Dental health brush up

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Does that make you smile or frown? If you answered “frown,” then you might want to follow these dental health tips. After all, a beautiful smile and pearly white teeth go a long way in making an excellent first impression.

• Brush at least twice a day, preferably after meals.

• Use fluoridated toothpaste, which reduces your teeth’s risk of decay.

• Brush between two and three minutes.

• Floss your teeth daily by utilizing a slow and gentle sawing motion.

• Limit acidic drinks such as soft drinks and fruit drinks because they can cause cavities and tooth decay.

• Limit sugary foods because bacteria in dental plaque changes sugars into acids.

• When playing sports, consider wearing a mouth guard or full-face helmet to protect your teeth.

• Only use your teeth for chewing food. Don’t use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops, or rip open packaging.

• Go to the dentist for regular checkups and when any problems arise.

FAST FACT:

More than 19 percent of children ages 2–19 have untreated cavities.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A Case For Superior Health Care

The fourth annual Memory and Movement Case Manager/Social Worker Symposium will be held October 25–26 at Mission Inn Resort and Club. During the two-day event, health care employees can earn up to 12 continuing education units (CEUs). The event is for care coordinators, certified disability management specialists, discharge planners, social workers, nurses, and educators.

On Friday, attendees can enjoy a wonderful reggae concert from 7:30 to 9:30p.m. featuring local orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Williams. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

All proceeds will benefit the Dwight M. Cearley Endowment Fund for Families Challenged by Memory and Movement Disorders.

For more information, call Lorraine Barcelowsky at 352.751.8385.