Dental care
Learning Center
Want whiter teeth?
If your pearly whites are dulled by surface stains, whitening toothpaste can appear to whiten teeth slightly. Whitening toothpaste can't change the natural color of your teeth, however. For more noticeable results, ask your dentist about tooth-whitening bleaching products.
Blood pressure tip: Get off the couch
If you're concerned about your high blood pressure, get moving. Regular moderate- to high- intensity workouts can lower your top blood pressure reading by about 11 mm Hg and the bottom number by about 5. Regular exercise also reduces stress and weight gain, which are known to be bad for your heart health. Need an idea? Try brisk walking for about 30 minutes most days of the week. Talk to your health care provider about starting an exercise program.
Blood pressure tip: Get more potassium
Want to lower your blood pressure? Cut back on sodium in your diet and add more potassium. Sodium increases your blood pressure. Potassium can reduce the effects of sodium on blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium, including bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, spinach, peas and tomatoes.
Blood pressure tip: Know alcohol limits
Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily increases blood pressure. Binge drinking can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke. If you're a heavy or binge drinker, talk to your health care provider about how to reduce your drinking.
Whole grains for a healthy heart
Whole grains are naturally high in fiber, helping you feel full, which makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. To add more fiber to your diet, try these simple tips: 1. Start your day with whole-grain cereal, such as whole-wheat bran flakes, shredded wheat or oatmeal. 2. Make sandwiches with bread or rolls made from 100 percent whole grain. 3. Opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
Brush up on how to brush your teeth
Are you brushing your teeth properly? Here's how to brush: Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle — aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Gently brush with circular short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Brush your teeth twice a day.
Toothpicks: For hors d'oeuvres, not teeth
Have something stuck in your teeth? Use a toothbrush, dental floss, or an interdental cleaner — such as a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between teeth, a water flosser, or wooden or silicone wedge plaque remover. Save toothpicks for olives. If you use a toothpick to clean your teeth, you could injure your gums and let in bacteria.
Bad breath? Brush your tongue!
Giving your tongue a gentle brushing removes dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a flexible tongue scraper. Another option is to use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back. Be sure to brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day.
High blood pressure: Can you prevent it?
High blood pressure can wreak havoc on your body for years without a single symptom. That's why early detection is so important. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure or you simply want to keep high blood pressure at bay, healthy habits can make all the difference: 1. Eat a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy foods. 2. Eat less saturated fat and total fat, and limit the amount of sodium in your diet. 3. Maintain a healthy weight. 4. Increase your physical activity. 5. Don't smoke. 6. Manage stress.
Have you had a good laugh today?
Humor is a great way to relieve stress. Laughter releases endorphins, natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude. Go ahead. Give it a try. Hang funny photos or comic strips in your work space. Make it a habit to spend time with friends who make you laugh. Who knows? Laugh and the world might laugh with you.
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