Advanced + Family Dentistry - January 2020

REPORT THE WELLNESS A New Year for Innovation 770-932-4240 • www.DaculaDentist.com • JANUARY 2020

What Will 2020 Bring?

Well, a new year is officially upon us. I have to admit that I love to make a New Year’s resolution list: working out at 5 a.m., no more eating fast food (ever!), reading one book a week. But if you are like me, you know how the story ends. That extra hour or two of sleep feels so good, not much is better than a classic Chick-fil-A sandwich, and I’ll get back to finishing that book as soon as we catch up on what’s on the DVR! While my resolutions don’t always go as planned, I still love the prospect of an entire new year upon us. With four young children, each year is another milestone to be reached. We’re a little past the days of a first Christmas and first steps, but each new year brings so many moments remembered — from time without training wheels, a first “home run,” or even a first lost tooth. Professionally, I am equally excited about all the new advances and technologies another year will bring. Even right now, we are using digital technology and processes that weren’t available even in 2018. Below, you can read excerpts directly from a news release titled, “Cleveland Clinic Unveils Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2020.” I hope it comes as a welcomed break from all the articles about eating less fried food, getting more sleep and exercise, and realizing just how much a year’s worth of Starbucks really costs! I wish each and everyone of you all a very happy new year full of health, wellness, and prosperity! –Dr. Eric Jones

Expanded Use of Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery

The mitral valve allows blood flow from the heart’s left atrium to the left ventricle. But in about 1 in 10 individuals over the age of 75, the mitral valve is defective, causing the action of regurgitation. Expanding the approval of a minimally invasive valve repair device to a population of patients who have failed to get symptom relief from other therapies provides an important new treatment option.

Therapy for Peanut Allergies

It’s a terrifying reality for 2.5% of parents — the possibility that at any moment, their child might be unable to breathe due to an allergic reaction. Though emergency epinephrine has reduced the severity and risk of accidental exposure, these innovations are not enough to quell the ever-present anxiety. But development of a new oral immunotherapy medication to gradually build tolerance to peanut exposure holds the opportunity to lend protection against attack.

Dual-Acting Osteoporosis Drug

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, effectively increasing their risk of breaking. With osteoporosis, the loss of bone occurs silently and progressively — often without symptoms until the first fracture. However, there was a recent FDA approval for romosozumab, a dual-acting drug that gives patients with osteoporosis more control in preventing additional fractures.

Closed-Loop Spinal Cord Stimulation

Chronic pain is a terribly frustrating condition and a large reason for prescription of opioid medication. Spinal cord stimulation is a popular treatment for chronic pain, through which an implantable

Continued on Page 3 ...

770-932-4240 • 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR STUFFY NOSES DON’T LET CONGESTION GET THE BEST OF YOU

Nasal congestion can have many different causes, including allergies, colds, or the flu, but the symptoms are often very similar: sinus pressure, headaches, and a stuffed-up nose. This is the result of membranes in your nasal passage becoming irritated and your body responding by producing mucus to try and flush out the irritants. Unfortunately, that response also causes nasal congestion. This is intensified by winter weather when dry air and heaters can further dry out your already irritated nasal passage. So, what is the best way to ease nasal congestion and sinus pressure? Try these at-home remedies that focus on moistening your nasal passage.

nasal irrigator, always use sterile, distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled.

Maintain Moisture

Humidifiers add moisture into the air, creating a more humid environment, and can be especially helpful if you have a forced- air heating system. Try using a humidifier or vaporizer when you sleep. You may also find a warm compress helps ease congestion: Soak a washcloth in warm water mixed with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil (consult the oil distributor for the exact ratio), then place the washcloth over your nose and cheeks for several minutes. Drinking plenty of water and sleeping upright at night can also help ease further congestion. While over-the-counter decongestants can temporarily help ease congestion, they are not intended for long-term use and may further dry out the nasal passage. Adding and maintaining moisture is the best way to prevent or ease sinus congestion. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor.

Flush Your Nasal Passage

Use a saline nasal spray or a nasal irrigator, like a neti pot, to flush and moisturize your nasal passage. These devices flush out allergens and keep your nasal passage moist, easing congestion and preventing further buildup. When using a neti pot or other

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying!

“This was my first visit to Jones Smiles, and I’m so glad I chose this office. The staff was so welcoming and friendly. My hygienist, Amy, was great; she informed me about everything we were doing and why. They had all the latest technology, and Dr. Jones has great bedside manner. You feel very comfortable here.” –BEVERLY N. “I saw Angela and Dr. Jones today as a new patient and they are SUPER. I am a very anxious patient, but Angela was personable, listened to all my concerns, and was thorough yet gentle with my exam. She put me at ease immediately and I wanted to be friends with her. I am so thankful that I found this practice. They have experience with chronic pain and were comfortable with the treatment plan I already had from the dentist in my previous city.” –M.R.

2 • DaculaDentist.com

The Legend of the Tooth Worm ONE OF DENTISTRY’S STRANGEST MYTHS

Toothaches are uncomfortable enough without getting slimy critters involved. However, for the majority of human history, “tooth worms” were believed to be the actual source of toothaches and other oral health issues. Where did this belief come from, why was it so pervasive across cultures, and how did the precursors to modern dentists treat the problem? The answers might surprise you.

little creature? One theory suggests premodern dentists removing dental

crowns mistook the underlying nerve for the worm. However, more recent research from the University of Maryland Dental School has revealed “wormlike” structures inside molars that could have inspired the myth.

Unearthing the Worm

Turning to Magic and Ritual

The first mention of a worm that fed on human teeth can be found in an ancient Babylonian cuneiform inscription. The tale depicts a conversation between a worm and Mesopotamian gods, in which the worm declares, “The blood of the tooth I will suck, and of the gum I will gnaw its roots!” While it is unclear if this inscription was the genesis of the myth, Babylon certainly wasn’t the only place it appeared.

Before modern medical science, people turned to the supernatural to cure their dental issues. After all, the tooth worm was thought to be a semimagical being, so why not fight magic with magic? Some of the less graphic premodern treatments included trying to smoke the worm out by using honey to lure the worm out of the tooth or banishing the evil creature through ceremonial chants. Today, we know tooth worms don’t exist, and our dentists won’t cast any magic spells on you (we promise). However, every story has a nugget of truth: While much smaller than worms, bacteria do feed on our tooth enamel. That’s why regular cleanings twice a year are important to keep your smile happy and healthy!

Worming Through History

This hungry little worm appears again in Mayan legends, Sinhalese folk charms, and even 18th-century books on dentistry. How did so many cultures from around the world believe in the same pernicious

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES

... Continued from cover

device provides electrical stimulus to the spinal cord. But unsatisfactory outcomes due to subtherapeutic or overstimulation events are common. Closed-loop stimulation is allowing for better communication between the device and the spinal cord, providing more optimal stimulation and relief of pain.

Inspired by NourishedKitchen.com

Biologics in Orthopedic Repair

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SAUERKRAUT Cabbage is in season right now, which means it’s the perfect time to try your hand at making sauerkraut. The fermented cabbage requires only two ingredients, keeps for months, and is packed with beneficial probiotics.

After orthopedic surgery, the body can take anywhere from months to years to recover. But biologics — cells, blood components, growth factors, and other natural substances — can replace or harness the body’s own power and promote healing. These elements are finding their way into orthopedic care, allowing for the possibility of expedited improved outcomes.

Ingredients

Equipment

• 2 lbs cabbage • 4 tsp fine sea salt

• Jar • Lid with airlock • Something to weigh down cabbage, ideally made of a nonreactive material like glass

Antibiotic Envelope for Cardiac Implantable Device Infection Prevention

Directions

1. Remove outer leaves from cabbage. Slice very thinly. 2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage and salt. Let stand for 20 minutes. 3. Squeeze cabbage to release juices. Let the cabbage continue to soak and release juices for another 20 minutes. 4. Transfer to a jar and press down cabbage until completely submerged in its juices. Weigh down cabbage. 5. Seal jar with airlock. Let cabbage sit at room temperature and away from sunlight for one month. Once fermented, transfer to the fridge. Sauerkraut will keep for six months to one year.

Worldwide, roughly 1.5 million patients receive an implantable cardiac electronic device every year. In these patients, infection remains a major, potentially life-threatening complication. Antibiotic-embedded envelopes are now made to encase these cardiac devices, effectively preventing infection.

770-932-4240 • 3

2700 Braselton Highway STE12 Dacula, GA 30019 DaculaDentist.com 770-932-4240

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Looking Forward to Personal and Professional Accomplishments PAGE 1 Natural Ways to Ease Sinus Congestion Welcome, New Patients! PAGE 2 The Mythical Tooth-Eating Worm How to Make Your Own Sauerkraut PAGE 3 Real Winter Wonderlands PAGE 4

Chill Out in These Frosty Destinations ESCAPE TO A WINTER WONDERLAND

Snow is magical and gorgeous — unless you have to commute in it. If you want to enjoy all the wonder that winter has to offer without the hassle, why not turn it into a vacation? Here are a few breathtaking, snow-covered destinations that any winter lover can enjoy. Bulguksa Temple, South Korea Above the city of Gyeongju, this ancient Buddhist temple has stood on the slopes of Tohamsan Mountain since the eighth century. Bulguksa, or “Temple of the Buddha Land,” is South Korea’s No. 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a popular attraction for domestic and international tourism. The crowds and school tours die down during the winter, however, which also happens to be when Bulguksa is at its most pristine. The iced-over lotus ponds and snow-dusted pagodas add to the sense of tranquility this site naturally exudes.

the Dolomites are just for you. Located in northeastern Italy, this stunning mountain range is home to some of the best skiing in Europe, as well as many historical sites. The secluded villages that dot the mountain valleys are an attraction in their own right, especially for the rustic cuisine you’ll find there. Don’t expect pasta though. This region is a melting pot of flavors from Austria, northern Italy, and the local Ladin people. Ricotta and sauerkraut pancakes, anyone? The Antarctic This is the one entry on this list that is best enjoyed during the summer months, which is December–February in the Southern Hemisphere, because that’s when the freezing temperatures of the southernmost continent are at their most hospitable. The Antarctic has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, with cruises taking adventure seekers through the vast, untouched beauty of this far-flung destination. Some tourists even enjoy kayaking or cross-country skiing through this icy paradise.

The Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy If you want the feel of a ski trip to the Alps without the packed slopes and ritzy resorts,

4 • DaculaDentist.com

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com