Texas Sedation Dental & Implant Center - December 2024

NATURAL STEPPING STONES TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS

DRINK MORE LIQUIDS. Many people neglect hydration and mistake thirst for hunger. While there is no one- size-fits-all rule, according to the National Academy of Medicine, men need about 13 cups of water a day, and women need about nine, including the water and juices in fruits and vegetables. Staying well-hydrated will help keep your energy level high, your skin moist and radiant, and your mood upbeat. EAT, DON’T DRINK, YOUR CALORIES. An 8-ounce glass of Coke has the same 100 calories as four medium-size carrots, but the Coke won’t sate your hunger. The high- fiber carrots, however, will ease that hollow feeling for a while. To help you feel satisfied throughout the day, add fiber-rich foods such as whole grains like oatmeal and brown

About 40% of Americans consider themselves overweight, driving rapid growth in both prescription and non-prescription weight-loss drugs and supplements. However, the best route to lasting weight loss for many people is more straightforward and costs less. Here are four natural ways to manage your appetite and shed pounds without pricey prescription meds or supplements. EAT MORE PROTEIN. High-protein foods make you feel fuller for longer and help you consume fewer calories overall without the sugar rebound you get from carb-heavy snacks. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass while losing weight; muscle burns more calories than fat! Enjoy high-protein Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken, turkey, and fish to feel satisfied on less.

rice, veggies, fruits like apples and oranges, and potatoes to your diet.

FIND ENJOYABLE WAYS TO EXERCISE. Sustaining physical activity is important in maintaining a healthy weight, but your workouts don’t have to be a forced march. Find ways to reward yourself as you move, such as walking in your favorite park or listening to great music or podcasts on the treadmill. If finding an excellent personal trainer motivates you to get to the gym, then budget for that. Whatever it takes, your health is worth the effort!

Is it Time to Replace Your Dental Fillings?

HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR

DISCOLORATION AROUND THE FILLING While some discoloration is normal over time, if you notice darkening or discoloration around the edges of your filling, this may indicate that decay is forming beneath it — a sign that the filling has loosened and is allowing bacteria to seep into the tooth. LOOSE OR MISSING FILLINGS If a filling feels loose or has fallen out completely, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. A missing filling can expose the inner layers of your tooth to decay and possibly lead to more extensive dental work if it isn’t addressed right away. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our office immediately! We are here to help.

We are all familiar with dental fillings — they effectively repair teeth damaged by decay or cavities. However, like most dental work, fillings don’t last forever. As time passes, they may crack, wear down, or even fall out, which can cause discomfort or even more dental problems. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs that it’s time to replace your dental fillings to maintain a healthy smile.

decay. You should never ignore discomfort or pain in a previously treated tooth!

VISIBLE CRACKS OR DAMAGE Fillings can crack or chip over time due to normal wear and tear, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects. If you notice any visible damage to your filling, it’s important to call our office right away. A damaged filling can make the tooth vulnerable to decay and infection. ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACE Over time, dental fillings may wear down, resulting in rough or uneven surfaces. If your filling feels different or no longer fits smoothly against the surrounding tooth structure, it may need to be replaced. An uneven filling can affect your bite and cause discomfort.

Here are common signs it may be time to replace your dental fillings:

TOOTH PAIN OR SENSITIVITY If you start noticing increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or if you experience pain when chewing, it could be a sign that your fillings are wearing down. As fillings age, they can lose their tight seal around the tooth, allowing bacteria to get in and causing further

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