Improve your mood through smiling more

Ways To Improve Your Mood In 30 Seconds

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Feeling a little low currently and wanting to improve your mood? We all have moments in life where we’re not feeling our usual selves. This funk can throw us out of our daily routine. Whether you’ve got to go to work and get through a hard day or you need to tidy your home because it’s a mess, here are things to improve your mood in 30 seconds.

Smile To Yourself In The Mirror

Smiling is infectious. When you see someone smile or laugh, you probably find yourself cracking a smile at the same time. Smiling can lift you out of a funk quickly when you crave to improve your mood. Find the nearest mirror available and smile at yourself. It might feel a bit odd at first. But you’ll soon find yourself smiling more naturally as you grin crazily back at your appearance. 

Smiling can really help to start your day in the right way. It might be a good idea to also have a mantra you say to yourself too. It can be something as simple as today will be a good day or you’ve got this. These motivational words can really help to set you off in the right direction. Then the day will be yours for the taking! It’s also something you could do at the end of the night too. And you can take it one step further by improving your smile. That’ll certainly help bring some joy to your day.

Turn On Your Favorite Music

We’ve all got different musical tastes. For some, it might be classical, or it could be punk rock. Whatever your preference, music can really help bring out those serotonin levels that you lack at the moment. Whether you need to feel inspired or you simply want to give yourself a burst of energy, pop on your favorite music. It’s good if you can curate a feel-good playlist to enjoy whenever you need to improve your mood.

Take A Walk Outside

Fresh air can do you your mood a world of good. It can help you to think and reflect on your troubles. Even if it’s a quick walk around the block or a trip to your local park and back, it’s beneficial. Try to take a walk as often as you can. It’s definitely important to make the most of the outdoors, especially as much of our time is spent indoors. Or in front of our electronics. Next time you need ti improve your mood, get out there in nature and take it all in.

Do Something To Relax

And finally, a big way of helping to boost your mood is by doing something to relax. You may have had a stressful day or gone through something recently that really dampened your spirits. In those times, it’s good to relax. Find an activity that you love doing to help take you away from those dampened spirits. By indulging in something you love, you’ll enter into a renewed state of bliss.

Make sure you use these tips to improve your mood so you can enjoy this great thing called life!

The Perfect Night at home

Four Tips For A Perfect Night At Home

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Experiencing a perfect night at home comes down to a little bit of planning. And it’s worth it. We all need a little downtime to regroup. It’s nice to spend time with yourself or your family and not having to do anything that requires much energy. Our lives are often full of commitments, whether it be taking the children to their sports activities in the week to meeting up with friends and family for various social events. However, a night in is often needed. Here are four tips for a perfect night at home.

Stream Your Favorite Movie

First up, a favorite movie is a perfect element to a perfect night. When selecting your movie, you might wish to go for a completely brand new movie. Or you might choose one that you’ve watched a dozen or so times. When trying to choose, your options might seem overwhelming. Consider the genre and the longevity of the film. Do you want a movie that’s going to inspire you, make you cry, or make you scream? How much time do you have to dedicate to watching it? Do you want an early night to bed?

It’s good to discuss your options as a family if you’re watching something together. You want to think about what everyone else wants to watch, rather than just what your preference is. After all, it’s more fun when everyone is into the movie. If you’re having a night in with your partner, then select a few that each of you will like. Or pull one out of a hat, making it a lucky dip activity. That way, you won’t be arguing over which movie should be the one you pick.

If you’re looking for a way of streaming more content, then you might want to try TroyPoint, as this can be a great way to get more options if you’re limited with DVDs.

Plenty Of Snacks

Snacks are a wonderful treat to go along with a perfect night at home. To liven it up more, consider creating a theme around your night. Maybe that’s cheese and wine or sweets galore. It’s certainly worth splurging a little and treating yourself. How much better does it get when you’re watching a movie and having your own home-popped popcorn? Or a delicious feast of snacks that you can munch on throughout the film? Yum. Sure, you might end up a few calories higher in your daily intake, but that’s what a perfect night at home should be like!

Get Cozy In Lounge Wear

A great way of ensuring a perfect night at home is to couple it with cozy lounge wear. There’s nothing better than taking off your day wear and snuggling into something soft and flexible. You want to be as comfortable as possible when relaxing on the couch. So make sure you get your most cozy lounge wear out. Who cares if it’s 6 pm? There’s never an excuse needed for lounging about in your comfies.

Set The Mood With The Right Lighting

Setting the mood is certainly important when you’re having a night in. So why not set it using the right lighting? A bit of mood lighting with dimmer switches can go nicely. Or you might want to light a few candles. There’s nothing better than having a sneaky nap on the couch too!

If you’re looking for a perfect night at home, make sure you use these tips to get the most out of the evening.

A woman with a perfect smile

Achieving Your Perfect Smile From Comfort of Home

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Transforming your perfect smile is something that you can do right from the comfort of home. The perfect smile helps to boost your confidence and makes you glow from the inside out. But as you might know, the quest for a Hollywood-style smile can be expensive. 

While visiting your dentist after lockdown is one route to improving your smile, there are ways you can improve your smile at home too. As a more affordable option, you could soon get the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of!

Here are some tips for achieving your perfect smile from home.

Up your brushing game

Brushing your teeth regularly helps keep your teeth looking great. All the whitening and treatments in the world will be worthless if you don’t brush properly. If you haven’t already got one, why not buy an electric toothbrush? Today’s electric toothbrushes deliver amazing results. They also carry additional features such as tongue brushing and air flossing. Weigh up the benefits of an electric versus a manual toothbrush and consider investing to up your brushing game.

Try some at-home teeth whitening products

While you can get amazing teeth whitening results from your dentist, there are some incredible and affordable products that will help achieve whiter teeth at home. Buy from reputable sellers to avoid ending up with a product that lets you down. Check out some of the best at-home teeth whitening products and say hello to brighter teeth. 

As an extra tip to keep your teeth white, you need to make sure you avoid food and drink that will make them stain easily. Brushing regularly with a whitening toothpaste will help maintain your teeth whitening results. 

Get straighter teeth from the comfort of your own home

In the quest for straighter teeth, expensive orthodontics used to be your only option. Now you can get clear braces sent to you at home to help you get straighter teeth. These types of aligners are simple and convenient, with no trips to the dentist so that you can be in control. They’re affordable too, which makes them a great choice if you’re looking to transform your smile.

Take great care of your teeth and gums

Ultimately, the perfect smile begins with taking good care of your teeth. Make sure you brush twice a day, use floss, and gargle with a mouthwash. You can also help preserve your teeth by cutting down on the amount of sugar that you eat. Ditching sugary drinks is a great place to start. Switch to water or sugar-free varieties instead.

Taking steps to take better care of your teeth and improve their appearance will do wonders for your confidence. Many people strive for better teeth, without doing anything about it. The potential cost scares them. But thanks to a range of at-home treatments, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle. Take steps to look after your teeth now, and enjoy some great results from the comfort of your own home. 

common health issue

3 Of The Most Common Health Issues and Their Remedies

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Has there ever been a time when taking care of our health issues has been more critical? Probably not. But the irony is that many people are letting common health issues slide. This is because of the restriction on social interaction during the pandemic. However, it is essential to remember something critical. Just because we are living in the new normal doesn’t mean we can’t seek treatment. It also doesn’t mean we can’t take other positive steps towards managing such conditions. Indeed, below you can find out what some of the most common health issues are. And then we offer ways on how to take care of them. 

Back pain

Back pain is one of the most common health issues affecting people. The major cause? The spine holds up the rest of the body. It’s an essential part of all the movement we make.

Of course, back pain can range in severity and, at its worst, can be unbearable. Back pain causes also vary and can include trapped nerves, comma degeneration of discs, and even arthritis or osteoporosis.

Indeed to correctly take care of back pain, you must first work with a medical professional to diagnose its cause. Then a suitable course of treatment can be prescribed. Depending on the underlying issue, these may include physical therapy, pain relief if or surgical procedure. The most important thing to remember here is that back pain will often worsen; when left untreated, it will end as soon as you seek treatment and diagnosis the better. 

Hearing loss 

Medical issues often need taking care of his hearing loss. Indeed with this condition, hearing loss can often occur gradually, making it harder for the person suffering from it to recognize the severity of the issue. 

To that end, you must visit a hearing specialist such as a doctor of audiology regularly for testing. The reason being that they will be able to compare your results to the standard average and two last visits to determine whether any treatment or action is necessary. 

Anxiety

Whether it’s that shaky feeling in your chest, churning in your stomach, or thumping headache, anxiety isn’t a fun experience. However, while anxiety feels awful in the moment, the sensations that it causes can’t cause us physical harm in the short term. For example, while a panic attack makes you feel as if you are about to die, you are, in fact, safe. 

However, anxiety can impact our lives in different ways. The first of these is that it can significantly reduce our quality of life and further negatively impact our mental health. Additionally, some research suggests that prolonged chronic anxiety can impact our physical well-being, weakening the immune system. 

To that end, grinning and bearing it is not the way to deal with anxiety. Instead, reaching out for help and learning better ways to cope is a much better option. In particular, look for CBT-based therapies that can help you reframe your thoughts and relate to anxiety’s physical sensations more constructively. 

self-care

Self-Care Tips Backed by Science

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We all need to take self-care seriously.  Healing mind, body and soul is an integral part of this process as is putting effort into me-time. Today’s world seems to revolve around mixing life and work to the point these lines can often become blurred. Below are some self-care tips which are backed by science.

Utilizing self-care helps us to recharge our mental and physical batteries. It helps us refocus our energy and manage stress levels. The issue is that we don’t devote enough time to self-care or don’t have any ideas of what to do and why we should do it. We all need to be reminded to take self-care seriously; a study in 2019 found that student nurses were neglecting their own self-care because they were looking after others. We all need to take care of ourselves, so we can then take care of others if that is our role.

Fresh air

While it may be cold outside, getting out in the fresh air is a great way of improving both your mental and physical health. It stimulates your brain, and walking in nature has a positive impact on your senses. You don’t need a green space close by either, just walking around your neighborhood is good enough.

Exercise

Research shows that exercise has a positive impact on your mental health and boosts self-esteem. It also helps you feel re-energized and benefits those who have been diagnosed with depression. You don’t need to visit a gym for exercise, and you can do this in the comfort of your own home! If you do suffer from an illness, it is best to get this checked out by a health professional, especially before embarking on any exercise program. Your doctor may prescribe medication, or they may subscribe something like medical cannabis. If you wish to find out more about this, see the guide at AmediCanna.

Paying it forward

Did you know that helping others boosts your mental health? Helping others is a way to help yourself and be kind to others by doing a good deed. Options include volunteering or helping a friend or neighbor. This is such an excellent way of spreading a little happiness and making yourself happy at the same time.

Aromatherapy

Research has proven time and time again that breathing certain aromas reduces stress and anxiety. The scents recommended are citrus and lavender. Lavender is especially helpful to aid sleep. The likes of rosemary can help boost memory. Find out what scent helps you best and use it.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great technique that you can do at any time of the day. It requires you to focus on the present without judging what is happening around you. It’s a great technique if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Meditation

Meditation has been around for thousands of years. It can help you focus and de-stress. Research has suggested that meditation can improve your quality of life. The simple act of being still and breathing can profoundly affect us.

These are just some of the self-care tips which you can practice that has been backed by research. What other ones can you think of?

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How To Take Better Care Of Your Skin This Winter

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Taking care of your skin this winter is simple when you have the right techniques. With the cold weather upon us, it’s time to get to work!

With the weather getting colder every day, it’s quickly becoming the time of year that has the biggest impact on skin health. When it comes to your skincare, it’s easy to make the mistake of forgetting to take the time that you need to give your skin the nourishment and TLC that it requires to stay looking healthy and happy. 

Cold, dry air can leave your skin feeling sore and chapped and looking red and flushed. The good news is that while the winter weather can have a negative impact on your skin’s health, there are plenty of ways that you can make managing your skincare a little easier. It’s just a case of taking steps to implement an effective skincare routine. 

Wondering what you should incorporate into your winter skincare routine? Below are a few tips and suggestions to help you master your winter skincare. 

Maximize hydration 

The colder winter weather can leave skin feeling dry and sore. You will find that during the winter months, this is when your skin tends to be more likely to become dry and overly sensitive, due to the harsh winter weather. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you’re maximizing hydration wherever possible and moisturizing your skin regularly. Ideally, you want to apply moisturizer to your face twice a day, to your hands throughout the day, and to your body once a day. If possible, it’s best to opt for a rich, unscented moisturizer. 

Opt for showers over baths 

Baths might be a great way to relax, but the fact is that when it comes to your skin’s health, baths can wreak havoc on your skincare. The fact is that hot baths can actually draw moisture out of your skin – if you have too many baths that is. So, wherever possible aim to shower instead of taking a bath. And try and limit your baths to once or twice a week and have showers on a daily basis. 

Use gentle, natural products 

Did you know that certain products can have a seriously negative impact on your skin’s health? Products that are packed full of additives and chemicals can be detrimental to skin health. That’s is why it’s important that you consider using natural products wherever possible, such as this natural body wash, for instance. By opting to use natural products, you can protect your skin from the effects of harmful chemicals. 

Exfoliate regularly 

When your skin becomes dry, it’s usually because dead skin cells have built up on the skin’s surface and need removing. To remove these dead and damaged skin cells, it’s important to exfoliate your skin regularly using a gentle exfoliator. There are lots of options when it comes to exfoliating your skin, from simple coffee and salt scrubs to facial pumice stones and sonic facial exfoliators. Determining what works best for your skin is often a case of trial and error, so take your time working out what products and tools work best for your skin. 

There you have it, everything that you need to know about taking better care of your skin this winter. 

Woman feeling confident

5 Steps To Feeling More Confident

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As the weather turns dark and cold, and life tosses us stressors, we’re likely not feeling confident about the brightness of life. Don’t despair. There’s hope, thanks to self-care. In fact, indulging in self-care and putting yourself first is the hottest new trend. Here are some tips to get you feeling more confident.

Offer Your Hair Some Love

Hair care doesn’t have to mean expensive keratin treatments. You don’t need to be a pro or have a multiple-step routine to have a healthy head of hair. Sometimes, a few simple ingredients can be the nourishment your hair needs.

Two top ingredients for happier, healthier hair is castor oil and argan oil. These natural ingredients stimulate hair growth and are generally safe for everyone to use (although a patch test is still a good idea). 

Doing these treatments two to three times a week will help to rejuvenate your hair, giving it a more glowing and healthy appearance. Simply apply it before using shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes. All you need to do is apply it at the roots of your hair, leave it on for a short while and voila. Both argan oil and castor oil are rich in fatty acids and nutrients. They will nourish your scalp and give you that sought-after shine. Indulging in hair care will help you to have that effortless glow even when you’re rocking the no-makeup look. 

Invest In Your Smile

Nothing will make you more confident than having the perfect smile. Smiling more is proven to increase happiness by releasing endorphins. With a great set of pearly whites, you won’t be able to help but smile more. We all know the importance of dental care, but sometimes you want to take it that step further. Using a Dental Implant Specialist, you can improve your smile in a way that looks both beautiful and natural. These types of implants not only substitute missing teeth but improve the overall appearance of your face by giving your jawbone more support. Other simple ways to enhance your smile are to use home whitening kits or consult with your dentist about a series of whitening treatments. Investing in your teeth will undoubtedly let the world see more of that smile, as your confidence will shine through.

Journal Your Way to A Brighter Day

This one is a trickier habit to get into but will change your life once you manage it. A helpful form of self-care is to write down at least one thing per day you love about yourself. Whether this is a physical attribute or an aspect of your personality, just one thing that you are content with. Writing this down each morning will help you to appreciate what’s unique about you and to feel more positive about who you are. As you progress with this, you may be able to describe things about yourself in a positive way that you previously wouldn’t have. Journaling for self-care is a long process, but one that will be extremely rewarding.

Indulge in Yoga

Exercise is a crucial step in the road towards higher levels of confidence. It will help to increase your energy levels and get endorphins pumping. It’s a great way to improve your physical and mental well-being. For some, the idea of exercise incites a feeling of dread. Hardcore gym workouts and long-distance running aren’t for all. Experimenting with yoga and Pilates is a relaxing but effective workout routine with proven links to increasing mental wellness.

Another great thing is – you can do it from the comfort of your own home. There are so many online tutorials to help you do yoga at your own pace and start at a suitable level for you. Yoga is a great de-stressor, reducing the production of cortisol – the dreaded stress hormone. Doing yoga on a regular basis will help you to feel calmer and at more at ease with yourself, offering a form of exercise that’s truly enjoyable. Another way that yoga increases confidence is by improving your concentration. An essential aspect of the practice is being present and focusing on breathing. This focus on mindfulness can help within all realms of your life, increasing productivity all round.

Set Clear Goals

Setting goals for yourself will help you to focus on what you can achieve. You know what you are truly capable of, so turning these into tangible goals will consistently remind you of your potential. Having a growth mindset will help you to imagine these goals with clarity. Once you have envisioned it, you are one step closer to achieving it. Believing in yourself will boost your confidence and help you to be continually moving forward and becoming your best self. A great way to set these goals might be to look at things you have achieved previously and think about how you did this. Then you might ask yourself, how can I build on this? If I did that, what other great things am I capable of?

Re-Assess Your Body Language

Just like smiling makes you happier, looking confident helps you to be more confident. Focusing on your physical stance will actually trick your brain into thinking it feels more empowered. Some attributes to focus on may include standing taller and more straight, holding your shoulders back, and making direct eye contact with people. This sense of boldness will make you appear more confident both to others and yourself.

It’s the journey that counts. 

Practicing self-care and being more confident isn’t something that happens overnight. One of the most important forms of self-care is being realistic and kind to yourself. Having bad days is normal, and help us to put everything into perspective and appreciate the positive. This applies to our self-perception; we may sometimes focus on what we dislike but then can learn to balance this with our positive attributes. Nobody’s perfect, and learning to accept ourselves is a balancing act of focusing on what we admire in ourselves and continually working to improve those aspects we wish to change.

first home house keys

7 Ways To Save Money on Your First Home

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Buying your first home should be one of the most exciting times of your life. Whether you are moving in with a partner, family, friends, or going solo, you want to enjoy your new-found freedom and the feeling of owning a property for the first time. What you don’t want is to be bogged down by financial worries.

No matter how exhilarating it may be to get a leg up on the property ladder, there’s no denying that buying a home is a hugely expensive endeavor. You have the cost of the home itself, mortgage interest rate, moving fees, not to mention all the new furniture that will fill your brand new house.

It’s becoming harder and harder for young people to afford a home these days, and many people shy away from home ownership due to the huge costs involved. But if you are determined to own your dream home, you don’t have to let your financial situation hold you back. There are ways to lower the many costs associated with moving into a new home, with opportunities to save money on almost every aspect.

To get you one step closer to your dream future, here are seven ways to save money on your new home.

Take your time

Buying a house is not something you should rush into. It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, so you need to be sure you’re making the right choice. Saving up money for a few years is a good place to start. The longer you leave it, the more money you’ll be able to squirrel away. Not only will this mean you can afford a pricier home, but you’ll be able to put down a larger deposit on a mortgage and thus reduce your repayment rates. Putting money aside for the future now will save you a lot of expense in the future. 

Find the right mortgage

There’s a good chance you’ll need to take out a mortgage to pay for your new home. It’s essential that you shop around and speak to different providers. You want to find a mortgage with a favorable interest rate. You should try to maintain a good credit score before applying for a mortgage, as this will open up more opportunities for better repayment rates. The gritty details of mortgages and interest rates can be a lot for first-time buyers to wrap their heads around, so it’s worth seeking financial advice from a company such as PropertyGuru Finance to help you make smart decisions.

Save money on packing

A frequently unexpected cost of moving home is packing up your belongings. If you’re smart about the process, you don’t need to spend any money on packing materials such as boxes and bubble wrap. Ask your local supermarket for spare boxes or find a friend who has recently moved. Instead of wrapping up fragile items in expensive bubble wrap, use clothes, tea towels, and other similar things you have lying around. Suitcases, laundry baskets, and even (clean) trash cans can be used as packing containers.

Opt for a DIY removal

Paying for a removal company to transport all your belongings from one place to another can set you back financially. If feasible, it’s a lot cheaper to do it yourself. It might require the help of a few friends and multiple car trips, but you’ll still save a heap of money in the process. For larger furniture, you may need to enlist the help of a friend with a van, or even rent one yourself. Sometimes it’s not possible to move all by yourself, so if you have to use a removal firm, make sure you shop around for the best deal.

Shop around for insurance deals

You will need to ensure your home and its contents to protect them in case of damage or theft. It’s too much of a risk not to do so, but you can find good deals by speaking to different insurance providers and finding the best quote.

Lower your energy bills

As well as your monthly mortgage repayments, you’ll also have to pay energy bills for the electricity, gas, and water you use. Your home will probably already have energy suppliers but don’t feel you need to stick with them. By shopping around, you may be able to switch to a provider with a much better rate.

Shop second-hand

Filling a new home with furniture is usually extremely expensive, but don’t feel you have to buy brand new. Second-hand furniture can be just as good as brand new, and considerably cheaper. Ask friends and family if they’re looking to get rid of any furniture, or browse local social media groups. You can always mend or paint it yourself if it’s in need of an upgrade.

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Career Opportunities You Won’t Want To Pass Up

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Changing your career completely for new opportunities could be a scary move to make. But not so scary to pass up the change.

Let’s face it, a lot of people place a huge focus on their career, and rightly so. After all, we spend a large proportion of our time at work or doing a job, whatever that may be. Some people are content to stick with the same thing day in day out, and earn the standard paycheck each month. Whereas others strive for career progression and the next big step for them in the workplace. Whatever your choice may be, there will always be career opportunities that are too big to pass up. With that in mind, here are some of them.     

Changing your career entirely

Making a complete career shift is overwhelming. But, if you’re passionate about the new career, it’s worth the challenge to face that overwhelm. Too many of us will settle for a mundane job that we don’t love, purely to pay the bills. The luckiest people get to do what they love for a living. So whether you want to help people with their mental health and search for open psychology jobs or whether you need to think about retraining and getting new qualifications so you can finally do something you love, don’t disregard a career change. It could be just what is needed at this very moment in your life. 

Working from home

Working from home can provide you with an excellent opportunity for work and enables you to become much more flexible with your time. This option works fantastically well if you have a family. You’ll be around for the school drop offs and collections as well as being on call for those emergencies. It can be an ideal solution. However, it isn’t as easy as some people think. Working from home merges your work and home life. Often this can be hard to differentiate between the two. You might constantly feel on the job, or find you procrastinate because you see home jobs that need doing instead. This is when looking online for tips and tricks for working from home could prove useful. It will always be an amazing opportunity, and getting the balance right makes it all the more perfect. 

Becoming your own boss

Who doesn’t want to be their own boss? Not many would disagree that this can be an excellent career move for some. However, it can be a hard to overcome some of the initial hurdles of setting up on your own. Many start-up businesses fail in the first year, so it is important to do some groundwork before taking the plunge completely. Most people start their business in their spare time and build it up to a point where they can start to consider leaving their normal employment. It can provide a wonderful opportunity for your career filled with many different experiences. 

Working abroad

If you get the opportunity at some point in your life, working abroad could be an excellent thing to consider. There may be a different work culture to get used to, different benefits you are entitled to, and could even provide a better quality of life. It may seem daunting, but working abroad could be easier than you realize. There might be a lot of forms and paperwork to fill in, not to mention securing a job and somewhere to live. But it could certainly provide the adventure of a lifetime. 

Let’s hope this has inspired you to maybe consider alternative options for your career in the future. 

visiting dental office after lockdown

Tips For Visiting Your Dental Office After Lockdown

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Keeping up your smile is crucial to keeping up your physical health. It’s so important that it’s recommended that you visit your dentist every six months instead of whenever something comes up that requires an emergency visit. When you visit your dentist regularly, you’re doing preventative care.

Just because you don’t have an immediate issue, that does not mean that you do not need to see a dentist. Your dentist will check your mouth for cancer as well as head and neck cancer. They will check you for any abnormal lumps on your head or neck and check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Doing these simple checks will catch any concerning issues before they become larger problems.

Regular check-ups with your dentist are also a great way to get feedback on your at-home dental care. They will be able to show you the proper way to care for your teeth in between teeth cleanings. If you are considering starting teeth whitening, they can tell you the best option for you.

Overall, visiting your dentist on a regular basis is great preventative care. They will catch problems before they become out of control. They can even give you advice about whatever your specific needs are. With that being said, you cannot let the current times deter you from looking after your oral health. If you’re worried about visiting your dental office, whether you go to Stead Willis DMD or a family dentist you have known all your life, here are some tips for vising your dental office after lockdown and what you should expect.

Arrival Changes

Typically when you arrive to your dentist office, you show your insurance card and sign in. Now the process may be a little different. It may require some extra steps. All dental practices, no matter where you live, have to make sure that you’re feeling well enough to come into the office. You can expect to be contacted before you walk in to make sure that you are not showing any signs of COVID-19.

When it comes to making appointments or just showing up to your dentist office without an appointment, those days are long gone. Typically patients will have to call the office to schedule appointments. If you don’t have an appointment, you likely won’t be able to come into the office. They’re trying to limit the number of people in any given area at the dentists’ office, particularly in the waiting room.

Waiting Room Changes

Speaking of the waiting room, there are many changes to be made in this area too. A staff member at the reception may request to check your temperature, making sure that you do not have a fever. You can expect it to either be from an ear thermometer or those gun thermometers that can scan your forehead to check your temperature. You can also expect to have your hands sanitized upon your arrival.

Just like your trips to the grocery store, there may also be a protective barrier separating you and the receptionist. In some offices, you may be asked to wear a face mask along with shoe covers. They may also ask you to put your personal belongings in a clean bag to help reduce any accidental contamination of the virus. The waiting room will be modified to abide by the 6-foot social distancing rule, and you may not see as many people in the waiting room.

Dental Team Workflow Changes

You can rest assured that most dental offices will be well ventilated, meaning you do not have to worry about breathing in recycled air that may be contaminated with the virus. Do not be alarmed if your dentist is also wearing personal protective equipment like a face mask, face shield and gloves. You may or may not be able to spit in the sink, so you can expect to have your saliva suctioned out instead. There may also be some changes to where certain procedures are performed. For those that create high levels of spray, it may be done in a completely different room. There may be longer wait times in the waiting room because any non-emergency procedures will be prioritized under patients that need immediate assistance. Because they are making sure to clean the area thoroughly after each patient, the extra wait time in between patients may also be due to that. Rest assured that they have come up with smart techniques and best practices to reduce the spread of the virus, even in their dental office.