With long to-do lists, it’s tempting to stay up later to get stuff done. But getting the recommended amount of sleep—7 to 9 hours for adults—is still important, even more so when you feel busy and overwhelmed.
The Team
Sandi Perez
Contributor
Sandi Ernst Perez, Ph.D., joined Delta Dental of Arizona in 2006 and has a dual role as vice president of community benefit and executive director of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation. A champion for the mouth-body connection in health and wellness, she works to fulfill the Foundation's mission to improve the oral health of underserved and uninsured populations across the state by educating the public, increasing awareness and providing grants, leadership and technical assistance. Originally from Ohio, she has lived in Arizona since 1992 with her husband, two children (one still in braces) and four rescue dogs. That translates into 296 teeth to take care of!
[Editor's Note: Sandi is no longer a current DDAZ employee.]
Recent blog posts written by Sandi Perez
Kick Back & Relax: Tips for Overcoming Anxiety in the Dentist’s Office
Curled toes, tight shoulders, grim expression, hands gripped firmly on the arm rests – does that sound like you when you’re at the dentist? If so, you’re not alone – more than 75 percent of Americans feel anxiety about dental appointments and general dentistry consultations. Though most dentist visits don’t exactly feel like a trip […]
Gearing Up for Summer Sports
With warmer weather and longer days, many people are much more active in the summer. Though you’ve probably already stocked up on sunscreen and summer sports gear in preparation, here are some precautions to take when it comes to your teeth, too: Use a Mouth Guard for Contact Sports Are your kids running the bases this summer? […]
Can You Spot a Fake Smile vs. a Real One?
Many people are unable to spot a fake smile. Fake smiles often look very similar to genuine smiles; however, there are slight differences. This is because they are brought about by different muscles controlled by different parts of the brain. For example, fake smiles can be performed at will because the brain signals that create […]
Guiding Children Through the Loss of Their First Tooth
Most children love the thrill of waking up to a gift from the Tooth Fairy under their pillow. But, as a parent, it can be tough to know the proper way to help your child when his or her primary tooth is loose and ready to come out. Knowing what is going on in your […]
Getting to the Heart of Oral Health
Did you know that the health of your mouth may be an indicator of your heart health? Recent studies have shown possible links between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease. Researchers have found that people with gum disease are roughly twice as likely to have coronary artery disease. In the United States, heart disease is […]
Mouth Healthy Recipe: Veggie Omelet
With all the sweet and savory foods consumed over the holidays, it may be time to get back on the wagon and cook up something that is not only delicious but good for you as well! Try this delicious take on the classic omelet. Ingredients 3⁄4 cup egg whites or 2 eggs 1⁄4 cup green […]
Hidden Dangers of Your Childhood Staples
We all want to ensure good health for our children. But did you know that many of the things we think are healthy for our children can actually do more harm than good? Take, for example, fruit juice – it sounds healthy, but fruit juices lose many of their essential nutrients, which are found in […]
Nocturnal Tooth Grinding: Is Your Mouth Getting Rest?
While you are sleeping your mouth may be very active. If you find yourself waking up in the morning with headaches, unexplained facial pain, sore jaw, neck aches or earaches, you may have sleep bruxism, also known as tooth grinding. Many people experience some extent of tooth grinding, but only about 8 percent of the […]
Play It Safe: Children’s Sports & Tooth Injuries
Sports are a great way to keep your child’s body healthy and fit, and sometimes injuries and accidents during these activities just can’t be avoided. The mouth is one of the most injured places on the body during contact sports and recreational activities. Each year, more than 2.6 million U.S. children suffer sports injuries severe […]