GET FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY
Confirmation Froman ADA Study Hi, everyone! Dr. Jelinek here, again. I want to share the results of a recent American Dental Association (ADA) study because it highlights the reasoning behind one of the biggest reminders that I offer my patients. It’s something I say at least 100 times each day! Why I Say ‘Lips Together, Teeth Apart’ In March 2021, the ADA released its findings from ongoing surveys of dental practices across the U.S. They found that 70% of the dentists they surveyed saw an increase in patients seeking relief or treatment from teeth grinding and clenching. This number is a 10% jump from fall findings, and, as the ADA points out, may be indicative of stress. Furthermore, about 60% of the dentists also saw an increase in chipped and cracked teeth and TMJ disorder symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, aching, and difficulty chewing. Once again, this may be stress-induced. Marko Vujicic, the chief economist and vice president of the ADA’s Health Policy Institute, explains that these findings serve as a lens for viewing the effects of the ongoing pandemic. “The increase over time,” Vujicic is quoted as saying to the ADA, “suggests stress-related conditions have become substantially more prevalent since the onset of COVID-19.” We often clench or tighten in moments of stress — as we have seen regularly throughout this pandemic. This can result in increased instances of grinding or jaw pressure, tooth chipping and cracking, and jaw joint- related pain. When the stress is magnified or prolonged, the results of the ADA survey are to be expected. However, there is one solution you can try that will not only relieve the pressure from your teeth but also provide you a clear reminder to relax. Throughout the day, remind yourself of the following phrase I often say: “Lips together, teeth apart!” When not in use, your teeth should never touch during the day! By having your teeth touch, you have to activate muscles, that should otherwise be resting. You might want to set a Post-It on your computer monitor to remind yourself to keep your lips together and your teeth apart. Having your teeth touching throughout the day can lead to many side effects. Those side effects could include headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, migraines, shoulder pain, and the list goes on and on. Removing the tension in your jaw by keeping your teeth apart on a regular basis can quite literally remove the tension in your life. Try it out, and you will see just how much better you feel.
5 Easy Ways to Get Everyone Moving
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. As a parent, you probably know exercise is important for your children’s physical development. It helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life. But did you know that physical activity also has many mental and behavioral health benefits? It’s been shown to improve children’s cognitive skills and concentration, boost their self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
One of the best ways to encourage healthy behaviors in your children is by modeling them yourself. Studies have found that more than 80% of adolescents and adults are not getting enough aerobic activity, showing that children often follow in their parents’ footsteps and that exercising together can benefit everyone.
You may be thinking it’s hard enough just to get yourself to the gym, but Stephen
Virgilio, author of “Active Start for Healthy Kids,” encourages parents not to limit themselves to traditional forms of exercise. Instead, think of exercise more broadly as “leading an active lifestyle.” And remember that exercise can be fun and a great way to get in more family time.
Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your family’s day.
1. Create a walking ritual. Start walking around the neighborhood before or after dinner each night. Aim for a 20-minute stroll.
2. Have a dance party. Clear some space in the living room, make a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes, and boogie down for as long as you have the energy. 3. Turn chores into games. Dirt has invaded from outer space and must be eliminated. Set the scene with your kids, grab your tools, and get to work removing the enemy while having fun. 4. Incorporate simple exercises into screen time. Start by making up fun names for exercises like situps or jumping jacks. Then, challenge each other to see who can do the most during your favorite show’s commercial breaks. 5. Get fit in the great outdoors. Cleaning up the yard, planting and maintaining a garden, or just running around outside are all great ways to get in more movement.
Many people believe their teeth should be touching during the day. Nothing could be more from the truth. Lips together, teeth apart.
If you have additional questions about your oral health or best daily practices, please visit NorthernVirginiaDental.com.
– H. Charles Jelinek, Jr., DDS
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