Routine tooth brushing and flossing and regular check-ups by a dental professional remains the cornerstone of a healthy mouth. However, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), pairing a few well-known healthy-lifestyle habits with your daily oral health regimen may also help reduce your risk for periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and other structures supporting the teeth. According to Dr. Pamela McClain, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Aurora, Colorado, “If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and may also interfere with other systems of the body. Several research studies have indicated that one’s periodontal health may be related to overall health. Therefore, it is crucial that you do everything you can to establish good periodontal health.”

According to the AAP, the following tips may help sustain healthy teeth and gums while also helping you live an overall healthy lifestyle:

Eat and drink up. It is well known that eating a balanced diet leads to proper nutrition and helps keep the body running effectively. Studies published in the Journal of Periodontology (JOP) have also shown that certain foods can promote teeth and gum health. Foods containing omega-3, calcium, vitamin D and even honey have all been shown to reduce the incidence or severity of periodontal disease.
Hit the gym. Frequent exercise is a recognized way to avoid being overweight, and it may ultimately reduce your risk of periodontal disease. In a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis than those that did not exercise.
Stress less. Stress can lead to a variety of health complications, including periodontal disease. Research published in the JOP showed a relationship between stress and periodontal disease. Increased levels of cortisol, which the body releases when experiencing stress, can intensify the destruction of the gums and bone due to periodontal disease. In addition, another JOP study indicated that people experiencing stress are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene.
Kick the habit. Smoking is not only a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular disease in the United States, it is also a major risk factor for periodontal disease. Several research studies have shown that smoking not only increases the chance of developing periodontal disease, but it can also affect the success of treatments for existing periodontal disease.
See the doctor. Regular check-ups by a physician can help with early diagnosis of several health issues, including periodontal disease. A large body of research associates gum disease with other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, by screening for systemic disease early and receiving any needed treatment, you may also benefit your periodontal health.
Dr. McClain stresses that while these tips may contribute to healthy teeth and gums, the benefit of routine oral care cannot be discounted. “Taking good care of your periodontal health starts with daily tooth brushing and flossing. You should also expect to get a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, or CPE, every year,” she advises. A dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease, can conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your periodontal health.

To assess your risk for periodontal disease or to learn more, visit perio.org.

To speak with an AAP spokesperson or for more information on the studies mentioned, please contact the AAP’s Public Relations Office at 312-573-3242 or meg@perio.org.

About the American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists – specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The AAP has 8,400 members world-wide.

SOURCE American Academy of Periodontology

Web Site: http://www.perio.org

CHARLESTON, S.C., Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Age Management Physicians from Cenegenics Carolinas, a preventive health and age management medical facility, today released their top tips for staying healthy over the 2011 holiday season.

Exercise

Staying active during the holiday season can prove to be a tough challenge.

Tip: Try to exercise for 10 minutes three times a day. A great 10-minute workout can include walking up and down stairs or jumping rope.

Drink Plenty of Water

The number one cause of daytime fatigue is dehydration.

Tip: Try to drink eight ounces of water a day and consume foods and beverages high in water.

Monitor Alcohol Consumption

Alcoholic drinks are loaded with calories and little or no nutritional value.

Tip: Moderation and smart beverage choices. Avoid beverages like eggnog and rum and coke. Instead, opt for a light beer or vodka mixed with sparkling water.

Get Enough Sleep

With the stress of the holidays sleeping can be a challenge.

Try these tips for a good night’s rest:

Avoid foods and drinks that contain caffeine after 2 p.m.
Set the room temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Try foods that help promote sleep.

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Choose a breakfast that includes protein and healthy fats and don’t skip breakfast as this can lead to overeating.

Avoid the Afternoon Lull

To beat the mid-afternoon crash, start the day with the proper nourishment and avoid heavy lunches. If in need of an energy boost, try taking a brisk walk.

Conquer Temptation

Eat a small meal before going out and plan for temptation. Studies show that when people plan out exactly what they’ll do when temptation arises, they are two to three times more likely to achieve their dietary goals.

Dealing with Holiday Stress

As our cortisol (stress hormone) rises, it compromises the production of other important hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone and progesterone. Try to increase these hormone supplements during stressful times.

Prevent Colds

Nothing’s worse than getting a cold during the “most wonderful time of the year.” Take precautions by eating plenty of immune-boosting foods, take a multi-vitamin and get plenty of sunshine to maintain optimal health.

Spice up the Holidays

Studies show that adding certain spices to food can help boost metabolism including: cayenne pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, black pepper and other hot peppers.

SOURCE Cenegenics Carolinas

CONTACT: CONTACT: Erin Barrett, +1-843-916-2000, ebarrett@thebrandonagency.com

Web Site: http://www.cenegenicscarolinas.com

The Real World of Competitive Fashion Modeling

Models are always on the look out for new modeling tips that will help them improve their careers. What they don’t know, is that there are a few set rules in the high fashion modeling career that can’t be changed. So we have compiled a list of 5 mind blowing tips that gives you an up close and personal brush with the real world of competitive fashion modeling. Break out your pen and paper and take some notes!

#1: Getting Noticed

Learning how to get noticed is one of the first modeling tips that will help you along your fashion career path. If you’re under 18, then attending a model search or convention is a great way to get exposure. If you’re a little older, then narrow down the agency that you think suits you best and contact them directly. Find out the name of your potential agent, and make sure that they take a moment to look at your composite card.

#2: Dressing For Your Agent Interview

All fashion models know that without their agents, they don’t have a career. To snag an agent who will work hard to make your career successful, you need to know how to dress for the occasion. First of all, resist the layers of makeup – they’re unnecessary. A light blush and some natural lipstick is more than enough. Wear a simple top and jeans with a pair of your favorite heels. Over-dressing can put an agent off. They want to see your face, and the shape of your body – remember that!

#3: Making Friends

Competitive fashion modeling is pretty cut throat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make friends instead of enemies. Setting out to step on other models, and making a bad reputation for yourself, isn’t going to get you to the top. Instead, network and make friends with everyone, to expand your community of contacts in the modeling industry. The more people you know, the more people will know your name. As modeling tips go, getting your name out there is best kind of exposure in the industry.

#4: Hording Your Fashion Tearsheets

A lot of models forget to collect their tearsheets after doing a job for the fashion industry. That is the fastest way to make your portfolio an outdated mess, and as a result – discourage fashion photographers from hiring you for their next project. Even if it means hounding your agent about it, make sure that each and every tearsheet is added to your portfolio. It can only add to your value as a model. These modeling tips might seem trivial, but in the end they make all the difference.

#5: Discovery and Fame

You work as a fashion model, so it’s time to wise up and get paid. You probably won’t become rich or famous at all during your career, even if you do become successful. But that’s alright, because many fashion models make an excellent living doing what they do, without fame and fortune. So when the going gets tough, remember these two modeling tips – success doesn’t mean fame, and fortune doesn’t mean millionaire. You can still work hard and be a great fashion model.

There you have it! Five of the most mind blowing modeling tips you are bound to hear this year. If you can work around these realities, then you still have a shot of becoming an excellent fashion model. Don�t be discouraged if fashion isn’t for you – some of the world’s most stunning models work in the commercial field.

About the Author – Juliet Greenway

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Juliet Greenway is the owner of ModelMastery where she provides the Model Mastery training program.