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. 5 EASY WAYS TO GET EVERYONE MOVING GET FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY
Teeth pain is often a terrible surprise. Was it a cold beverage? Or maybe a sweet treat? The pain is sudden, and luckily temporary, but can still be pretty unsettling. Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated, and the condition can improve. In a healthy tooth, enamel protects the underlying layer of dentin, as well as your tooth’s roots. Enamel is one of the strongest substances in your body, but it can wear away over time, especially in the presence of poor dental hygiene. When the enamel wears away, it leaves the layer of dentin exposed. Dentin is porous and contains thousands of microscopic tubules (think of them as little garden hoses), that lead to the tooth’s pulp. These dentinal “hoses” have a specific liquid concentration, and when that liquid concentration changes, it causes the nerve in the pulp to fire, causing pain. The liquid concentration can be affected by temperature and concentration changes — think hot, cold, acidic, sweets, etc. What causes detin to be exposed? Cavities, brushing too hard (or using a hard-bristled toothbrush), a broken or lost filling, gum recession, gingivitis, cracked teeth, teeth grinding or clenching, plaque buildup (which eats away at your enamel), and/or consuming high amounts of acidic foods. (We go more in-depth on these issues in our Education Center at ATownDental.com .) As you can tell, there are a lot of reasons why your teeth may be sensitive. The only way to treat sensitive teeth is going to your dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity and complete recommended treatment. Until you’re able to see the dentist, avoid the foods or things causing the sensitivity. Rinse with warm water to help alleviate some of the discomfort. If your teeth are sensitive to air, making the pain more frequent, you can try some orthodontic wax (often sold at drugstores) to cover the sensitive area temporarily. You can also try brushing regularly with toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth. At Anderson Dental Care, we recommend Sensodyne or Prevident. Prevident is a prescription toothpaste you can purchase at our office or get at a pharmacy with a prescription. It has 5 times the amount of fluoride as typical toothpaste and helps plug up the dentinal tubules and make them less susceptible to temperature changes. The fluoride also inhibits bacterial growth. If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, never hesitate to call our office. We’re happy to answer any questions and get you in for an evaluation if needed. Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?
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.
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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