Anderson Dental Care - August 2021

Anderson Dental Care - August 2021

BRUSH - UP

ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.

7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | AUGUST 2021

PROFOUND LIFE LESSONS - FROM A SQUIRREL Does your family have stories that took place a long time ago that they love telling over and over? This month, I asked my kids what I should write about in our newsletter. They chose one such memorable, older story we’ve all enjoyed over the years. I have to say, it’s one of my favorites, too. stealing all the birds’ food. This set off many experiments for deterring the squirrel. First, he replaced the basic hanging rope with a chain-link hanger, hoping that would make the climb more difficult — it didn’t; the squirrel just climbed straight down and ate again.

Seven years ago, my wife’s grandparents visited and stayed for a month. We were pretty new to Cincinnati and still getting our dental office off the ground, and they came to help care for our, then two children, ages 2 and 9 months, while we busily got our life in Cincinnati running. Grandma and Grandpa are from Washington state, and they rode the train all the way to Cincinnati to see us. When they arrived, my wife’s grandfather fell in love with a big tree in the center of our backyard that was visible through the windows near our kitchen table. He decided it was the perfect tree for bird-watching. He is an avid bird-watcher and was excited to pass that on to his two great-granddaughters. Just a couple days after arriving, he had set up a large, beautiful bird feeder in that tree. The feeder was amazing — it housed several openings for many varieties of feed to attract all different kinds of birds. He and our girls would sit at the dining table at all hours of the day to read and watch for birds. They identified cardinals, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, and yellow finches, among many others.

Then, Grandpa purchased a plastic dome topper (almost like a hard plastic umbrella) for the bird feeder, hoping the squirrel wouldn’t be able to stay on it and at least wouldn’t be able to reach the food. That didn’t work either. The squirrel instead clung for its life with one arm while his other reached around the dome and grabbed the bird feed. To improve on this idea, Grandpa tried applying vegetable oil to the chain link so the squirrel would slide down without any grip. This actually worked! The squirrel slipped down, unharmed, but without any feed. This was exciting. Grandpa called us all in to see that his solution had worked. As we stood there, the craziest thing happened: Instead of climbing to food, the squirrel just jumped from the ground all the way up onto the bird feeder. Grandpa’s frustration finally boiled over. He stomped his foot on the ground and exasperatedly yelled: “Darn it, darn it, darn it!” A minute later, our daughter walked over and started stomping while hollering, “Darn it, darn it, darn it!” When people say, “Kids say the darndest things,” you could say my daughter went heavy on the “darn.” That immediately made her grandfather feel guilty — he clearly didn’t mean to teach a toddler frustration and “expletives.” And, suddenly, the bird feeder wasn’t a big deal anymore.

I learned two things from Grandpa and the squirrel:

1. Our everyday actions have a great effect on people’s lives, for better or worse, even when we don’t mean to or don’t necessarily see it. It’s caused me to reflect and make sure I’m representing myself the way I mean to, whether with family, friends, colleagues, or patients. I think my daughter had a cute way of reminding her grandfather of this, too. 2. I thoroughly enjoyed watching that squirrel’s determination and perseverance. He was going to get what he wanted despite the obstacles. Now, I don’t condone getting what we want at the expense of others (he shouldn’t have stolen food!), but I do believe that we can overcome any obstacle keeping us from our goals if we have the same amount of persistence as that little squirrel! Likewise, my wife’s grandpa has persistence and determination — at their house in Washington, he has a whole series of birdhouses set up inside chicken-wire fencing with Slinky toys hung from posts near each feeder and other little pest deterrents to protect his precious birdwatching area. We got to see it recently and we laughed about the squirrel incident all over again.

If you’ve read the title of this article, you can probably see where this is going …

Lo and behold, a squirrel showed up and started feasting on all the bird feed. My grandfather-in-law, who truly wouldn’t hurt a fly, became quite upset with this squirrel

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A custom nightguard will always last much longer than a store-bought guard, but that’s not enough to take care of it and ensure it protects your teeth for years to come. As a bruxer (or “teeth grinder”) myself, here are a few tips from yours truly. 1. KEEP NIGHTGUARDS AWAY FROM ANIMALS! It may seem like a silly suggestion, but I get the “dog ate my nightguard” story more than you would believe. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons patients need a replacement guard. At the $300-plus price tag, you really don’t want Spot eating it for breakfast. Because your animals are attracted to saliva (and your nightguard is covered in it!), they think it makes the perfect snack or toy. 2. TRY NOT TO DROP YOUR NIGH GUARD. As strong as they are, they are not meant to be dropped onto a hard bathroom floor. The nightguard’s strength to withstand 5,000 pounds worth of teeth grinding is not the same strength necessary to keep it from breaking if dropped. I’m not saying the first time you drop your guard it’s going to shatter, but I have seen them break, so be mindful. 3. CLEAN YOUR NIGHTGUARD WITH CLEAR, MILD, PERFUME-FREE HAND SOAP. Because your nightguard is made from high-grade plastic, it is porous. If you use colored hand soap, your nightguard will start to take on that color over time. Use clear hand soap (like Dial) and a dedicated toothbrush to clean your nightguard. If you 5 TIPS FOR NIGHTGUARD CARE Is Your Night Guard Handled Safely?

WILL A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES CHANGE FOREVER?

Among the many businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic were movie theaters. For the past year, as movies have debuted on streaming services rather than in theaters, many industry leaders, critics, and theatergoers alike have raised the alarming question: Did COVID-19 kill the movie theater industry? MOVIE THEATERS IN POST-PANDEMIC TIMES r ?

In short? No. Not by a long shot. The past year has certainly left the industry somewhat beleaguered — AMC closed 60 theaters permanently, Cineworld reported losses totaling $2 billion, and the Alamo furloughed more than 5,000 employees. But there is hope, and we think a night at the movies is here to stay. Here’s why … When a Vox reporter reached out to various moviegoers about whether they would attend theaters once the pandemic ends, many of them said yes because streaming a film in their living room just can’t provide the same experience. Watching a movie in a theater completely immerses one in the experience — you can’t pause the film to watch later or do chores. And you’re in it with the whole theater. Comedies are funnier when you laugh with others. A hero’s triumphs are more spectacular when you cheer them on together. (Who didn’t go nuts when Captain America caught Thor’s hammer in “Avengers: Endgame”?) When you leave the theater, you feel a little closer to the strangers around you, and having been immersed in the movie alongside your friends, you can discuss how you liked the movie on the way home. Of course, movie theaters will still change as a result of the pandemic. Theaters are working to become more digital, some even moving to eliminate paper tickets and creating options to order concessions before your arrival. More theaters may promote private viewings of movies so people can be more careful about whom they watch movies with. Some theaters are also trying to create more of an “experience” for moviegoers by offering a wider array of food and even comfier seats. However, these changes, especially given the circumstances of the past year, are hardly surprising. The movie theater industry has been evolving for over 100 years, and it certainly won’t stop evolving now.

begin to see little scratches or grooves, don’t panic — it’s normal. Also, clean it once before and after you wear it to prevent calcium buildup.

4. STORE YOUR NIGHT GUARD IN A CLEAN, BRIGHTLY COLORED CASE.

It’s very easy to misplace your nightguards! A bright colored case will help discourage you from forgetting it in a hotel room or losing it among the bathroom clutter.

5. DON’T SOAK YOUR NIGHTGUARD! If you have a high-quality nightguard from our office, DO NOT soak it! Listerine and Efferdent will dye your nightguard, and overall, our lab does not recommend it. With the tips above, you can prevent your nightguards from attracting odor and dyes and prolong the life of your investment. If you ever have questions about caring for your nightguard or other dental appliances, just give us a call!

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Apple Season Begins!

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPLE HARVEST

BRIGHTON WOODS ORCHARD, BURLINGTON, WISCONSIN This orchard features several varieties of apples, so it’s open well throughout the season. Their website even breaks down their apple varieties and lets visitors know the best times to stop by in order to pick the apples they want most! Check out all the selections at BrightonWoodsOrchard.com . A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME If you can’t make it to one of these three locations, try one much closer to home. Dr. Brooks and family have enjoyed Crane’s Orchard in Holland, Michigan, just a five-hour drive from Cincinnati and a place well worth a weekend trip. Before you go on your apple-picking adventure, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.

Throughout many of the northern states, August is a big month because it’s the start of apple season! Orchards begin to harvest their early season crop, and many varieties of apples are starting to ripen and will continue to do so throughout the fall. As these apples ripen, many orchards invite guests to their grounds to pick fruit and enjoy a day outdoors. Here are three orchards that are well worth the trip! STRIBLING ORCHARD, MARKHAM, VIRGINIA Situated near the Shenandoah River in the hills of Virginia, this orchard has a rich history that goes back to the founding of the United States. As you pick apples, you can enjoy learning about the orchard’s past. Guests are also invited to bring a picnic as they harvest their bounty. Learn more at StriblingOrchard.com . KIYOKAWA FAMILY ORCHARDS, PARKDALE, OREGON Tucked away in the Hood Valley just north of Mount Hood in Oregon, Kiyokawa boasts the largest U-Pick orchard in the valley and offers exceptional scenery for apple (and pear) pickers! There are many apples to choose from, but there are also fruit stands that sell cider, honey, and jam. Find out more at KiyokawaFamilyOrchards.com .

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It’s great for the whole family! Pick the apples, but don’t shake the branch. Set the apples gently in your carrier of choice so you don’t bruise the fruit!

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Apples on the outer branches ripen first.

EASY FOIL-GRILLED SAUSAGE AND VEGETABLES

WHAT WAS THE FIRST HUMAN INVENTION TO BREAK THE SOUND BARRIER? It’s not a plane — it’s the bullwhip! The cracking sound a bullwhip makes when properly wielded is, in fact, a small sonic boom. The end of the whip, known as the “cracker,” moves faster than the speed of sound, thus creating a sonic boom. WHAT’S THE TEMPERATURE OF DRY ICE? Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide, which freezes at -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit (-78.5 degrees C). WHAT FOOD IS BEST FOR NAUSEA? Research shows that ginger is the best stomach woe cure. Taken in any form, it will relieve nausea. Try ginger tea, gingerbread, or gingersnaps. If you’re traveling, take along ginger sticks or crystallized ginger instead of travel sickness pills or patches. Your Monthly Need-to-Know!

Inspired by NutmegNanny.com

Dinner is ready in 30 minutes with this easy, seasonal August sausage and vegetable bake.

INGREDIENTS •

4 sausage links of your choice

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3 tbsp olive oil

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1 lb green beans

2 cloves garlic, grated

1 red bell pepper, diced 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 tbsp thyme 1 tsp oregano

1 red onion, diced 1 zucchini, diced

1 tsp basil 1 tsp salt

1 yellow summer squash, diced

1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat or your oven to 425 F. 2. In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients and mix well. Divide into four equal portions. 3. Prepare four 16-inch pieces of foil and place a portion in the middle of each section. Wrap each foil piece tightly and avoid holes. 4. Grill each foil packet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also bake each packet for 20 minutes at 425 F. DIRECTIONS

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513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM

ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255

Are You Ready for Apple Season? INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 2 3 3 4 Easy Foil-Grilled Sausage and Vegetables Wait, Sandwiches Were Invented in August? Will a Night at the Movies Change Forever? Make Your Night Guards Last a Long Time What a Squirrel Taught My Grandfather-In-Law

THE SIMPLE TOOTH Fun Facts

About August!

2. AUGUST WENT THROUGH MANY CHANGES IN ANCIENT TIMES.

By the time August comes around, we’ve already seen several season changes: back- to-school season, the last month of American tourism season, the end of the third fiscal quarter, and, well, near the end of summer! Here’s a few more reasons we should enjoy August while it’s here. 1. SANDWICHES WERE INVENTED IN AUGUST. You may think you know British cuisine, but did you know that the British invented sandwiches? Sometime in August 1762, the sandwich was created when the Earl of Sandwich requested meat between two pieces of bread. It was henceforth known as the “sandwich.” (And yes, Sandwich is a real town in Britain!)

one of the most iconic speeches in the history of the United States!

Rulers of the Roman Empire could make any changes to the calendar they wanted. At first, August was the sixth month of the year, but it was shoved back around 700 B.C. when January and February were added to the calendar by King Numa Pompilius. He also reduced the number of days in August! Finally, we received August with 31 days and its name as we know it today, when Julius Caesar introduced Augustus in the Julian calendar. 3. AUGUST IS A BIG MONTH FOR THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. On Aug. 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech to over 250,000 people on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was not only a powerful cry for civil rights, but it also became

4. THE MONTH IS A SURPRISINGLY POPULAR NAME FOR SWEDISH BOYS. In 2014, August was the 55th most common name for newborn boys. Ironically, only 22% of Swedish boys named August were actually born in August! 5. IT’S A GREAT TIME FOR DELICIOUS FOOD HOLIDAYS! In August, Americans can celebrate National Goat Cheese Month, National Panini Month, Peach Month, and — you guessed it — Sandwich Month. Did you learn anything new about August? We sure did! We hope you enjoy this interesting month!

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