Health

Use These 4 Tips to Protect Your Dental Health in 2022

Published

3 years ago

July 18, 2022

Putting your oral health first is important. In fact, good oral health can actually play a significant role when it comes to preventing gum disease, tooth loss, cavities, or endodontic treatments. Furthermore, good dental hygiene can greatly improve your self-esteem.

Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to maintain good oral health. Continue reading to learn more.

Brush your teeth after meals

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep your mouth plaque-free and fresh.

While you should take your time when brushing your teeth, it’s also very important to avoid overbrushing them. Keep in mind that doing so can wear down the enamel, which plays a significant role in preventing cavities.

This then exposes your teeth to bacterial infection. Apart from wearing your enamel away, over-brushing can make you prone to pain by exposing the layer of dentin in your teeth. Therefore, be careful when brushing to lower the risk of getting an infection.

Visit the dentist regularly

To maintain good oral hygiene, it’s vital to schedule appointments with your dentist. This is usually recommended every six months and might include the removal of tartar and plaque. The dentist will examine your teeth and look for signs of gum disease, cavities, or any other dental health problems.

When visiting your dentist, make sure to mention any health issues you might be experiencing, since some of them might negatively impact your oral health. You can also visit your dentist in case you notice some changes in your dental health; for instance, tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or discoloration. Your dentist will examine your teeth and in case of discoloration, they can offer teeth whitening services.

Reduce your sugar intake

Reducing your sugar intake and switching to a healthier diet might be your goal. But have you considered it part of your oral hygiene routine? Note that the high amount of sugar found in processed foods, desserts, candies, and soft drinks can cause tooth decay.

Therefore, try to reduce your sugar intake, switch to natural sweeteners, or substitute them with low or zero sugar alternatives. Also, be cautious when eating starchy food like bread and chips as they can lead to tooth decay when they sit on your teeth for too long.

Floss your teeth

Flossing your teeth is as vital as brushing them. By flossing, you are able to get rid of bacteria and plaque that are in areas that you cannot reach with your toothbrush. Besides, flossing allows you to remove food particles stuck between your teeth and help you prevent bad breath.

Therefore, take your floss and slowly push it between your teeth and to your gum line, and gently hug each side of your tooth by moving up and down several times. Also, be very careful while flossing, avoid flossing quickly between your teeth as it can result in pain and you won’t get rid of plaque completely.

Final Words

Your smile is a tool that will help you create a fantastic first impression, and it all starts with good oral hygiene. What’s more, your oral health can affect your physical appearance as well as your self-esteem. Therefore, it’s crucial to set aside some time for your dental hygiene regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride and a soft-bristled brush, reduce your sugar intake, floss, and more essentially, visit your dentist regularly.

Health

Dr. Raghu Athré: Beyond the Surface: The Mind-Skin Connection in Aesthetic Medicine

Published

3 days ago

March 18, 2025

Michelle Langton

Before becoming one of the most sought-after facial cosmetic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Raghu Athré’s academic journey began at the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering. His deep-rooted passion for understanding how things work—both functionally and aesthetically—laid the foundation for his career in plastic surgery. For Dr. Athré, the parallels between engineering and surgery are unmistakable: both require precision, analysis, attention to detail, and strategic problem-solving.

Dr. Athré’s expertise extends beyond surgical precision. He recognizes that beauty is not just skin deep—stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being play critical roles in dermatological and aesthetic concerns. This understanding has led him to explore the field of psychodermatology, a specialty that examines the powerful connection between mental health and skin conditions.

“Psychodermatology has become a buzzword ever since a strong relationship was shown between acne patients and depression.” said Dr. Athré. “To treat these patients effectively, physicians must address both the patient’s acne and depression simultaneously for optimal results. This highlights the connection between how we look and how we feel.”

A similar trend is evident among many of Dr. Athré’s facial rejuvenation patients. Unscripted patient interviews reveal that patients feel more awake, alert, confident, and self-assured after surgery. This pattern is also observed in many rhinoplasty patients, who often change how they engage with the world post-surgery due to increased self-confidence. These observations underscore the importance of a holistic approach to patient care in contemporary aesthetic medicine.

What is Psychodermatology?

Psychodermatology examines the intricate relationship between the mind and skin, focusing on how psychological stress and emotional well-being directly influence skin health. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even premature aging have been linked to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. This field bridges dermatology with psychological and emotional care, offering a more holistic approach to skincare and aesthetic treatments.

The mind-skin connection becomes particularly evident when a patient’s emotional state exacerbates or triggers skin conditions. For example, stress-induced acne breakouts are a common issue, as the body’s response to emotional stress can lead to hormonal fluctuations, which in turn affect the skin. Similarly, individuals battling with anxiety or depression may experience worsened symptoms of psoriasis or eczema, as emotional distress can amplify the immune response.

An Approach to Aesthetic and Skin Wellness

The rise of psychodermatology marks a shift in how both patients and healthcare providers approach skin conditions. Instead of viewing the skin as merely a surface to treat, psychodermatology emphasizes the importance of emotional and psychological health in the overall management of skin conditions. Patients dealing with skin issues are encouraged to address their emotional well-being as part of their skincare regimen, fostering not just physical but mental health in tandem.

This field also highlights the importance of treating the patient as a whole person rather than focusing solely on external beauty. While cosmetic procedures can improve physical appearance, psychodermatology helps ensure that patients are also given the tools to support their mental health, which plays a key role in maintaining long-term skin wellness.

Bridging Aesthetics, Science, and Mental Well-Being

As the understanding of psychodermatology continues to grow, there is increasing recognition of the need to treat mental health concerns in conjunction with skin conditions. Innovative treatments are emerging that combine dermatological care with psychological interventions, offering patients an integrated approach to wellness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, for example, can be used alongside traditional dermatological treatments to reduce stress and improve skin health.

The future of aesthetic medicine is poised to be more inclusive, recognizing that true beauty encompasses not just a person’s outward appearance but their emotional and mental well-being as well. As psychodermatology continues to evolve, it offers the potential to transform how we approach skin care, focusing not just on the exterior but on the holistic well-being of the individual.

By merging the science of dermatology with the psychology of the mind, psychodermatology provides a groundbreaking approach to skincare—one that is as much about healing the mind as it is about enhancing the skin.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raghu Athré, visit https://www.athrefacialplastics.com/facial-surgery/facial-rejuvenation/ or call 281-214-9324