Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
Radiate Positivity with a Smile!
We’ve talked about the importance of physical and mental health, but did you know your dental health is also an important player in your overall health?
The mouth is the entry point to our digestive and respiratory tracts, and certain bacteria can lead to disease. Thankfully, with proper dental care, you can help keep bacteria under control. So, grab your toothbrush and your tiny cup of mouth wash, and let’s dig in!
Brush up on the Basics
It never hurts to be reminded of the basic techniques of proper dental care. Here are some tips from the American Dental Association.
- Toothbrushes: It’s recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Whether it’s an electronic or manual toothbrush, it’s important to use soft-bristled brushes and replace them every three to four months.
- Mouthwash: Mouthwash, also called mouth rinse, is NOT a replacement for brushing and flossing. However, it is very beneficial when used in tandem with these techniques as it helps reach areas of the mouth not accessible to a toothbrush. It can be used either before or after brushing to help prevent tooth decay, reduce plaque and gingivitis, and freshen your breath!
- Floss: It’s more than just a popular dance move – it’s also a great way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease! The ADA recommends flossing once a day whenever it fits into your schedule.
For ADA-certified products that help you maintain good dental health, click here!
A Friendly Type of Bacteria
When you hear talk about probiotics, it’s usually about their role in digestive health, but new research shows that this friendly bacteria may also benefit your teeth and gums. Probiotics help prevent plaque, treat bad breath, prevent oral cancers, and decrease inflammation from gum disease! More research needs to be done to prove their effectiveness but results so far have been promising.Here are some great sources of probiotics:
Emergency Dentistry (Courtesy of Smile Generation and SmileGeneration.com)
You can still access quality dental care, even with everything going on in our nation! Many dentists at Smile Generation are offering extended hours to provide immediate dental care for tooth-related issues that need immediate medical attention.
What is considered a dental emergency?
- You lost a tooth: Seek medical help if you lose a permanent tooth, they may be able to save it!
- You’ve been in an accident: Look out for if you have sustained injuries to your mouth or jaw area – chipped or broken teeth, broken jaws, etc. – as a result of facial trauma.
- You experience severe pain: This may be a sign of an infection and you may need antibiotics.
Click here for more information about emergency dental services!
Color Your Stress Away
Need a little help keeping the kids busy during quarantine? Check out some downloadable, dental-focused fun from our friends at Smile Generation!
Click here to download your activity pages, courtesy of Smile Generation!
Community Partner Spotlight – Smile Generation!
Thank you to Smile Generation for their contribution to our Wellness Wednesday newsletter! Smile Generation has generously donated 3,000 toothbrushes and 3,000 travel tubes of toothpaste for our BE KIND Care Packs to help over 3,000 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Published April 22nd, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
