Did you know?!!
Stress is linked to:-
1) Bruxism (tooth grinding)
2) Periodontal disease
3) Temporomandibular disorders
4) Canker sores/ mouth sores

There are numerous published studies citing how stress adversely affects health. Peterson et al. (2001) conducted a study which concluded that stress is correlated with the spread, severity and pathogenesis of infectious diseases. In 2007, a study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggested that increased levels of the hormone cortisol advances, and perhaps proliferates periodontal disease.

Canker sores or cold sores are found to be caused by a latent Herpes Simplex Virus 1. The HSV is very prevalent in majority of Americans by the age of 15. In a study published in the Journal of Infectious Disease, fatigue and stress were commonly cited causes for the onset of a cold sore outbreak. A plethora of other studies collaborate the data suggesting that stress is unequivocally related to the onset of mouth ulcers and cold sores.
One of the main causes of bruxism: commonly known as teeth grinding or clenching, is stress, anxiety and tension. Often, bruxism takes place at night. In deciduous (primary) teeth, grinding does not seem to be as great of a problem as in permanent teeth. Chronic bruxism can wear down the enamel, cause headaches and worsen TMJ issues.

References:
1.  Stress and Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Phillip K. Peterson, Chun C. Chao, Thomas Molitor, Michael Murtaugh, Franc Strgar and Burt M. Sharp Reviews of Infectious Diseases , Vol. 13, No. 4 (Jul. - Aug., 1991), pp. 710-720
2. The Journal of Periodontology 
 
http://www.joponline.org/loi/jop
3. Mayo Clinic
4. The Natural History of Recurrent Facial-Oral Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Colette Bader, Clyde S. Crumpacker, Lowell E. Schnipper, Bernard Ransil, Joan E. Clark, Kenneth Arndt and Irwin M. Freedberg The Journal of Infectious Diseases , Vol. 138, No. 6 (Dec., 1978), pp. 897-905
5.ABC Of Oral Health: Mouth Ulcers And Other Causes Of Orofacial Soreness And Pain Crispian Scully and Rosemary Shotts BMJ: British Medical Journal , Vol. 321, No. 7254 (Jul. 15, 2000), pp. 162-165
 
If you would like to get involved with the American Red Cross as a volunteer Contact me for more information. I will be attending some events in the DC metropolitan area and would be really excited if you can all give a couple hours in service!
 
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Did You Know?
* Tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic procedure performed by dentists in the United States
* 10 Million Americans will spend 1.7 BILLION dollars on tooth whitening service and products in one year!!!

I often get asked "How do I get a whiter smile?"

We live in a culture where every celebrity, politician (Joe Biden included haha!), and neighbor is sporting a new look: PEARLY WHITES. It is quite hard to escape the inundation of teeth whitening products whether it is marketed via e-mail, social networking sites, advertisements, and even booths offering whitening services at your local mall.

Personally, I haven't yet had the pleasure of bleaching my teeth, but I do understand the great pressure to have a nice white BRIGHT smile. Bleaching can be very costly, and often has side effects (discomfort and hypersensitivity). The main ingredient in stain-fighting tooth whitening agents is either Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide.

Here are some all natural tips to keep your teeth nice and white!!!
1. Stay away from red or yellow colored foods that can cause staining. Examples are: Spaghetti sauce, red wine, curries, coffee. If you do eat these foods, keep a toothbrush handy, and just brush away once you are done so that the stains don't settle on your teeth.

2. Baking Soda!!!
Here is the real trick. Every morning and evening when you are brushing your teeth, use a little bit of bicarbonate baking soda with your toothpaste. The baking soda will held neutralize the pH in your mouth since it is basic (bye bye cavities). It helps fight stains, and it does NOT cause hyper-sensitivity.

With that being said, ask your dentist about tooth whitening if you are interested. Tooth whitening is generally proven to be safe and effective. To find out more about how tooth whitening works click here.


 
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Here I was the the Key Center school bright and early on a Sunday! What a fabulous day I had, wonderful way to end the weekend :) MISSION: EXCELLENCE

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Today I spent the day volunteering with KEEN greater DC at the Key Center in Springfield VA. KEEN is a national non-profit organization that is run by a committed volunteer corps. The philanthropy of KEEN is to serve disabled children ages 5-19 through a 1-1 mentoring fitness program.


I was incredibly humbled by my experience working with the wonderful children. The laughter, joy, and happiness that exudes from the kids is INCREDIBLE. Not only did I get to spend my time with two incredible kids, but I got my own work out in :) I will definitely be spending some more time here.

If you would like to get involved in commitment-free volunteering and service contact me, or contact KEEN directly to find out what events are going on.

The event was held at the Key Center School located in Springfield VA. There are many opportunities for volunteering at the Key Center, a school fully equipped for the disabled! Without great volunteers, none of this amazing work would be possible!!! I will also be spending some time at the school volunteering my time, join me if you can & I GUARANTEE you will have a fanstastic time :)

Support Key Center How can you support Key Center?
Volunteer! Volunteers are always welcome here at Key Center. Contact us regarding how you might help out.
  • JOIN the PTA. Fill out the Membership form, print it and send it in!
  • Fundraising! Our school budget often doesn't cover things like specialized equipment and technology for our students, so fundraising is an important way to supplement what we are able to offer our students. Here are some of our current fundraising efforts:
    • Aluminum can pop tops - send in the pop tops and Key Center recycles them for money.
    • Labels for Education! Clip and send in Campbell's soup labels. Each labels collected helps us earn points toward academic and/or athletic quipment.
    • Box Tops for Education gives us several ways to earn for our school. You can clip and send in Boxtops for Education labels and the school receives 10 cents for each one submitted. Visit the BTE website to learn about other ways to earn for our school.
    • Link your Giant A+ Rewards Card to Key Center. Our school code is 02071.
    • Target - Take Charge of Education - Link your Target red card to Key Center and the school benefits each time you use it at Target.

 

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