Orthodontist Shares New Research and Techniques
Most people know you can push back on the aging process by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, not drinking excessively, and never smoking.
Following these bits of advice could actually increase your life expectancy by up to 10 years! Though, as a comedian once joked, “Or at least it will seem like 10 years.”
“Many are surprised to learn there are two lesser known ways to add years to your life – good oral health and regular deep sleep,” says Orthodontist Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics. Today, an Orthodontist can address both of these.
He says it’s crucial to be able to reach and clean all sides of every tooth, but that’s not possible if teeth are not straight or not properly spaced: “New types of braces are almost invisible or even entirely hidden behind your teeth. And some new ones reduce the number of office visits and shorten the treatment period. Properly aligned and oriented teeth without crowding are easier to brush and floss.”
Polish Your Pearly Whites
Regular, thorough teeth brushing not only keeps teeth and gums healthy, but it can stave off heart disease and even dementia. The National Institutes of Health says it’s all about inflammation, a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection. Bacteria or plaque can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Chase says, “Chronic low-level inflammation causes the immune system to become less effective at dealing with threats such as age-related disease. Inflammation fuels aging, but you can slow down that process.” A Scottish study found that people who brushed twice a day had a lower heart attack risk than those who only brushed once a day.
Get Enough ZZZ’s
Dr. Chase says, “If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea by a pulmonologist or other doctor and don’t require CPAP therapy, talk to us about a custom orthotic device that’s simpler, easier to use, less expensive, less invasive, and more comfortable. This custom mouth guard holds the jaw in a forward position, decreasing the likelihood of the tongue blocking the airway. Sleep is like ‘spring cleaning’ for your brain.” During sleep, your brain flushes out toxins including some associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Regular deep sleep helps to fight heart disease, hypertension, accidents and more.
ARCH Orthodontics, , with 8 offices from Boston to Cape Cod and whose patients range in age from 4 to 84+, employs strictest virus control protocols (see video on website), offers a free ‘Smile Analysis’ for Orthodontic patients (a $500 value,) and interest-free financing. Courtesy discounts are offered to patients serving in the military and their families and veterans, and to municipal employees and their families in towns served by the practice. A Pediatric Dentist is available at the Stoughton office. To arrange an appointment: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com / 781-209-6776. Visit www.archorthodontics.com .
By Stan Hurwitz / stanhurwitz@gmail.com
