The Dental & Medical Connection

The Dental & Medi al Conne tion

by Dr. Matt Artho who is a proud resident of Argyle and his kids attend all four schools in the district.

It can happen on any typical day. My kids are once again struggling to maintain their composure as they impatiently stare at the spinning Netflix circle, eagerly waiting for the ever so frustrating buffer cycle of their anticipated show. Amongst their complaints, I find myself reminding them of times long ago when cartoons were only shown on Saturday mornings, on an immobile TV set, that required manual changing of the channels. Without sounding too archaic, I still take the time to remind them of things not to take for granted.

In this medical issue, I would like to take the time to point out the importance of not taking your dental health for granted in your overall health. We often think our teeth stand alone from other health concerns, but more and more evidence of an oral health and systemic health connection is coming to light. It may not seem obvious, at first, but an astute physiological understanding of our teeth will reveal that they are living organs comprised of blood circulation, nerve innervation, remineralization capabilities, and inflammatory and immune responses. In addition, the supporting periodontal structures integrate with oral and facial tissues that connect the circulatory system with other organs of the body. A failure in these structures can put other systems at risk of infection or malfunction.

A few brief examples of this connection included diabetes, in which patients are more likely to have gum disease from a reduced resistance to infection. Pregnancy hormones can also affect overall gum health. Patients with moderate to advanced gum disease are more likely to have cardiovascular disease and increased risk of stroke. Dental infections can put a patient at risk of life threateningconditions like obstructed airways or meningitis.

Moreover, certain disorders can also be diagnosed through a dental examination such as oral cancer or cancers of the head and neck. Generalized tooth pain can indicate a sinus condition. Bad breath may be an indication of kidney disease or acid reflux disorders.

It is important never to disregard dental health when taking care of your overall health. Your teeth are a part of you, and you want them to last your lifetime. Happy smiling!

940.455.7645 www.CountryLakesDental.com info@countrylakesdental.com 74 McMakin Road | Bartonville, TX 76226

I just love getting women together and focusing on progressing together.

FOCUS WELLNESS RESULTS

by Brooke Ezzo

“W e’ve been given a really amazing gift that gave us our children and the opportunity to experience life, that should be celebrated and the way to do that is by taking care of it.”

Spring is all about new beginnings, and Carli Williams has gone through her own wellness rebirth as well.

After becoming a new mom and absolutely loving her new role, Carli started feeling lost and insecure with herself, and dealing with postpartum anxiety. Deciding to start moving her body again, she found that fitness and wellness was her new beginning.

“I started to realize everything in my life was greater, everything was elevated,” Carli said. “I was more social again, more connected to my family, an energetic mom, and I felt really confident.”

This newfound love for herself and her body made her realize that she wanted other women and moms to feel this way, too.

In 2017, Carli created an Instagram account, FitnessCarli, mainly as an accountability handle for her fitness journey. She quickly realized there was a growing community of women who wanted to get fit and toned after having babies. Many reached out to her asking advice on workouts and meal plans.

“So, I wrote down what I actually ate and what was actually realistic,” Carli said. “I created something that other busy women could easily follow along with.”

In a quick three years, Carli has over 74,000 followers and grown her, now, business into a community filled with women coming together and celebrating the beauty of taking care of their bodies.

“I just love getting women together and focusing on progressing together,” Carli said. “Anyone that is in the beautiful stages of motherhood but feels sad, alone, and overwhelmed; I get that and I know how to help you feel better.”

A fitness and wellness journey is just that: a journey. Carli continues to look for other ways that will help her progress, too.

“The biggest misconception for people when it comes to losing weight is focusing on what needs to be cut out,” Carli said. “For me, that never worked. Instead, I look at what you can add in to your wellness routine.

Carli bases her meal plans and lifestyle around the idea of nourishing yourself first and satisfying your taste buds second. To do this, you need start adding in the good stuff.

Three Things to Add In:

• Add in vegetables. Find a way to add in three cups of vegetables to your meals. Can you grill some asparagus with lunch or add in steamed broccoli with dinner? Even if you don’t change anything else at first, adding in vegetables helps to fill you up, and provides fiber, micronutrients, and vitamins.

• Stay hydrated. If you can’t drink the recommended amount of water, try to add one or two extra cups each day. Or, drink Carli’s spinach banana water. Half of a ripe banana, two cups of spinach, water, and blend. It’s a mild drink that hydrates you, is only 67 calories, and gives you tons of fiber and potassium.

• Physical activity. Carli only works out for 30 minutes a day. She has created in-home, simple workout guides that work. Or add in a daily bike ride, a run or walk around the neighborhood, a swim, or a HIGH fitness class at your local gym.

“Most importantly, give yourself realistic expectations for your wellness journey and find a way to enjoy it,” Carli said. “Come at it from a place of gratitude for your body.”

Follow Carli on Instagram or for information on her workouts and meal plans, visit www.FitnessCarli.com.