A+ Family Dentistry February 2019

San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1

Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100

San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467

EVERYDAY IS A NEWBEGINNING You Can Try Again Tomorrow The Happy Tooth

I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about their health. As a dentist, I care about the health of my patients’ teeth, but I also know the importance of overall health and well-being. This is something I think a lot about and will offer my advice when asked. But just like everyone else, there are some areas of my health that I’m not always on top of. This month, I have a few confessions to make. This first confession might come as a surprise to my patients, but even though I’m a dentist, there are still times when I don’t want to floss at night. It may only take a few minutes, but after a long day when I’m really tired, I’ll just go to bed without flossing. Sometimes I’m able to make myself get back up and floss … and sometimes I just fall asleep instead. It’s not all bad. Though it’s best to floss before going to sleep, since you only need to floss once every 24 hours, you can make up by flossing in the morning or at lunch the next day. I usually do this when I forget to floss the night before. It’s easier to floss when you don’t have to dig through your drawers to find the floss and instead have it conveniently placed beside your toothbrush.

This next confession is one I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, but it’s also something I’m not alone in. When I was in my 20s, I was extremely diligent about scheduling an annual appointment with my OBGYN. Between the ages of 20 and 29, I went every year, as recommended. Today, I’m a little less diligent about this area. Between the ages of 30 and 60, it’s recommended to visit your OBGYN once every 5 years. My last appointment was over 10 years ago. My last confession is one I’m most surprised to make. Throughout 2018, I was going to boxing or Pilates four times a week consistently. I felt great, and I was really proud of myself for maintaining the schedule. Then came December. With my sister, Dr. Janice, out of the office for a few weeks and the holidays throwing us into chaos, I fell off the wagon. I was only working out twice a week, and even though I felt weaker, that bad habit lasted into January. I know a lot of people can feel down this time of year. The holidays are over, and a lot of those big, shiny New Year’s resolutions have already been broken. This month, I wanted to remind my patients that it’s okay to not be perfect. Life is a journey. You can try your best and still discover there are some areas in life that you aren’t doing so well in. The good news is you can always start again. Each day is a new beginning. Nobody’s perfect. You’re going to mess up, fall off the wagon, and slip into bad habits from time to time. Instead of getting frustrated and punishing yourself for making a mistake, be forgiving and vow to do better tomorrow. When I don’t floss, I make up for it the next day. When I fall off on exercise, I work to psych myself out and start working out again. And when I realize I haven’t gone to the OBGYN in 10 years, I schedule an appointment.

The most important thing is that we try our best in life. And fortunately, you can try again tomorrow.

–Dr. Justene Doan

February 2019 Edition

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1

second spent on tile, wood, or carpet is enough to infest your food with salmonella or another serious contaminant.

Bottled Water Is Safer Than Tap Water People seeking out safer water alternatives increases the sales of bottled “spring water” each year. However, bottled water is more expensive, bad for the environment, and, as Dr. Morton Tavel of the Indiana University School of Medicine pointed out, over 50 percent of bottled water is just filtered tap water. The same effect can be achieved with a home filtration system. Of course, if the tap water in your area has been contaminated, bottled water is a safer alternative. However, in most circumstances, bottled water is no healthier than tap water. Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis The connection between knuckle-cracking and arthritis came from studies where participants self-reported their habits. Modern medical research has shown these results to be false. The official stance from the John Hopkins Arthritis Center states, “There is no evidence that cracking knuckles causes any damage such as arthritis in the joints.” Still, chronic knuckle-cracking can lead to reduced grip strength, so you might want to break the habit anyway. You’ve probably heard these myths for years, but just because something is common knowledge doesn’t mean it is true. With information so easily available, always take the time to research the facts, especially when it comes to your health.

We live in the golden age of information. The answers to many of life’s questions are just an internet search away. Despite this readily available wisdom, we still have a bad habit of believing health-related myths. Here are three popular health “facts” that are total works of fiction. The 5-Second Rule Keeps Food Safe Obviously germs and bacteria don’t really wait five seconds to pounce, but snatching your chip off the floor fast keeps most of the germs away, right? Not according to a 2006 study published by Dr. Paul Dawson. He found conclusive evidence that when food comes into contact with a contaminated surface, bacteria are transferred immediately. Even one The 5-Second Rule Will Make You Sick 3 Health Myths You Probably Believe TESTIMONIAL See What Others Are Saying

A+ Referrals

We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients:

I now have a confident smile with whiter teeth and healthier gums. The staff are positive, upbeat, and uplifting! The office receptionists are very friendly

1. Matt A 2. Julie A.

6. Jaclyn M. 7. Anna M. 8. Rigoberto P. 9. Angel S. 10. Paolo S.

11. Emily S. 12. Eric S. 13. Ashley T. 14. Jason V. 15. Martin V.

3. Marina B. 4. Sandra C. 5. Sara C.

and attentive. Everyone is always smiling and positive. The office is very clean! The doctors are very considerate and accommodating. They really care about your teeth as well as your health. Dr. Tran is personable, friendly, and attentive, and he is passionate about his job. I 100 percent benefited from the treatment I received. And I would never leave for another practice. A+ Family Dentistry really earns an A+! Thanks for everything. –Carmen

And the winner of January’s referral prize is: Martin V. #15 To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’re giving away a date night for this month’s referral prize! Refer a friend or family member through the end of February 2019 and you could win two free movie tickets!

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If a genie offered someone three wishes, you might be surprised to learn how many people would wish for straighter teeth. Around four million Americans wear braces, and most would like to reach the end of their treatment as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as magic. But at A+ Family Dentistry, we have the next best thing for patients looking to break the curse of crooked teeth: Invisalign. Here are a few “magic” spells Invisalign can cast. Invisibility Invisalign might not be magic, but its power of invisibility cannot be undersold. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth without those distracting metal brackets. For adults who put off fixing their teeth because they thought braces were just for teenagers, Invisalign offers a bright future. LIKE MAGIC 3 Reasons to Choose Invisalign

Time Control Patients that wear braces need to see their orthodontist every four weeks. With Invisalign, dental visits are far less frequent, meaning you don’t have to move your schedule around as often. What’s more, Invisalign patients usually spend a year less in treatment than patients with brackets. Instant Fun Unlike braces that can demand dietary changes or interfere with your favorite hobbies, Invisalign allows you to still enjoy your lifestyle. Thanks to the freedom to remove the plastic trays, you can still enjoy bagels, popcorn, nuts, apples, corn on the cob, and other favorite foods that would be off-limits to patients wearing braces. And because the metal brackets and wires of braces could be

damaged, Invisalign is the preferred choice for patients who play football, soccer, and other high energy sports. Invisalign is a great way to improve your health and build your confidence. This month, we have three more reasons why Invisalign is one of the best options in orthodontics. We’re offering a free consultation to all our patients to learn if Invisalign is right for them. Once the treatment is done, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile after a free teeth whitening . And we’ll help you keep your beautiful smile for life with free retainers at the end of the treatment. Don’t keep wishing for beautiful teeth; make an appointment today and learn how the magic of Invisalign can transform your smile.

Word Search

Spicy Salmon Tartare

Inspired by Epicurious

Ingredients

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1 8-ounce boneless, skinless salmon fillet 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

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3/4 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh chives, minced

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1/4 teaspoon lime zest

1/4 cup cucumber, seeded and finely diced 1 1/2 teaspoons jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1 1/2 teaspoons shallots, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons grapeseed or vegetable oil Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Crackers or chips, for serving

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Directions

1. Place salmon in freezer for 20 minutes to make slicing easier. 2. Meanwhile, prepare other ingredients for mixing. 3. Thinly slice salmon into sheets and cut sheets into strips and strips into cubes. When finished, you should have 1/8-inch cubes.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine salmon

with all other ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.

AQUARIUS CHOCOLATE FEBRUARY LEAP ROSES YEAR

ARROW CUPID FLOWERS LOVE

DATE HEART PISCES VALENTINE

5. Garnish with chips or crackers and serve.

SWEET CANDY

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3

Office Hours: Mondays: Closed

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturdays: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

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Inside This Issue

Let’s Try Again Page 1 Retire These Health Myths Page 2 What Some of Our Patients Are Saying Page 2 A Magic Spell for Perfect Teeth Page 3 Spicy Salmon Tartare Page 3 Local Events Page 4

New Year, Old Loves EXPERIENCE SOMETHING WONDERFUL IN FEBRUARY

Ready to make your Valentine’s Day date a little more romantic? Book your passage on this stunning coastal cruise! You and your beloved can spend two hours sailing along the beautiful coastline, enjoying chocolates, champagne, and each other’s company. Space on this catamaran is limited, so claim your spot for this amazing Valentine’s Day experience today. San Diego Theatre Week Where: Various Locations, Downtown San Diego When: Feb. 14–24

San Diego TET Festival Where: Mira Mesa Community Park, San Diego

When: Feb. 8–10 Admission: Free Website: SDTet.com

Celebrate the Year of the Pig at the largest Vietnamese New Year event in San Diego. This fun three-day festival includes legendary lion dancing, a new cultural village, games and carnival rides, contests, vendors, nonstop live entertainment, and delicious food from cultures all around the world. Don’t miss out on an event that has been voted one of the top 10 festivals in San Diego! Valentine’s Day Romance Coastal Cruise Where: 256 South Harbor Drive, Oceanside When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 4–6 p.m.

Admission: See website for tickets Website: SanDiegoTheatreWeek.com The curtain rises on the most artistic, energetic, and dramatic week of the year. San Diego Theatre Week aims to showcase and celebrate the talented

artists and performers of all genres. Whether you have a passion for live theater, music, dance, comedy, or all of the above, you’ll find amazing shows during San Diego Theatre Week. Find specially priced tickets for these performances online and get ready to discover the amazing performing arts community of San Diego.

Admission: $55 per adult; 21 and over Website: OceansideWhaleWatching.com

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