial muscles and will cause bumps and grooves on the upper and lower teeth.

So be sure to take steps to avoid these issues and practice perfect posture. Core Performance has provided 5 easy tips you can practice anywhere at anytime:

1. Keep your shoulder blades pulled back and down.
2. Elevate your chest.
3. Keep your tummy drawn up and in.
4. If you’re standing with perfect posture, your ears should be in line with your shoulders, your hips with your knees, and your knees with your ankles.
5. If you are seated, there should be a line between your ears and hips.

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches or pain in your lower jaw – please contact one of our offices!

• West Dearborn – (313) 908-5110
• Woodhaven – (734) 365-7720

Healthy Choice of the Week: CUCUMBER!

Healthy Choice of the Week: CUCUMBER!

Treat toothaches and your gums with cucumber! Did you know periodontal disease can be effectively treated with cucumber juice? The consumption of raw cucumber can increase saliva and serves to neautralize the acid and base in the oral cavity.

Cucumbers also contain a photochemical that fights the bacteria that causes bad breath. Try taking a slice of cucumber and holding it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds - 1 minute. Remove or chew it up for a healthy snack!

7 Foods That Are Bad For Your Teeth

Every week we provide a “Healthy Choice of the Week” for foods that help you maintain a strong, healthy, and white smile. But what about the foods that aren’t good for your teeth - some of which adults and children consume daily.

Not sure which ones you should be cautious of? We’ve listed below 7 foods that are bad for your teeth - courtesy of HuffingtonPost.com. Please note: some of the foods listed below are not necessarily bad for your health (like dried fruits), but you should still brush and rinse after consumption to help prevent tooth decay.

1. Alcohol: Alcohol is corrosive to the gums, cheeks, and skin as well as decreases the amount of natural saliva
2. Dried Fruits: These snacks are sticky and high in sugar, and easily adhere to teeth. The adhered sugar will feed the bacteria in the mouth which can promote dental erosion.
3. Sugary Drinks: Sodas and sports drinks are especially bad when sipping for periods of time. Continuous sipping means teeth are getting bathed with a constant layer of acid. (Avoid filling children’s sippy cups with these beverages for this reason)
4. Hard Candies: Not only do they stick to your teeth, but they linger in the mouth for a long period of time waiting to dissolve
5. Citrus/Acidic Foods: Foods high in acid (like citrus or tomatoes) can promote tooth decay when eaten alone. Be sure to flush your mouth with water after consuming them in order to buffer the acid
6. Starchy Foods: Foods like chips and white bread can easily get trapped in teeth - which feeds the bacteria the makes up plaque
7. Coffee: Not only does it stain your pearly whites, but it makes the teeth stickier - giving food particles the chance to latch on

For more information, please read Huffington Post’s full article. Do you consume these foods often? 

Healthy Choice of the Week: CARROTS!

Healthy Choice of the Week: CARROTS!

 

Did you know Carrots contain Vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy tooth enamel.

Not to mention that eating raw carrots helps to stimulate your mouth's natural cleanser - your saliva. To keep your mouth feeling and looking its best - try this Carrot-Pineapple Ginger Salad from the AACD - containing several of our past healthy choices! (Pineapple and Ginger)

Carrot-Pineapple Ginger Salad
Ingredients:

• 2 - 3 large carrots, organic preferred
• 1 fresh pineapple peeled and cored (or 1, 14-ounce can crushed pineapple, organic preferred)
• ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 

Directions:

1. Wash, peel and grate carrots to measure 2 cups.
2. Cut the pineapple in half and cut one half into chunks. Place the chunks in a blender and blend only until slightly smooth and still chunky.
3. Place the remaining uncut half of the pineapple in a glass mixing bowl. Using a sharp knife and a fork, slice the pineapple; continue to cut the pineapple into approximately 1/4” in size. This will ensure all the juice from the pineapple will be in the bowl to flavor the carrots.
4. In your mixing bowl with the pineapple tidbits, combine the grated carrots, blenderized pineapple, and grated ginger. Stir gently to mix flavors. Refrigerate in a glass container to chill, about an hour.

Serving Size: 6

Let us know how you've incorporated carrots into your meals this week on our Facebook page!

The Right Way to Brush

So we've got the Rockstar, the Daydreamer, the Slob, the Multitasker, the Speedster, and the Robot... Which one are you?

Regardless of which brusher you are, it's important to be sure you are brushing properly, aka a full two minutes. Not to mention paying extra attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns, or other restoration.

So is your brushing routine up to par? Double check below with Colgate's simple brushing tips and recommendations:

Brushing Tips:

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

Image courtesy of Colgate

Toothpaste:
Sensitive teeth? Cavities? Gingivitis? Not a problem - there are a variety of toothpastes targeted to combat many different conditions. If you aren't sure which toothpaste is right for you, contact us today!

Don't forget to replace your toothbrush as soon as it shows signs of wear, or every three months - whichever comes first!

image source: Google

Healthy Choice of the Week: PINEAPPLES!

Healthy Choice of the Week: PINEAPPLES!

Did you know pineapples can help whiten teeth?

Research shows that the enzyme, bromelain, found in pineapples acts as a natural stain remover and also helps in breaking up plaque found on teeth. 

Bromelain in pineapples also helps indigestion and heartburn, not to mention boosting your overall immune system; so when adding some pineapples to your diet, you’re not only whitening your teeth but you're also doing your body good!

How are you planning on adding pineapples into your diet? In a smoothie? On the grill? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Exercise and Your Smile

Did you know people who exercise regularly (and maintain a healthy weight) are 40% less likely to develop gum disease?

More than 30% of the population is thought to suffer from gum disease - an inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria in our mouths. A recent study has reported that those who exercise, practice healthy eating habits, and maintain a healthy weight were 40% less likely to develop gum disease.  Study researchers have also found gum disease to be linked with cardiovascular disease and diabetes; so keeping active and eating properly can also help protect you from other serious conditions!

So if you haven't done so already, make exercising a habit! Not sure where to start? Try these 4 tips to get the ball rolling:

1. Buddy System! Find an exercise buddy to motivate you to work harder, or at least show up!
2. Choose Activities You Enjoy! Don't like to run? Don't do it. Try a group fitness class, bike around your town, or try out that sport you've been curious about for years (rock climbing anyone?)
3. Get the Family Involved! Don't let your kids be an excuse, work out with them. Try hiking, walk the dog, or play an outdoor game.
4. Reward Yourself! Changing a behavior is hard, reward motivate. So decide on a goal and a reward, and work towards it.

How do you motivate yourself to exercise? Share with us on our Facebook page!

Healthy Choice of the Week: SWEET POTATOES!

Healthy Choice of the Week: SWEET POTATOES!

Already a healthy alternative to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A! Vitamin A is helps strengthen tooth enamel.

Tooth enamel contains keratin and requires vitamin A for its formation. What better way to get vitamin A than a tasty sweet potato?

So next time you’re looking for the perfect side dish for your dinner, choose a baked sweet potato or season up some sweet potato fries! They taste great and help your teeth as well! Let us know how you like your sweet potatoes on our Facebook page!

Rain or Shine, Have a Happy Fourth of July!

Looking for things to do for our nations favorite holiday? Gather some friends and family and come see a Michigan Fireworks show, where the sparks will fly as we celebrate the independence of our amazing nation!   

See below for some local events:

Greenfield Village Annual Salute to America
Dates: 7/3, 7/4, 7/5, 7/6 6pm-10pm
Where: Greenfield Village
Admission: For ticketing info click here.
This annual four day event includes an entire evening of music by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra with the classic 1812 Overture, a live cannon, and fireworks display as a finale! You can bring your own food, or dine in; there will be games and activities for the kids, and pre-concert music as well.

Gibraltar July 4th Festival
Dates: 7/4
Where: Behind Parsons Elementary School: 14473 Middle Gibraltar Rd
Admission: FREE
Parade at 10 AM from City Hall. Activities at the Community Center Parks and Grounds – Rides, Beer Tents, Hot Dog Stands, Arts and Crafts, Entertainment, Vendors, Bingo, and Dinners!

For a full list of Michigan events, view the Michigan Fireworks Displays online.

And just in case it rains this year, don't worry! We've got you covered. You can still celebrate the Fourth of July indoors and watch the fireworks or plan a barbecue for a sunny day—who says we can only celebrate our independence on July 4^th?  It’s a free country!  

So if Mother Nature tries to rain on your parade, just move your party inside, grill out in the garage and enjoy time with family and friends over the tasty meal you've been waiting for.  Gather movies or even hold a Wii tournament for a more active indoor Fourth of July! 

For more ideas on how to make the best of a rainy Independence Day, click here!

Let us know how you plan to spend your 4th of July on our Facebook page!