Anderson Dental Care - May 2021

Anderson Dental Care - May 2021

BRUSH - UP

ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.

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

MAKING PHYSICAL FITNESS A PRIORITY One of my favorite things about being a dentist is all the different people I get to meet, and I love hearing their stories. I’ve been inspired by so many of you, but I’d like to tell you about a 70-year-old patient who recently made my jaw drop.

As the conversation goes these days, we were talking about what we’d been up to during the pandemic shutdown. He told me casually, “Well, I’ve gotten up to 120 pushups every day.” What?! I needed to hear more about this. He explained that before the pandemic, he was a volunteer at a local hospital. He’d wake up at 4 a.m. and go to the gym for an hour, then head to the hospital to serve and support patients. He did this every single day. But in March 2020, he was sent home and told that he couldn’t come back until the pandemic was over. It threw his life out of order for a while. He had no idea what to do with his time. His regimen was completely thrown out the window since gyms also closed shortly after that. It would’ve been easy for him to slip into a routine of just staying home, watching TV, and puttering around the house. But that wasn’t him. He told me that he’d taken a personal vow when he was younger to always stay in shape. Sitting around home day in and day out wasn’t an option. Instead, he decided he’d still wake up at 4 a.m., and after finding dumbbells around the house, he created a new morning workout routine — one that included pushups. He’s now up to three sets of 40 pushups (120!) every day. Can you believe that? Well, you might if you saw this 70-year-old man who certainly doesn’t look his age and is in far better shape than I am. I was so inspired after talking to him. Even though a 4 a.m. routine doesn’t always work with a 7-month-old in the house, it’s helped me realize that we make time for what’s important to us. What we spend our time doing is a reflection of our priorities, and if they’re out of line with what we actually want our priorities to be, we can correct our course and create a new routine!

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. My talk with this patient reminded me that I wanted to make sure exercise is one of my priorities. It’s easy to come up with reasons to not exercise. We might feel too young, too old, too tired, too busy, or not busy at all. (We think: finally, some free time! Why spend it exercising?) As a busy dad and business owner, I totally understand the inclination to de-prioritize exercise. But I’m feeling inspired to exercise regularly to have the energy and fitness of this 70-year-old patient! Of course, you have to find the exercise that works for you. For example, I enjoy doing pushups, but the strain on my hands and wrists is actually a little dangerous as a dentist. Instead, I enjoy a brief yoga routine each morning as well as walking and hiking regularly with my family. There’s room for improvement for sure, but it’s a start. So, I want to invite you to join me in making physical health and fitness a priority. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just start. Take an evening walk. Do some simple stretches in the morning. Look at our article on Page 2 of this newsletter for easy ways to get the whole family moving. Or maybe, start with a pushup a day and keep adding one until you’re up to 120! And then tell me about it when you come to the office next time, because I love hearing the inspiring things my patients do.

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May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. As a parent, you probably know exercise is important for your children’s physical development. It helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of developing diabetes and other diseases later in life. But did you know that physical activity also has many mental and behavioral health benefits? It’s been shown to improve children’s cognitive skills and concentration, boost their self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. One of the best ways to encourage healthy behaviors in your children is by modeling them yourself. Studies have found that more than 80% of adolescents and adults are not getting enough aerobic activity, showing that children often follow in their parents’ footsteps and that exercising together can benefit everyone. You may be thinking it’s hard enough just to get yourself to the gym, but Stephen Virgilio, author of “Active Start for Healthy Kids,” encourages parents not to limit themselves to traditional forms of exercise. Instead, think of exercise more broadly as “leading an active lifestyle.” And remember that exercise can be fun and a great way to get in more family time. 5 EASY WAYS TO GET EVERYONE MOVING GET FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY

Teeth pain is often a terrible surprise. Was it a cold beverage? Or maybe a sweet treat? The pain is sudden, and luckily temporary, but can still be pretty unsettling. Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated, and the condition can improve. In a healthy tooth, enamel protects the underlying layer of dentin, as well as your tooth’s roots. Enamel is one of the strongest substances in your body, but it can wear away over time, especially in the presence of poor dental hygiene. When the enamel wears away, it leaves the layer of dentin exposed. Dentin is porous and contains thousands of microscopic tubules (think of them as little garden hoses), that lead to the tooth’s pulp. These dentinal “hoses” have a specific liquid concentration, and when that liquid concentration changes, it causes the nerve in the pulp to fire, causing pain. The liquid concentration can be affected by temperature and concentration changes — think hot, cold, acidic, sweets, etc. What causes detin to be exposed? Cavities, brushing too hard (or using a hard-bristled toothbrush), a broken or lost filling, gum recession, gingivitis, cracked teeth, teeth grinding or clenching, plaque buildup (which eats away at your enamel), and/or consuming high amounts of acidic foods. (We go more in-depth on these issues in our Education Center at ATownDental.com .) As you can tell, there are a lot of reasons why your teeth may be sensitive. The only way to treat sensitive teeth is going to your dentist to determine the cause of the sensitivity and complete recommended treatment. Until you’re able to see the dentist, avoid the foods or things causing the sensitivity. Rinse with warm water to help alleviate some of the discomfort. If your teeth are sensitive to air, making the pain more frequent, you can try some orthodontic wax (often sold at drugstores) to cover the sensitive area temporarily. You can also try brushing regularly with toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth. At Anderson Dental Care, we recommend Sensodyne or Prevident. Prevident is a prescription toothpaste you can purchase at our office or get at a pharmacy with a prescription. It has 5 times the amount of fluoride as typical toothpaste and helps plug up the dentinal tubules and make them less susceptible to temperature changes. The fluoride also inhibits bacterial growth. If you’re concerned about tooth sensitivity, never hesitate to call our office. We’re happy to answer any questions and get you in for an evaluation if needed. Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your family’s day.

1. Create a walking ritual. Start walking around the neighborhood before or after dinner each night. Aim for a 20-minute stroll.

2. Have a dance party. Clear some space in the living room, make a playlist with everyone’s favorite tunes, and boogie down for as long as you have the energy.

3. Turn chores into games. Dirt has invaded from outer space and must be eliminated. Set the scene with your kids, grab your tools, and get to work removing the enemy while having fun. 4. Incorporate simple exercises into screen time. Start by making up fun names for exercises like situps or jumping jacks. Then, challenge each other to see who can do the most during your favorite show’s commercial breaks.

5. Get fit in the great outdoors. Cleaning up the yard, planting and maintaining a garden, or just running around outside are all great ways to get in more movement.

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MAY FLOWERS FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE BRING SPRING INDOORS

The April showers came and went, so now we get to enjoy May flowers! You might not buy flowers for yourself often, but it’s totally worth treating yourself and your visitors, all while supporting your local florist! To start off, anemones are the most mythological May plant around because of two famous Greek myths surrounding these jewel-toned flowers. Anemones are said to have sprung from blood shed by the death of Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The ancient Greeks also believed that the god of the west wind favored anemones — hence their second name, the windflower. Attach them as pops of color to any bouquet for a classic, romantic, or modern arrangement, or mix them with roses and trailing greenery for a more boho look. Carnations are also fantastic flowers to display in May. Some people may see carnations as a cheap flower, but, when used en masse, they can have a truly breathtaking effect in a room. Try using natural-colored carnations to create a fresh, contemporary space.

You can also freshen up the room with sweet peas , which have a wonderfully mild perfume. They come with an enormous range of colors — one of the biggest ranges in the flora kingdom, in fact! Delicate, ruffled, and feminine, sweet peas are sure to delight anyone who sees them. Lastly, although tulips or orchids would be classic choices for your arrangement, consider surprising your visitors with lilies of the valley . These beautiful, peaceful little blooms only grow in white, which is often seen as the color of renewal and innocence, and they wear it well! Their adorable little bell-like flowers will be sure to put a smile on your face. Dr. Brook’s wife, Jessica, enjoys dabbling in floral arranging and has had a great time taking floral classes through UC Communiversity. She highly recommends them as a creative outlet that ends with a beautiful arrangement you can enjoy in your home or office.

SHAVED ASPARAGUS SALAD Tangy citrus and salty Parmesan cheese complements earthy, fresh asparagus, a favorite spring vegetable with a short growing season.

YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW!

IS GELATO DIFFERENT FROM ICE CREAM? Yes! Gelato has less fat than ice cream. While ice cream is normally heavy on the cream and has a fat content of at least 10%, gelato uses more milk than cream and also uses less egg yolks — if any. Ice creams are churned faster and harder than gelato. HOW FAR APART ARE ALASKA AND RUSSIA? Russia and Alaska are divided by the Bering Strait, which is about 55 miles at its narrowest point. In the middle of the Bering Strait are two small, sparsely populated islands: Big Diomede, which sits in Russian territory, and Little Diomede, which is part of the United States. HOW LONG IS THE IDEAL NAP? During sleep, your brain’s electrical activity goes through a five-phase cycle. A short afternoon catnap of 20 minutes yields mostly Stage 2 sleep, which enhances alertness and concentration, elevates mood, and sharpens motor skills. To boost alertness on waking, drink plenty of water before and after. Try adding some lemon for a natural energy boost.

INGREDIENTS •

1 lb asparagus spears 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard

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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel. 3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Inspired by ACoupleCooks.com

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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

Bring Spring Indoors INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2 2 3 3 4 Shaved Asparagus Salad What’s Happening, Cincinnati? 5 Ways to Increase Your Family’s Fitness Why Are My Teeth Sensitive? Making Physical Fitness a Priority

WHAT’S HAPPENING, CINCINNATI? LOCAL ANIMAL GOOD NEWS

There have been some extra adorable animal feel-good stories happening lately, and we couldn’t let them pass by without sharing them with you! From a bag containing a mother cat and her kittens to a wallaby’s miraculous pregnancy, here’s our Mother’s Day special edition of local animal news. THE CINCINNATI ZOO’S ‘MIRACLE OF SCIENCE’ Ava the wallaby arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo in the spring of 2020 — Ava was already pregnant upon arrival, and gave birth to her son, little Pocket, last May. Yet, despite having no viable breeding mates, Ava is pregnant once again. How is that possible? “It’s actually something really cool

called embryonic diapause,” Myra Bhatnagar, a wallaby volunteer, told ABC News.

ALMOST A CAT-ASTROPHE! This isn’t technically in Cincinnati, but it’s still in Ohio and irresistibly adorable! After the police in New Miami received a suspicious package call at an Ohio church, they made an unexpected discovery: six newborn kittens and their mother inside a duffel bag. The bomb squad used X-ray equipment to detect purring instead of ticking. The duffel bag came with a note: “Mom’s name is Sprinkles. She began giving birth at 2 p.m.” According to the sheriff office’s Facebook page, the mother and kittens “are doing well and are warm, cozy, and fed” at a local humane society.

Wallaby babies are technically born underdeveloped after one month — then, they crawl into their mother’s pouch to nurse and develop over several months. While it’s exceedingly rare, sometimes, multiple embryos can be fertilized, and Ava’s second embryo decided to wait its turn behind Pocket. “She had that embryo in her uterus, but it was just hanging out waiting for Pocket to be born so that she could have that next embryo develop,” says Bhatnager. This is why some wallabies can be perpetually pregnant. The birth occurred on December 23, and volunteers called it their own little Christmas miracle.

That’s it for our cute animal news this month. See ya next time!

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