In the U.S., there’s nothing we love more than our large meat-and- potatoes dinners, but, according to nutritional experts, American-style meals are expanding our waistlines and leading to chronic medical conditions. Push back against these unhealthy habits by checking out these healthier food traditions from around the globe that your whole family will enjoy. JAPAN: THE APPEARANCE In Japanese culture, an emphasis is placed on the look and color of the meal instead of the portion size. Japanese chefs opt for smaller portions of colorful fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish to create gorgeous, nutrient-packed meals. The result is a dish that is as beautiful as it is nutritious. You Try It: Learn the art of making sushi and other Japanese meals with your family. See what creative combinations your family can create, and vote for the best one! As an added bonus, since portions are small, meals are easily transportable to school and work. INDIA: THE SPICE Delicious spices comprise the bold flavors in traditional Indian dishes, and many even boast health benefits. Common ingredients like ginger and turmeric can decrease inflammation in the body while curry powder can aid in digestion and strengthen your bones and heart. You Try It: Using your own spices, have a spice-blending competition. Taste-test the creations and decide which recipes are good enough for a repeat and which ones will go down in family history as lofty experiments. Who knows? You may just discover your family’s next favorite meal. MEXICO: THE LUNCH Diners in Mexico often step away from the hustle and bustle of their busy days to enjoy their largest meal of the day: lunch. Though it may surprise you, this cultural tradition has surprising health benefits. Nutritional experts point to making lunch the largest meal of the day as the healthiest dining option, especially to control weight. More calories at lunch keep hunger at bay, which means less afternoon snacking and fewer daily calories overall, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. You Try It: Short of packing bigger lunches for your kiddos, try out this style of eating during the weekends. Enjoy large, family-style midday meals and smaller dinners with your loved ones on Saturdays and Sundays to reap the nutritional benefits of a large lunch. HEALTHY EATING HABITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD STICK A FORK IN IT
4 CAUSES OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY Do you ever wonder what causes that shooting pain in your teeth every time you take a drink of ice water or bite into a sweet treat? Many different mechanisms can cause sensitive teeth, but they all have one thing in common: They all wear away the protective enamel on your teeth. But don’t panic. If you have tooth sensitivity, your condition is treatable and, with the proper care, it can improve. Here are three potential causes of your tooth sensitivity. CAVITIES Cavities are the number one reason people experience tooth sensitivity. If the bacteria that caused the cavity have made its way through your tooth to the dentin, your teeth will be sensitive. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year can help you prevent cavities from sneaking up on you, and a solid oral hygiene routine helps, too. BRUSHING TOO HARD Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with inappropriately hard bristles wears down your tooth enamel, which protects against sensitivity. Rather than cleaning your teeth with force, try using a gentle, circular motion, and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Even better, get an electric toothbrush. Most modern electric models let you know if you are brushing too hard, so they help prevent the problem before it begins. TEETH GRINDING OR CLENCHING If you grind your teeth at night, you are slowly wearing away at your enamel. All that pressure and movement typically results in cold sensitivity, and the only way to protect against it is to get a custom night guard that is comfortable for you — so you will actually wear it at night. GUM RECESSION Gum recession is common in people who suffer from periodontal disease. Brushing too hard and tooth decay both contribute to the problem, which then leads to sensitivity. Dr. Brooks screens for gum recession in all of his patients, and their previous dentist commonly missed the warning signs. Make sure your dentist is screening you properly for periodontal disease! The only way to improve tooth sensitivity is to understand what is causing it and developing a treatment plan to fix the problem. Tooth sensitivity is a common condition with symptoms that can be improved, but it’s also a red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Visit our Atowndental.com/blog to learn more about tooth sensitivity.
For more information and tips on how to transform your eating habits, visit DoSomething.org.
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