We all know brushing before bed is the key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. You may be surprised to learn, though, that what happens after you brush can make a huge difference as well. Sleep quality has a massive impact on oral health, in regards to both periodontal disease and bad breath. A study commissioned by the Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, led by Dr. Muneo Tanaka, sought to examine the influence of lifestyle factors on gum disease. They observed 219 patients over the course of four years, monitoring hours of sleep, hours of work, exercise, alcohol use, smoking, eating breakfast, overall diet, and physical and mental stress. When the results came back, only smoking was a bigger risk factor than lack of sleep. Those patients who had seven to eight hours of sleep fared much better than those with six or fewer. “This study points out to patients that there are lifestyle factors other than brushing and flossing that may affect their oral health,” says Preston D. Miller Jr., DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “It is also important to keep these in mind as the body of evidence linking oral disease with systemic diseases continues to grow, because ultimately, these factors might impact a patient’s overall health.” This connection is ABOUT SLEEP AND ORAL HEALTH WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW
especially strong with periodontal disease. Heart surgeons have found the very same bacteria in clogged arteries as those in gums.
Why does sleep matter so much? Well, it’s the time when your body restores itself. Your body needs to recover after strenuous exercise in order to get the most out of a workout, and the same is true for your mouth. At night, you’re more likely to breathe through your nose, which allows your mouth to produce more regenerative saliva. A good night’s sleep also lowers stress levels and regulates blood sugar. To make sure you’re getting the highest quality sleep, it’s important to establish a routine. The more your body clock can acclimate to a pattern of expected sleep, the less likely you will be to wake up in the middle of the night. Avoid eating right before bed, especially after you’ve brushed and flossed. Also, limit your screen time before bed to ensure a good night’s rest. Oral health is only one of the many benefits of getting more (and better) sleep. Rest up for increased focus, better memory, and brighter moods. LAUGHING GAS
There’s nothing like curling up under a blanket with a warmmug and a novel that finally came out in paperback. Break out the slow cooker and let the sweet aroma waft through your living room as your start Chapter 1. RASPBERRYWHITE HOT CHOCOLATE SLOW COOKER
INGREDIENTS
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3 cups milk (any variety will do)
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
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14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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2 cups heavy cream, divided
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4 tablespoons raspberry liqueur or syrup
INSTRUCTIONS
1.
In a slow cooker, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, 1 cup cream, and milk. Cover and heat on low about 2 hours. In a large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
3.
Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with about 1 tablespoon of raspberry liqueur or syrup to taste and a dollop of whipped cream.
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Recipe inspired by SlowCookerGourmet.net.
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