Will regular exercise make me smarter?

The benefits of regular exercise at any level are well founded. In cases of depression and ongoing chronic pain in particular, doctors will recommend physical activity to their patients in order to relieve their symptoms. The reason being that keeping active releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, and also the concerted effort gives the sufferer a sense of taking control over their condition. But does exercise make you brighter, more intelligent, and able to fly through your maths test? According to studies, apparently so.

When exercising, several things occur. There is an increase of blood flow to the brain, a release of neurotransmitters, and only recently discovered, actually encourages the growth of brain cells and blood vessels. In the long-term these actions result in an improved cognitive response and memory, and the slowing of brain cell degeneration.

Younger children tested in this regard showed an increase in their development of motor skills when regular exercise was part of their routine. They fared better in tests and coursework, had a longer concentration time, and a better ability to take in and retain information than those without the prior exercise regime. Older students too, given reading and maths tests after physical activity showed a marked advantage on their fellow classmates. The results indicated that the participants were more alert, motivated, invigorated, focused, happier, and with more heightened senses.

Adults who regularly exercise at any level, whether that be with a personal trainer, gym workouts, squash or running, or through lower impact sports such as walking, playing bowls, or gardening, were proven to have an increased ability to deal with stress, depression, and anxiety. Routine physical activity slows the aging process, and delays the onset of dementia or alzheimers in the elderly. It also promotes a better sleeping pattern, which again is beneficial to the brain.

When feeling sluggish and lethargic, how much better emotionally and physically do you feel after a run or even a brisk walk. Taking the time to shake off the lethargy before that business meeting or writing that all-important paper, will improve your levels of concentration and energy, and help you think clearer. The psychological benefits of exercise affect our behaviour in other ways that also improve brain function. As the results of a healthy physical regime start to show and be felt, it's more likely a pattern of healthy eating will also start. So called 'superfoods' including whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, salmon, and avocado, have proven links with brain and cardiovascular health.

You may not become Stephen Hawking because you start a new exercise programme, but embarking on a regular routine, whether that's joining a gym and enlisting a personal trainer, or simply a brisk walk around the block and some stretching, will certainly improve your ability to focus and retain information, lower your stress levels, and combat health issues. Add to that, a new found vigour and vitality, a sense of well-being, and confidence. So, with all that in mind, surely it would be stupid not to exercise.

If you live in Perth and are thinking of checking out the local gym, Lords is a great facility with indoor courts, health and fitness equipment, fantastic group classes and an indoor heated pool all in a relaxed and friendly community environment.

Can you fix a chipped / broken tooth yourself?

Our teeth are held in place mainly by the teeth all around them, so if one tooth is removed then this changes the stress that is placed on the rest of the teeth. Remaining teeth will move forward into the space that is left by a missing tooth; this changes the way you bite down when eating and chewing and you could break, chip or fracture more teeth. Teeth can also be chipped or broken due to accident or injury to the face and jaw, or to a diet that is not rich in calcium causing teeth and bones to become brittle. Untreated dental decay, biting into very hard substances and excessive grinding of the teeth can also cause chips and stress fractures or breaks.

However it happens, it is important that you visit your dentist to have the tooth treated professionally. Leaving the tooth with a crack or chip in it can not only be painful in some cases, but if left untreated by not seeing a dentist or arranging cosmetic dentistry, could lead to infection, inflammation, gum disease and losing the tooth altogether. There are some home dental kits out on the market that claim to help you fix your own chipped or cracked teeth but invariably they are only temporary measures that you should take to protect the tooth before seeking professional help.

The injuries that you can treat before getting an appointment with your dentist are as follows:

• Enamel fractures
• Enamel and dentin fractures
• Craze lines

Injuries that must be treated as dental emergencies and will require treatment that could include dental implants and cosmetic dentistry are as follows:

• Enamel dentin and pulp fractures which present as broken or chipped teeth with moderate to severe pain and showing signs of light to dark red components,
• Horizontal and vertical root fractures which are not visible but present as persistent and severe pain,
• Tooth concussion shows the tooth as tender to touch, slightly loose and with some bleeding from the gum line,
• Tooth displacement with intrusions into the bone or angled out of normal alignment, and • Tooth completely knocked out of the mouth.

Temporary home remedies for broken or chipped teeth that are not dental emergencies:

Craze lines

These are very fine superficial lines or cracks in the enamel of the tooth and generally there is no sensation of pain but if not treated, can lead to larger stress fractures. You will not be able to fix this form of cracking but you can avoid chewing hard objects such as ice for example and reduce the stress placed on your teeth until you see your dentist at your next regular check-up. Possible treatment for this is usually night guard veneers which needs cosmetic dentistry and dental expertise to provide.

Enamel Fractures

This looks like a tiny chip on the edges of the tooth and you can usually feel a change to the tooth’s surface when you run your tongue over it. Again although you cannot mend a chipped tooth at home you can get hold of some dental wax over the counter and place it over the chipped surface. This will protect your lips or tongue from irritation until you can make an appointment with your dentist. Treatment involves smoothing the enamel and using a composite material to repair the tooth if the fracture is large enough.

Enamel and Dentin Fractures

These present as broken, chipped or fractured teeth and with a range of light to dark yellowy brown components. It could lead to injuring or the death of the nerve of the tooth and infection so you will need to book to see your dentist within 48 hours. In the meantime you need to keep to soft food in your diet and avoid very hot or cold solids and liquids. Rinsing regularly with warm water will help and over the counter pain medication can be taken to ease any pain felt in the tooth or gums. The treatment for this requires filling the full or partial crown of the tooth. So unless you are professionally trained in dentistry with a fully equipped dental practice at your disposal, save your DIY skills for home repairs to furniture and leave the cosmetic dentistry to the experts.

Cottesloe Dental in Perth are experts in the field of cosmetic dentistry as well as anything dental. Make an appointment today to put the shine back in your smile.