July 2023 – OPRURB

Regular visits to your local Northbrook dental clinic is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. In addition to providing dental treatments like fillings and crowns, family dentists are also skilled in providing preventive services such as teeth cleanings and X-ray exams. This allows them to identify potential oral health issues such as gum disease or tooth decay in their earliest stages, when they are much easier to treat.

Unlike general practitioners, family dentists are skilled in treating patients of all ages. This means that they can provide routine dental care for the entire family under a single roof, saving time and effort for everyone involved. It also allows family members to build a long-term relationship with their dentist, who will be familiar with each patient’s unique dental history and needs.

In addition to performing routine dental examinations, family dentists can offer preventive services such as fluoride treatments and the application of sealants to newly erupted molars. These simple measures can dramatically reduce the risk of developing tooth decay and other serious dental problems in the future.

The American Dental Association recommends that adults visit their dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and dental exam. These appointments allow family dentists to remove built-up plaque and tartar, preventing the onset of dental disease. They can also spot potential issues in their earliest stages, when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

A family dentist can also teach patients about proper oral hygiene practices tailored to their specific needs. They can help children establish good habits early on, which can last a lifetime and set them up for success in their adult lives. This includes brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a nutrient-rich diet that supports strong teeth and healthy gums.

Visiting your local family dentist in Northbrook regularly can also help patients avoid complications caused by poor habits such as grinding their teeth (bruxism) or chewing on hard objects like pencils and pens. Taking these precautions can help patients avoid the need for costly dental repairs or replacements down the road.

While it’s no secret that oral health is linked to overall wellness, a surprising number of people still struggle to access necessary dental care. In 2010, more than 132 million Americans lacked dental insurance, and many of those who did have coverage had difficulty finding providers who accepted their plans. This lack of access can have serious consequences, as dental issues often progress into more severe and costly conditions such as gum disease or tooth loss.

Fortunately, recent developments have helped to hasten shifts towards a unified approach to medical and dental care. The medical community is increasingly aware that the continued separation of dentistry and medicine disproportionately burdens vulnerable populations of patients who have a harder time gaining access to treatment, including those who live in rural areas, are incarcerated, or have low incomes.

Pregnancy is a beautiful, life-changing experience that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between morning sickness and a changing body, preparing for a baby and tending to all the normal day-to-day responsibilities, wellness can often get lost in the shuffle. While COVID-19 mitigation behaviors, such as social distancing and limiting contact, are essential for pregnant people to protect themselves and their unborn babies, wellness shouldn’t stop there.

A healthy diet is important during pregnancy, and many women struggle to find enough energy to eat well during the first trimester. Adding nutritional counseling activities to a wellness program, such as learning which foods are best for balancing blood sugar levels and managing nausea symptoms, can help.

Even though some physical discomforts increase during the later stages of pregnancy, it is still a good idea to continue exercise. A regular workout regimen helps reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems, and also improves mood. Including low-impact exercises like walking, swimming and cycling on a stationary bike, in addition to a range of strength training, can help.

Message therapy, also known as relaxation massage, is an ancient practice that can ease common pregnancy aches and pains, such as backaches and leg cramps. It also promotes circulation and decreases stress, which can both benefit the health of mother and baby. For more information on how you can benefit from prenatal massage at Midtown Family Wellness, contact us today.

It is recommended that pregnant women drink a minimum of eight glasses of fluids each day. This can include water, juices and soups. A diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables is also recommended. It is important to avoid raw and undercooked meat, eggs and fish, as they can lead to a dangerous bacterial or parasitic infection called listeriosis.

While pregnant people are reducing visits to their healthcare providers due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that they stay hydrated and up-to-date on immunizations. Wellness programs can support these goals by offering a wide range of telehealth services that can provide screening for mental health disorders, as well as help with immunization scheduling and nutrition education.

Adding a new baby to the family requires careful planning and financial considerations. For many, it is a time to make sure they are in a solid financial position to cover all of the costs involved, both for the pregnancy and future expenses, such as school tuition and a larger home. Wellness programs can also play an important role in addressing financial challenges, by offering employee-funded childbirth classes and other educational resources.