Summer is here and so is Oral Health Month! June is recognized by the American Dental Association as Oral Health Month. To celebrate, let’s share with you the many benefits a smile can bring to your life as well as to lives of others and those you most especially care about.
Every time you brush and floss your teeth, you are keeping the bad bacteria out of your mouth as well as your body. Research shows that the mouth is the window to your overall health and that there is a BIG connection between your oral health and overall health.
If the bacteria grow out of control in the mouth, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If the tooth decay and gum disease progress, it can lead to a severe toothache and painful, red and swollen gums. Sounds painful? Yes, because it can be painful if not treated early and properly.
It has been noted that medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics and antidepressants can cause dry mouth or a reduction in saliva. Saliva is one of your body’s most powerful natural immune defenses. It contains many protective enzymes that help defend your teeth from decay and your gums and tongue from irritation and infection. It also helps naturally clean the food away from your teeth. Ever notice how in a few minutes that piece of food you thought was stuck on your teeth disappears? That’s your saliva taking care of you and your oral health!
The health of your mouth has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, premature births and dementia! The message is loud and clear…take care of your oral health and your body will thank you.
Even more fascinating, your smile has been shown to affect your mindset, mood and stress levels. The more you show off that smile and pearly whites, the better you will feel. Have you ever tried not smiling at someone who is smiling right at you? Not easy, right? It’s because we are all wired to smile and laugh, love and smile. Look around the globe…the SMILE is a UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE!
Here are few fun facts about smiling:
- 7% of people say an attractive smile is an important personal asset.
- A smile can be detected 300 feet away.
- Smiling is the most recognizable facial expression.
- Babies smile before they speak.
- A smile requires less muscles than frowning.
Scientific data also shows smiling reduces anxiety, lowers your blood pressure, boosts our immune system, stimulates our reward system and releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones. We can all agree that when we feel good, life just seems happier. So, let’s SMILE more!
Challenge yourself to smile and laugh more. You can start your day with writing in a journal or on post-it notes three things that you make you smile. Smile at the cashier when you shop for groceries. Smile when answering the phone. Smile every time you see yourself in the mirror. Spread the happiness and smile more!
+If you are looking to improve your oral health, overall health and SMILE more to feel better, contact us TODAY!
-Dr. Jeannie Ju
