Connect Oral Health to Overall Wellness

RENEW Connect Oral Health

TO OVERALL WELLNESS

by Joshua Allen, DMD, Owner & Dentist, Keep Smiling Family Dentistry

The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.

The key word here is “active.” If one is to attain a state of wellness, you must actively and consistently go after it.

There are six primary models of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental. With reference to each model, how can one actively pursue wellness as it relates to their oral health?

Physical: Brush and floss daily. Avoid snacking and limit acidic foods/sugary foods/ beverages. Visiting the dentist regularly is a key component to maintaining good oral health and catching potential issues before they become an even bigger problem.

Mental: Learn why your oral health is important and the consequences of disregarding your oral health. Ask your dentist or hygienist how to achieve better outcomes and dental checkups.

Emotional: Be aware how the way you feel about your smile, your breath, etc. can affect your overall attitude and selfconfidence. How do these things influence others?

Spiritual: Come up with your “why.” Your body is a temple, take care of it. Dedicating time to do a seemingly small task can have a big and lasting impact.

Social: Connect with groups of people focused on their own wellness. Chances are your dentist has a social media page, give them a like and a follow. Ask someone for accountability, preferably someone who lives with you and is willing to share a routine with you.

Environmental: Create a bathroom space that is inviting, clean and organized. Make it fun; play music or listen to a podcast. Display motivational quotes or words of encouragement to get you in the right headspace and remind you of your “why.”

These are just a few suggestions. Pick one area to focus on, and, once you’ve mastered that, pick up another. Incremental, positive changes over time can help you achieve true wellness and holistic health.

All treatment sessions consist of lots of smiles, laughter, and oftentimes “firsts!”

WE PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED THERAPY TREATMENT INCLUDING:

Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Feeding Therapy • Speech Therapy

Our Team is here to help!

Mon- Fri 8am - 5pm www.prescottpediatrictherapy.com

3 Locations to serve you!

6550 E. 2nd Street, Suite B Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-771-9327

813 Cove Parkway, Suite 103 Cottonwood, AZ 86326 928-634-2843

2235 S. Highway 89, Suite B2-2 Chino Valley, AZ 86323 928-277-4586

With a variety of ideas to stay physically and mentally fit, we explore areas including men’s and women’s health, heart health, nutrition, mental health and more, opening the door to a healthy, robust lifestyle for everyone.

Get highlights from each issue of Prescott Healthy Living delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter today!