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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

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Don't Let Dieting Impact Your Oral Health

Like many people who need to lose a few pounds, I try diet after diet in an attempt to find one that finally works for me. I learned the hard way that I need to make sure any diet will not harm my teeth, even if it does help me lose a few pounds. I learned this lesson when following a grapefruit diet. There are many versions of this, but the version I tried had me eat a grapefruit alone several times each day. It was supposed to suppress my appetite. I helped keep me from munching on unhealthy snacks, but the acid in the fruit took a toll on my tooth enamel and I quickly started getting lots of cavities. I created this blog to remind people that change up their diets often to make sure the foods they are eating are not harming their teeth.

Self-Care In The Orthodontist's Chair

22 July 2018
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

When you hear the word braces, what do you usually think about? Did the image of a teenager just pop into your head? If so, that's not surprising. It seems like a "must do" parental responsibility these days to give our children a beautiful smile. But braces aren't just for the adolescent set. Have you ever looked at your smile in the mirror and been less than pleased with what you see? Have thoughts like "I'm too old," or "maybe someday" run through your mind? Well, it's time to replace those thoughts. Here are a couple of new ones to try on for size: "I deserve a beautiful smile" or "I'm going to do this for me." That feels better, right?

Parents often sacrifice their own care to take care of their children, and that's a totally understandable way of thinking. You love your kids, and want the best for them. But, it doesn't have to be them or you. You should take care of yourself too. In fact, self-care is vital if you want to be and give the best you can.

So, what is self-care?

  • Self-care is when you do things to take care of you.
  • It is figuring out what you need physically, mentally, and emotionally, and doing something about it.
  • It is about nurturing yourself.
  • It is "filling up your bucket" so you have something to give to others.
  • It can be something big or small.
  • It may be a one time event or a daily habit.

At this point you may be wondering what self-care has to do with the orthodontist. Having crooked teeth or a bite that's off can cause a variety of negative feelings or behaviors. Have you found yourself doing the closed mouth smile when a picture is being taken? Have you quit smiling at people you know? Do you feel that you are not as good as someone else when you see their amazing, straight-toothed smile? These are not good feelings and actions, and they can take a toll on your happiness and feelings of self-worth. That's not what you want, is it?

It seems like such a small thing in the grand scheme of things, but a great smile can positively affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. And you are worth it! So, take your fresh new self-care outlook and do this for yourself. Make a call and get yourself into the orthodontics specialist's chair.