Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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Be Mindful Of An Open Mouth When You'Re Performing These Activities
Eleanor Crawford
Many family dentists warn their patients about the risks of a dry mouth. Dental complications such as cavities are more likely when your mouth is perpetually dry, which can often occur through the use of medication and through dehydration. Sometimes, your mouth will be dry simply because you hold it open at various points of the day. For the good of your dental health, it's important to be cognizant of how much you keep your mouth open. If you start to notice that your mouth stays consistently open during certain activities, try to be mindful about keeping it closed. Doing so can pay off when your next dental exam goes well. Here are some activities in which you may find your mouth open.
Exercising
Some people have a habit of keeping their mouths open while exercising. If you're someone who uses daily exercise to stay in shape, try to observe your mouth position. An open mouth can especially be common during cardiovascular exercises, in which you're trying to get as much oxygen into your body as you can. For example, when you're running or riding a bicycle, you might open your mouth and inhale. Over time, this type of habit can increase your risk of having a dry mouth and experiencing the complications that often come with it.
Concentrating
Whether you're reading something that captivates you or you're watching a video that is suspenseful, try to be aware of your mouth's position. For some people, it's easy to allow the mouth to fall open slightly during periods of intense concentration. The problem is that you might be concentrating or focusing for an extended duration — for example, a two-hour movie that is brimming with suspense. If you make a habit out of this behavior, you may begin to experience any number of dental problems that result from having a dry mouth.
Keeping Track
It can be a little challenging to catch yourself in the moment and assess whether your mouth is open, but there are a few strategies that you can employ. One option is to set your smartphone to sound an alert at various points of the day, especially if you're engaging in an activity in which you're worried about keeping your mouth open. When you hear the chime, quickly assess the position of your mouth. Don't hesitate to speak to your dentist if you have further concerns about dry mouth and its associated dental problems.
For more information, get in touch with your local dentist.
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