Vaccine Awareness
Back To School
What is the proper way for kids to brush their teeth? As we head into Back-To-School mode, it is important to remember children’s oral health. Interfaith Dental executive director Dr. Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi was a guest on NewsChannel 5 Talk of the Town to show viewers the proper way parents should teach kids to brush and floss their teeth. She also talked about the link between oral health and academic performance.
Make a Dental Visit Part of Your Back-To-School Routine
As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are reminded of the connection between oral health and academic performance. Dental issues, particularly cavities, lead to a significant number of school absences, hindering children’s educational progress. To ensure a healthy start to the new academic year, make sure you schedule dental visits and reinforce good oral hygiene habits at home
Healthy Snack Ideas
Children need good nutrition, and snacks are an important part of their day. Health Coach Dyan Damron gives us some tips on how to make healthy snacks that are inexpensive and that you can prep ahead of time!
Children need physical activity.
Kids need physical activity to grow up strong and healthy, but did you know it can help them feel better right away? It only takes 60 minutes a day, and it doesn’t have to be all at once! Riding a bicycle, walking the dog, dancing, sports, or doing some chores around the house can help them achieve those 60 minutes. What do they get in return? Better sleep, better mood, and even better grades. And when you move with your kids, you get health benefits, too! Get creative and get moving! Click here to learn more!
HPV Vaccine is cancer prevention.
There are six cancers that can be caused by HPV, one of them being throat cancer. HPV is thought to cause 70% of the throat cancers in the United States.
The HPV vaccine is safe, and it is used to prevent these types of cancer. It works best when given to kids around age 11 or 12.
Be sure to schedule your Back-To-School Physical and “discuss the HPV vaccine with your pediatrician or doctor while having this routine checkup. Click here to learn more!
Making Healthy Nutrition A Priority
Making healthy food choices can be hard to do when you have a busy life. Using the Healthy Eating Plate is one way to make better choices. Print out a copy and keep it where you can see it – like on your refrigerator door. This will help remind you and your family to make better food choices.
Did you know that you can still eat healthy on a budget? Here are some tips to help you eat healthy without overspending.
Did you know you can use everyday objects or your hand to judge the size of food portions? Here’s a simple guide!
Children need proper nutrition to lead a healthy life, but it’s not only about the food. Here are some tips from Helpguide.org to make mealtimes more than just about healthy food.
Smile Power Week!
Smile Power Week: Your Community Gives You Power
At Interfaith Dental, our top priority is your overall health, and as a community, we are there to support you in taking charge of your oral health. Watch this video to learn more!
Smile Power Week: Your Team is Your Power
Your dental team is on a mission to safeguard your overall health! Hear from a dentist and a dental hygienist about why working as a team is so important to your overall health.
Periodontal disease occurs when plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth. But fear not! By incorporating dental floss into your daily routine, you can tackle those hard-to-reach areas where your toothbrush can’t go. Flossing swoops in to save the day by banishing those unwanted particles and keeping your pearly whites shining bright. Only a few minutes of flossing each day can make a world of difference in your oral health. Make it a habit, and your gums will be forever grateful.
What about brushing? Brushing your teeth regularly can help prevent dental cavities. Regular brushing removes plaque, the primary culprit behind tooth decay and gum disease, while keeping any buildup in check. It’s an essential habit for a strong oral defense! Remember, toothbrushes come in various sizes and shapes, catering to different needs. From small brushes for toddlers to adult-sized heads, choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth. Opt for a soft bristle toothbrush, providing ample room to effortlessly reach all areas. Make it a routine to brush your teeth twice a day, dedicating at least two minutes to each session. And here’s a valuable tip: if you notice the bristles of your toothbrush fraying quickly, it might be an indication that you’re brushing too hard. Prioritize gentle and effective brushing techniques!
Pregnancy & Oral Care
Did you know that during pregnancy, women may be more prone to gum disease and cavities? Dental care is safe and important, and you can seek routine and emergency dental care at any stage of pregnancy.
Learn more about dental care for babies and older children!
Oral care is important for both pregnant women and children. For simple tips for good oral health click here!
Did you know that if you are pregnant, and have TennCare medical, you also have dental benefits? Those benefits are available to you during your pregnancy and 12 months after delivery.
Be sure to update your information on your TennCare Connect. If you don’t know if you have TennCare coverage, but are pregnant, you may be eligible to receive dental and medical coverage. Find out more at tenncareconnect.tn.gov or call 855-259-0701.
Dental care during pregnancy is safe and necessary. A healthy mouth can mean better health for you and your baby.
Oral Cancer
Monthly Mouth Self-Check Up
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know it is recommended to do a monthly mouth self-check-up? It is easy and it can be done in under 5 minutes. Dr. Sydney Larsen, Clinic Director at Interfaith Dental (Murfreesboro Clinic) gives us a step-by-step how to do this monthly check-up…so be sure to watch!
Talk to your dentist if you have more questions.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, HPV is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers- primarily the tonsils, tonsillar crypt, the base of the tongue (the very back of the mouth and part of what might be called a part of the throat), and a very small number in front of the mouth, oral cavity cancers. HPV16 is the version most responsible and affects both males and females. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine HPV vaccination for girls and boys ages 11 and 12, as well as individuals ages 13 to 26 ( if they haven’t received the vaccine already). For adults, the age range has been extended from 27 to 45 years old.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Davidson County Sheriff, Daron Hall, tells us why it was important for him to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Be sure to watch!
Dr. Calvin Smith, an internal medicine doctor at Meharry Medical College, talks about the COVID-19 vaccine, why he got the vaccine, and why he believes it could be a safe choice for you. Be sure to watch to learn more!
For More information about where to get your COVID-19 vaccine, you can visit www.vaccines.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be safe and effective, but there is a lot of misinformation out there. It’s okay to have questions and concerns, but it is important to understand myths versus facts. John Hopkins Medicine released an article called COVID-19: Myth versus Fact that could answer some of your questions.
Always talk to your healthcare professional about any health concerns.
Got your COVID-19 vaccine? It might be time for your booster! Visit the CDC website to find out more. Click here!
Heart Disease and Oral Health
10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Heart Health
What Self-Care For Your Heart Means?
According to the American Heart Association there are 10 easy ways to improve your heart health, which can also lead to better oral health! Click here to learn more.
This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee.
Are Oral Health and Heart Disease Connected?
