As a child I learned about the importance of dental health. Unfortunately, when I was unwillingly booted from my mother’s insurance in college paying a bi-annual dental bill became less important. Of course I did most of the correct at home treatments  because proper hygiene is a must however making time and setting aside money for checkups fell by the waist side. I must admit flossing on a regular basis was a challenge with my busy social calendar. It wasn’t until my first year of law school that I decided enough was enough. Although I didn’t have dental insurance, I refused to let this go on any longer. I was blessed to have a friend, Dr. Carmen Brawley, that is a dentist practicing in Fort Myers, FL and she constantly stalked me about the importance of dental health. I was worrying about whitening my teeth and she was worried about preventing cavities. I decided to interview her about dental health and why a visit to the dentist is just as important as a general practitioner.
 
Why did you choose to be a dentist?
I wanted to help people with their smile and help them feel good about themselves. Dentistry blends together art and science. Also, dental school required a shorter period of training and I was able to immediately enter a dental practice without residency upon graduation.
 
What are the pros and cons of being a dentist?
Cons: (1) The biggest con is dealing with nervous patients. Nobody wants to come to the dentist. The first thing that someone says is “I don’t want to come to the dentist.” That is not something someone wants to hear. (2) Another con is working in the mouth all day particularly because it’s so small. I have daily battles with tongues and cheeks. Also, it causes back pain from bending over all day. (3) It is stressful because you have to play so many roles: psychiatrist, dentist, doctor, pharmacist, and financial advisor. Hearing the life stories can be a bit much sometimes.
 
Pros: (1) It is rewarding when patients are grateful and appreciative of my service or because of their transformation. (2) It is financially rewarding because you get to be your own boss. You can set your own schedule so you can have a life outside of work. The schedule is better than a doctor’s schedule because you are not on call. (3) Another pro is job security, people are always going to need a dentist at some point.
 
What is the most common misconception that your patient’s have about oral health?
People assume that the dentist will try to sell you something that you don’t need just for money. Also, people don’t view teeth as important as other parts of your body until they are so damaged that you have to have them removed. There is a huge assumption that dentures is better than having your own teeth. Actually dentures are worse and I see patients more often when they have dentures.
 
Why are people so comfortable with having their teeth pulled?
You will be surprised how many people think it’s easier to have dentures than your natural teeth. When in actuality it is more uncomfortable because your mouth has to adjust to them. You have to learn how to eat and speak with the dentures as well which can be a hassle.
 
Why is it important to have your teeth cleaned?
It removes plaque and calculus that you may not be able to access at home. Such as plaque that is below the gum line. You can develop periodontal disease which is the number one cause of tooth loss not tooth decay. Periodontal disease is a loss of bone, and the tooth starts to become mobile. It develops as a direct result of not flossing. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, pre-term low birth weight, and erectile dysfunction. It is also contagious.
 
What foods are the worse for your teeth?
Sugar foods that are sticky, and acidic foods like soda and citrus fruits.
 
What is the most common bad habit that your patients have?
Drinking sugary drinks or sports drinks. Anything with a lot of sugar. Also, smoking is a bad habit.
 
What happens to your teeth over time due to sugar, acidic foods, and smoking?
Low pH in the mouth which means it is a very acidic environment. Sugar gives the bacteria in your mouth something to feed off. Also, the combination of a weak tooth (weak enamel) promotes the progression of decay. 
 
What is the importance of Oral Health?
It can be a reflection of your overall health. A lot of the symptoms of a variety of diseases can first be seen in the mouth. For example: if someone is suffering from bulimia there will be erosion of the teeth due to digestive enzymes being in the mouth too frequently, and a dentist would typically know first before a general doctor. Also, people grind their teeth at night which flattens their teeth. The grinding is typically a result of stress.
 
What is the most important aspect of maintaining dental health?
At home care, brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. It’s easier if you floss before you brush. Diet is also an important aspect. It’s not the amount of time that the sugar is in your mouth it’s the frequency. For example: if you drink a soda it’s worse to sip on it all day versus drinking it in 10 minutes. Also, visit your dentist one to two times a year.
 
I’m thankful that my neglect did not leave my mouth in disarray. Currently, I am sporting Invisalign and loving every minute of it. With time I learned that preventive care is always the better alternative.
 
Forever Fierce, Fabulous & Flawless!
 
Tenisha

Why I choose to live a healthy lifestyle? Several years ago my grandmother had a stroke.  She had suffered with high blood pressure pretty much her entire adult life, and she had been to the hospital before but this time was different. It was a few months before my undergrad graduation and I was crushed she wouldn't make it. She had never missed anything in my life and honestly I prayed that she would be healthy enough to make a surprise visit. Unfortunately, this did not happen. After her stroke I diligently researched for causes and found a mountain of rationales that left me even more confused than when I started. My grandmother's blood pressure was always high but her consistency in controlling it was less than fair. She had gotten to the point where she didn't even know when her blood pressure was too high. I realized that her issue with her blood pressure was a direct result of her diet. She was very active but she was heavy. An abundance of lard, butter and sugar was the staple for every meal. Pork was the primary source of protein and low calorie was never an option. I couldn't bear to see her like this. I had never seen her so vulnerable. I wanted to be like her in so many ways but I knew for sure that I didn't want to spend my life taking pills. Her pill pack was filled to capacity and she was taking one pill to fix the side effects of another. Crazy, I know!

I'm not alone when I say I've always had an issue with my weight and my overall health. As an adult I have more control over my healthy weight range and if I ever feel I'm venturing outside of that range, I cut back on certain items to find my balance. Don't get me wrong I still battle with my sweet tooth so I cut out anything that will offset the cravings. I only drink water and more often than not I always have it with lemon and lime. I stay away from fast food, fried foods and foods that I consider to be completely unnecessary in my daily life. I never keep bad snacks in the house. So no chips, sweets, ice cream, etc!

Unfortunately, as a child I didn't know any better and honestly no one encouraged me either. I was an overweight child. See I ate my meals and the leftovers. I ate just because it was there and not because I was hungry. The most egregious offense that I can recall is being 9 years old and eating at McDonalds every day my entire 3rd grade year. But I didn't get a happy meal, no that was too small, I wanted a double quarter pounder with cheese super sized with a root beer. Just thinking about that now is disturbing but it was my reality. I was very insecure about my weight and it didn't make it better when someone would say "you don't have to finish it because Nisha will."

As I got older I began to obsess about my weight but I was reassured by my family that it was baby fat and nothing to worry about. I was well beyond my baby years and I knew in my heart that it wasn't baby fat. The biggest issue wasn't that I was carrying extra pounds but that I was so unhealthy and it showed. From my face to my hair, my entire body was being affected by my diet. I suffered from acne, my hair was always dry and don't get me started on the muscle to fat ratio. The high level hormone intake caused me to develop super early. (I will spare you the GMO lecture). Any time I tell someone that I've been the same height since I was in 5th grade, they look at me puzzled with disbelief. When I attempted to workout it was discouraged and honestly for all the wrong reasons. I went from eating as little as possible in high school hoping to somehow slim down like my friends to eating whatever in college. Finally I said enough is enough and I embarked on a healthy journey. I was motivated by changes in my life but also by challenges that my grandmother was facing.

I learned what my body mass composition should really be and not some random number on a overgeneralized chart. I had to come to terms with the fact that I would never be "skinny" and honestly I didn't want to be. I love my curves and being fit was more appealing. I learned how to workout and what works for my body but I never stopped improving. Even today I have to constantly recalibrate my body, my diet, and my workout regime. Yes I care about how I look but more importantly I care about how I feel. Like I said, I don't want to live my life relying on medications.

Here are a few of my tips to living a healthier life:

1. Don't keep bad snacks in the house! It forces you to think about why you are eating the item and if it is worth it. Do you really need it or are you just being fat?

2. Be as active as possible! Now this one is really simple. While out shopping, I always park far away from the door (except at night when I'm alone). It allows me to get in extra steps and avoid the stress of finding a parking space. Take the stairs. Even if your just going down. Carry your groceries instead of using a cart. When I can, I take my groceries out of the cart and carry them to my car. Then just for a little extra, I always return the cart.

3. Drink water! Now this is one I know you've heard a thousand times but honestly it works! I love water and the first thing I did years ago was stop drinking everything but water. No juice, no soda, no sweet tea! I will have some green tea to help with my cravings but that's about it. Water is great for your skin, hair, digestive system, and overall body health.

4. Restrict your use of condiments! You would be surprised how many calories are in condiments well except mustard. Overuse of salad dressing particularly ranch and blue cheese will get you every time. Mayo is packed full of calories and fat. Don't get me started on syrup. No need to drown your breakfast in sweet goodness.

5. Find your inner peace! This may sound cheesy but it's so true. I'm the complete opposite of most emotional eaters. Food is not my friend when I'm upset or sad, it's my bestie when I'm in a fantastic mood, and most of the time I'm in a fantastic mood so you see my issue. It just prolongs my happy high. So I had to find an alternative to eating that would keep me happy! I found my inner peace by keeping busy. When I accomplish things it makes me feel like I can take on the world.

Of course there are other tips to living a healthier life but these are a good start. Why I workout and watch my diet? Because I would like to live a long and healthy life. A life free of diabetes, high blood pressure and other ailments that honestly my diet and exercise regime can control. I encourage everyone to be more conscious about what you put in your body and to keep moving. I'm not saying you need to become a fitness bikini competitor but remember you only get one body in your lifetime!

Forever Fierce Fabulous & Flawless!

Tenisha