Author: Jennifer Wells

Stress Less

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Life is wonderful, amazing, crazy and well… stressful! Did you know that 57 percent of Americans say they feel stressed daily? Stress can have a BIG impact on your body and mind.  But fear not!  Here’s a few tips that can help reduce stress.

Deep breathing! When you become overwhelmed your breathing becomes shallow.  Standing or sitting quietly for a few minutes and taking slow, deep, full belly breaths can calm you down.

Laughing!  Find a funny video or share a joke with a friend.  Laughter releases endorphins which make you happy.  When we laugh, it also puts a smile on someone else’s face. So, it’s a win-win all around!

Exercise!  It doesn’t have to be a strenuous workout either, any movement will help.  A nice walk around the block does the body and mind good!  Not to mention all the other health benefits that it has to offer.  Be sure to stop and smell the flowers!

Music! That’s right- jam out! Music can lift your mood, help you forget your troubles and bring that stress level WAAAAYYYY down.  Make a playlist of all your favorite songs and sing along until your heart is content.  Dancing along isn’t required but we highly recommend it!  (Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us 😊)

Even when you do all of the above we can still have stressful life events that we can’t control.  Stress can manifest in so many ways, one of which is clenching and grinding your teeth.  We can help with that one! A custom nightguard can be fabricated just for you to protect your teeth and relieve the tension that clenching and grinding places on your muscles.  If you feel like you are have a sore jaw, or wake up with a headache you may need a guard today!  Call us to get in for your custom nightguard impression!

The Daily 4- Are you doing them?

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Happy April- Let’s talk about our daily habits!

April is often recognized as the month filled with rain as we prepare ourselves for the heat and sun to come!  At our dental office in Kannapolis, April has another important meaning that’s near and dear to our hearts; it’s National Oral Health Month – when we recognize our dedicated dental hygienist and bring awareness to the importance of proper oral health.

The Daily 4

Today we want to drive awareness to the main components of a proper oral health routine including:

  • Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Rinsing
  • Chewing

The hygiene team that works closely with your dentist is dedicated to educating patients on the importance and proper techniques of these four crucial activities for a healthy mouth. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Brushing

We’re all taught from an early age to brush our teeth before heading off to school in the morning and prior to hopping into bed at night. This lesson should follow us throughout our entire lives. But it’s not only important to brush every day, it’s crucial that you brush correctly every day.  Make sure to aim that toothbrush at the gum line at a 45-degree angle and use gentle soft circles.  To make sure you’re getting the most out of your routine, always brush twice a day for two minutes each time and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Flossing

Brushing can not reach between your teeth, so we must floss at least once a day to finish the job.  If you don’t, you leave about 35% of each tooth’s surface uncleaned and exposed to the dangers of decay.  The proper technique of flossing is also important. Make sure to curve the floss toward each tooth and scrub up and down!

Rinsing

Besides brushing and flossing, using a mouthwash that’s approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) can enhance your oral health. There are two types of mouthwash — cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwash may temporarily mask bad breath but have no real oral health benefit, whereas therapeutic mouthwash with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have been tested to ensure it actually does what it claims, which is typically reducing bad breath, gingivitis, decay, and plaque.

Chewing

We would love it if every one of our patients would brush their teeth after eating, but we understand that’s often a far fetched wish!  Instead, we encourage patients to keep sugar-free gum handy and chew it after meals. We especially like gums that contain Xylitol! Chewing gum helps produce saliva, which then helps neutralize and rinse away bacteria left over from lunch.

These Daily 4 activities can go a long way in keeping your smile healthy. But even if you follow them exactly it’s still crucial to maintain your professional dental cleanings and exams. Regular dental visits help remove plaque and tartar and can help catch any potential problems early when treatment is still easy and more effective.

If you are due for your Professional Dental Cleaning, Reach out to us today!

704-933-2115

Strawberry Caprese Salad

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The weather this week is beautiful and has us craving lots of berries. We lot we’d share this super yummy Strawberry Caprese Salad with y’all this week. Hopefully you’ll love it as much as we do!

 

Strawberry Caprese Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 2 hours & 50 minutes

Serves: 4-6

 

Strawberry Caprese Salad

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 chopped fresh basil
  • 1 8 oz tub of fresh small mozzerella balls
  • 4 cups halved fresh strawberries
  • Garnish (optional): thinly sliced fresh basil

 

Whisk together white balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Add 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil and mozzarella cheese balls; toss to coat. Cover and chill 2 hours. Stir in strawberries; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over fresh arugula or as an appetizer with toasted French bread baguette slices. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh basil. Enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please tag us on Facebook or Instagram with a picture of it! Facebook: First Impressions Family Dentistry // Instagram: firstimpressionsdds

 

At First Impressions Dentistry, we are here to help you achieve the best smile of your life! Feel free to call our office if you have any questions!

704-933-2115