GURNEE, GRAYSLAKE AND ROUND LAKE, ILLINOIS – National Facial Protection Month is observed by many dental professionals in April.
This national month-long event is sponsored by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Orthodontists.
“A smile is one of the most simple, inexpensive and wonderful things in the world.”
As powerful and easy as a smile is, sometimes the way we feel about ourselves and our appearance make it difficult to complete this powerful action. There are actual psychological benefits to smiling, and by not believing that you have a good smile, it can adversely affect the mental well being of an individual. It can make you want to keep to yourself and become highly self-conscious. On the other hand, having a good smile can add to the personality of an individual.
People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC. Studies show that ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning. Luckily for us, in today’s society we have advanced a lot from that twig! Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.