A+ Family Dentistry November 2018

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

MADE TO LAST How Relationships Stand the Test of Time The Happy Tooth

This Thanksgiving, I am most thankful for my marriage. Roger and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary on Nov. 1. Since my parents’ 45th anniversary is just a few weeks later, we’ve decided to do something big this year. We booked rooms at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach and have reservations at Brodard, my parents’ favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Orange County. The next morning, my brother and sister will join us with their families for a big brunch at the Ritz Carlton, and I have arranged for a family photo shoot while we’re all together. I am so glad to be celebrating 15 years with my amazing husband, and I can’t help but be impressed to see my parents celebrating 45 years together. Most relationships just don’t last that long these days. Roger and I are working hard to make sure we get there together. When I look at the long relationships of my parents and my grandparents before them, there are a few lessons I have learned that I believe will help us make it. Being Faithful Isn’t Old-Fashioned When I was younger, I didn’t believe being faithful was really that necessary. Fortunately, I had my parents and grandparents as mentors to teach me that being faithful is the most important thing in a relationship. When you aren’t faithful to your partner, it damages any trust you have built. Relationships don’t last if partners can’t trust each other. I have seen many couples fall apart because one person contributes a lot more to the relationship than their partner does. Usually, this isn’t because their partner is lazy or because they don’t care about the relationship; they just don’t see the imbalance. But the person doing more work will eventually grow to resent their partner and cut ties. It’s not good for one person to do all the heavy lifting in a relationship, but many times in these situations, I have noticed a distinct lack of communication. The couple never took the time to express what they wanted out of their relationship, come to an agreement in terms of their responsibilities, and communicate when one person felt like those responsibilities weren’t being fulfilled. Additionally, you need to make sure you are listening and understanding when your partner is trying to communicate. Learn How to Communicate With and Understand Your Partner

There was a point in time when Roger and I would talk, but it didn’t feel like we understood each other. It wasn’t intentional or malicious, but sometimes we would be distracted and not really paying attention when we were together. We came to realize this problem, and now we work to make sure we really hear each other. Surround Yourself With People Who Value Their Relationships as Much as You Do Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you want to have a relationship that withstands the test of time, you should surround yourself with friends who want the same thing. Sometimes relationships go bad. Maybe it wasn’t a good match or something happened that the couple just couldn’t move past. This can happen, and it doesn’t mean the person who decided to leave the relationship is a bad person. But if you

Mom and Dad, 1973

have a friend who doesn’t value their relationships, isn’t faithful to their partner, or engages in a vicious cycle of never taking responsibility for the mistakes they make in their relationships, then you have to wonder how their bad habits will rub off on you. I have made the conscious decision not to stay around people who don’t value their relationships, because to me, loving and respecting your partner is a sign of character. These aren’t guaranteed steps for a perfect relationship, because no relationship is perfect. Everyone faces their own struggles throughout their life. The important thing is to be willing to do the work when you know your relationship is stronger than the struggles. Putting in the work is how couples go from one year to 15, then to 45, and beyond.

–Dr. Justene Doan

November 2018 Edition

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

Skip the Sales and Have Some Pie

stores may offer one special item at an outrageously low price, the rest of the sales can’t compete with other times of the year. Headphones are cheapest in August, vacuums are more affordable in April, and if you’re shopping for the holidays, keep in mind that toys will be priced at their lowest 10 days before Christmas.

You Want the Best Brands

Here’s an insider secret: Most stores get new inventory to advertise specifically for doorbusters and Black Friday sales. New TVs at 75 percent off will get lots of people in the door, but those televisions aren’t the best brands. If you need a cheap dorm TV, then Black Friday is your day. But if you want a quality television to show off your 4K Ultra HD copy of “Avengers: Infinity War,” you’re better off waiting until after the New Year.

3 Reasons Black Friday Isn’t Worth Your Time

You Want to Save Money

The day of chaos will soon be upon us. In a few weeks, Americans will leave their homes with bellies full of turkey to descend upon retail stores in the feeding frenzy that is Black Friday. Sure, it’s a bit stressful, but with all the great sales and gift-giving holidays on the horizon, Black Friday is the best

It’s hard for people to say no when they’re afraid they’ll regret not jumping on a deal when they had the chance. So they grab the $750 laptop because it’s $200 off, buy some new winter coats because they’re four for the price of three, and fill their cart with other incredible sales. Do you need 10 HDMI cables? Of course not. But when they’re on sale for $2.99 each, how can you say no to that bargain? If there is a specific item you want that’s on sale during Black Friday, like those cute department store boots or a PlayStation 4, then by all means get out there early and take advantage of the deal. But if you have a long shopping list, want to save money in the long run, or don’t know what you’re after, Black Friday isn’t worth the stress. 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:

day to knock out that shopping list, right? Not really. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t bother with Black Friday.

You Want the Lowest Prices

If you’re waiting to get the best deals of the year, Black Friday probably isn’t the day to go out. While

TESTIMONIALS See What Others Are Saying

“Best dentists ever! The whole office is so nice! The dentists and their technicians are gentle and go out of their way to make you comfortable. The whole vibe of the office is upbeat and happy. They are on top of it with the insurance billing! I just had a root canal and feel great.” –Erie S. “I have never enjoyed going to the dentist partly because I am scared of needles and partly because I knew I needed a lot of work done. I am giving five stars because they did everything possible to make me comfortable during my appointment. They have massage chairs and Netflix to keep you calm and distracted while getting treatment. Dr. Janice was very gentle with me and didn’t make me feel bad about my fears at all! They were very detailed explaining to me what the

David B. Gary C. Heather

D. Nhan D. Linette G. Jacob

H. Nicole J. William K. Stirling Y.

And the winner of November’s referral prize of $50 California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant gift card: Nicole J. Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize.

treatment would be and why I needed it. I left feeling confident that I am in good hands and will soon love my smile again! I’m excited to go back and finish up my treatment.” –Dalis B.

P2 | A+ Family Dentistry | Aplusfamilydentistry.com

USE IT OR LOSE IT 3 Ways to Use Your Benefits Before They Expire

3. Your New Year’s resolution is to take better care of your health.

Dental insurance is great. The many benefits of dental insurance mean you can maintain regular checkups, enjoy proper cleanings, and rest easy knowing you’re covered in the event of an emergency. What’s less great is the fact that those amazing benefits don’t roll over into the new year. After spending all year paying into your insurance, not using your benefits before they expire is like throwing all that money into the ocean. Here are a few reasons to make an appointment with your dentist before your 2018 benefits are gone for good. 1. There’s a major problem you’ve been putting off.

because your teeth are sensitive? Do you still have a gap in your smile from a childhood accident? Don’t go into 2019 with the same old problems. Instead, use your benefits to treat yourself to an improved, healthier smile. 2. You want to look your best for family gatherings during the holidays. Cosmetic work isn’t always covered by your dental insurance, but if it is or if you have a health savings account, then now is the time to spruce up your smile. One whitening treatment can remove years of stains from your teeth and brighten your whole appearance. Or maybe Invisalign is the answer you’re looking for. If your smile isn’t ready for those holiday selfies, talk to your dentist today and see how your dental benefits can help.

If you have been reading our newsletter for a while, then you know just how much your oral health impacts the rest of your body. Regular exercise can only do so much when the gingivitis in your mouth is increasing your risk of heart disease. Get a jump-start on your oral health while you still have all your benefits. That way, when you hit the gym in January, you’re already off to a good start. Don’t let all the money you put into your dental insurance go to waste. Call A+ Family Dentistry at 619-265-2467 today. Our calendar fills up fast at the end of the year, so schedule your appointment before it’s too late!

Does it hurt when you bite down? Are you struggling to enjoy that pumpkin spice latte

Word Search

Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad

These spicy, tangy carrots make a healthy Thanksgiving side that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Plus, you can do most of the work in advance and assemble the finished dish on the big day. Ingredients

•

30 small carrots (2–3 bunches), tops removed and carrots scrubbed 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can

• •

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 ounces watercress, stems trimmed Plain Greek yogurt, for serving Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

• •

• •

•

1 tablespoon molasses

Directions

BLACK FRIDAY COLONIES FEAST FOOTBALL GOBBLE

GRATEFUL GRAVY

TRADITION TURKEY

1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots with

3. Once cooled, toss carrots with adobo sauce. Lay across a platter, and top with watercress. 4. Serve alongside yogurt.

chipotle peppers, molasses, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30–35 minutes.

POTATOES THANKFUL THANKSGIVING

2. Transfer carrots to a plate and let them cool completely.

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

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.

What Makes Relationships Last? Page 1 What to Know Before Black Friday Shopping Page 2 What Some of Our Patients Are Saying Page 2 Is Your Money About to Disappear? Page 3 Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad Page 3 Local Events Page 4 Inside This Issue Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

?

The Season of Fun START YOUR HOLIDAYS OFF RIGHT

Admission: See website for pricing. Website: SDJazzFest.org

72nd Annual Mother Goose Parade Where: El Cajon Blvd., El Cajon When: Sunday, Nov. 18, 1–3 p.m. Admission: Free Website: MotherGooseParade.org

Jazz musicians from across America and around the world are preparing to descend on San Diego for a swinging weekend of music and dance. Enjoy an array of beautiful music, from ragtime to rockabilly, played by the most talented artists and bands in the business. Don’t miss what’s been called the “crown jewel of jazz festivals.” SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off Where: Thorn and 32nd Streets, North Park, San Diego When: Sunday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Admission: Entry is free. Pay $20 for chili bowl and 5 tastings. Website: SoNoFestChiliCookOff.com The holidays are all about good food, but it’s not all turkey and ham here in San Diego. The annual SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-Off boasts some of the tastiest chili from local chefs as restaurants compete for the ultimate glory. While you search for your new favorite chili, enjoy live music, holiday shopping, craft beers, and a fun area for the kids! All proceeds benefit the McKinley School Foundation, so eat your fill for a good cause.

Hey diddle diddle, come see the cat and the fiddle at the largest parade in San Diego County! For over 70 years, the Mother Goose Parade has drawn crowds and colorful floats from all over the United States for a spectacular holiday kick-off

celebration. Bring out the whole family, and watch mechanical floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and special characters pass by. Even Santa Claus himself is joining in on the fun! San Diego Jazz Fest and Swing Extravaganza Where: Town and Country Resort & Convention Center When: Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25

P4 | A+ Family Dentistry | Aplusfamilydentistry.com