Surprising Habits Hurting Your Brain Health
Your smile is a valuable asset, and its health extends beyond the appearance of your teeth. Healthy gums are essential for maintaining strong teeth and well-being. Recognizing the signs of periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is essential to preserve your smile. At Hagerstown Dental, we are committed to helping you prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health. 6 Signs of Periodontal Disease to Look Out For PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Everything we think, feel, and do involves our brains, so keeping them healthy is worth our time. But doing so might require more from us than a nutritional diet, exercise, and occasional sudoku. Everyday habits can profoundly affect our neurological health, and some will likely surprise you.
CHECKING OUR PHONES AFTER WAKING UP
Many people have their phones in hand before they even get out of bed, but this morning routine could be doing significant damage. Immediately inputting so much sensory information causes our brains to miss crucial stages in the natural waking process. The dopamine we get from checking messages and
SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Bleeding Gums One of the earliest signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing. Even when you brush vigorously (which we never recommend), your gums should not bleed! Persistent Bad Breath Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can indicate underlying gum disease. Bacteria in the mouth that may be present due to periodontal disease produce foul-smelling gases. Swollen or Red Gums Healthy gums should be pink and firm. Swollen or red gums may indicate inflammation, a common symptom of gum disease. Receding Gums As gum disease progresses, you may notice your gums pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of infection. Loose Teeth Gum disease can weaken the supporting structures of your teeth, causing them to become loose or shift in your mouth. Oral Pain or Discomfort Periodontal disease can cause discomfort, including pain when chewing or a persistent ache in your gums. To prevent periodontal disease, regular visits to our office are essential. Our skilled dental professionals can detect the early signs and provide preventive measures to keep your gums and teeth healthy. If you have any concerns or would like to schedule your regular cleaning or a check- up, give us a call today!
likes also primes our brains for more, creating further distractions throughout the day. Experts suggest waiting an hour to check your phone, but if you can’t last that long, every minute you delay counts. ENGAGING IN NEGATIVE THINKING Did you know poor mental health impairs our ability to think clearly? The same is true with patterns of negative thinking. Neuroplasticity means the input we give our brains shapes and changes how they function, and negative thinkers have more difficulty reasoning and forming memories. Fortunately, neuroplasticity also means we can choose to change. Mindfulness, stress relief, purposeful positive thinking, and therapy can all help us learn to turn negative thoughts around. It will improve brain health, and we’ll likely feel happier, too. SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ALONE Humans are social creatures. So, while our brains need new challenges and information to stay sharp, they also crave social interaction. Spending time with others improves our mental health and ability to form memories. Socializing also keeps our brains active, which neuroscientists believe might fight dementia. Specifically, older adults can have trouble switching between active and daydream states, but social interaction will help sharpen that skill. Alone time is crucial, but too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Make sure to interact with friends and family often or find ways to meet new people whose company you enjoy.
2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator