Beaumont Family Dentistry - May 2020

BEAUMONT’S Beautiful Smiles

MAY 2020

BEAUMONT 3141 Beaumont Centre Circle, Suite 300 Lexington, KY 40513 (859) 554-1772

LEESTOWN 100 Trade Street, Suite 175 Lexington, KY 40511 (859) 554-1772 HAMBURG 2408 Sir Barton Way, Suite 225 Lexington, KY 40509 (859) 554-1612

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KEEPING OUR PATIENTS SAFE AND HEALTHY

our patients’ and the team’s safety caused us to cancel many of our patients’ appointments over the past couple months. Moving forward, our priority is to do everything we can to get you back into the office. From May 4 onward, we’ll begin extending our hours throughout the week, working 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. For anyone who had their appointment canceled during the spring, you will receive a call from our front desk reaching out to coordinate the next best time for you. Your oral health is essential to us, and we won’t make you wait any longer than you have to for your next dental appointment. It is in everyone’s best interest to continue your routine health care, including dental care! During this confusing and stressful time, staying healthy helps you fight off any challenge. Know that we take our role as your health care partner very seriously and are here to help! For the latest information and guidance, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 webpage, the Department of Public Health website, or ADA.gov.

are normally cleaned and disinfected daily, will now be disinfected multiple times throughout the day. Hand sanitizer will be readily available in all areas of the practice for your use.

YOUR ORAL HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL TO US, ANDWE WON’T MAKE YOUWAIT ANY LONGER THAN YOU HAVE TO FOR YOUR NEXT DENTAL APPOINTMENT.

Dear Patients,

As all of you know, our vision here at Beaumont Family Dentistry is to partner with patients to achieve long-term oral and overall health for those who we are honored to serve. In light of the current COVID-19 concerns affecting us here in the U.S. and abroad, we want to take this opportunity to update you on the precautions we are taking (and always have) at our office to ensure your health, safety, and well-being. Please know that we always employ the most up-to-date infection control procedures at Beaumont Family Dentistry, and our record proves that they work really well! Be reassured that infection control, standard precautions, and established guidelines for sterilization that we follow are excellent deterrents to COVID-19 and every other virus. In addition to the routine steps we take, we are being even more vigilant of all the areas in the office. Surfaces in the reception area, front desk area, consultation area, and restrooms, which

Over the past month or so, we’ve seen patients with emergency dental needs as stated by the CDC and the ADA. On May 4, our goal is to resume business as usual and start seeing patients in the office for all their dental needs. As we begin to move toward regular business hours, we also ask you for your help to continue keeping everyone safe. If you are not feeling well or have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please contact your physician and call our office to reschedule any upcoming appointments. Our team (who are also being diligent about their own health) will be available prior to your next visit to make sure you are well and to answer any questions or concerns. If you are not well, we will help you cancel your current appointment with no fee. Taking the steps that we have to optimize both

Stay safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

–Dr. Trish Takacs

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TO BE EXCELLENT AT WHAT YOU DO YOU MUST LOVE WHAT YOU DO

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in unexpected ways. In an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many schools across the country closed before spring break and will remain closed through the end of the school year. While teachers and administrators work hard to make sure students maintain their academic progress through online education, cutting the school year short has meant that many high school seniors are being robbed of the traditions and rites of passage that come with senior year. In the face of illness and growing unemployment, not being able to walk across a stage to collect a diploma can sound like a trivial matter to some adults. But if you’re the parent of a high school senior, it’s important to acknowledge what your student has lost. The graduation ceremony, prom, senior skip day, and even that last school lunch with friends are all wonderful life events that many students look forward to for years. Along with this loss, they are grappling with an uncertain future. So how can parents help their children cope with this grief? Start by asking them what they need. As a parent, you may feel the impulse to “fix” the situation with a backyard family prom or a graduation ceremony via Zoom, but now is not the time for surprises. Your child is working through loss, and everyone grieves in different ways. Bethany Raab, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating adolescents, advises parents to open the door for conversation but not to force the subject. SENIOR YEAR CUT SHORT? HELP YOUR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR COPE WITH THE LOSS

Our Beaumont Family Dentistry dental hygiene mission statement motivates us to give our all to our patients: “Using the best new technology and treatment available, your well-trained, experienced team is committed to providing thorough patient care in the most compassionate general manner. We highly value the lifelong trusting relationships

we develop with our patients and their families. We strive to give our patients an honest diagnosis and to educate them on the best treatment options individualized to their needs to achieve optimum oral health, thus improving full-body health and wellness. A healthy body begins with a healthy smile.” Our head hygienist, Candi Kershaw, has been part of our team for the past seven years, and her dedication to her work and her patients follows our mission statement completely. Candi is an energetic and cheery individual who cares deeply for her patients. “I care for my patients like I care for my own family,” she says. And anyone can attest that she brings that mindset and passion into the office every day. She has a great ability to connect with each of her patients, creating a trusting and lasting relationship with every person who comes to us. “It’s what makes me happiest and what I strive for the most,” Candi says. “As a hygienist, I have become very close with my patients over the years; you watch kids grow up and families expand; it really is wonderful. The work we do helps make a difference in our patients’ overall health, and I’m so proud of my entire team that we can help people experience these life-changing moments.” Our hygienist team is made up of 18 exceptional hygienists, who Candi oversees across all our locations. “I can honestly say we have the best team out there,” she says. “Each of them has the qualities of enthusiasm, humor, patient optimism, and warmth all coming together to form one powerful, professional team of dental hygienists. It’s been a privilege to be a part of an office so educated and passionate about making sure each patient has the best smile they deserve.” “Someone once told me,” Candi remembers, “that to be excellent in what you do, you must love what you do. I can truly say I absolutely love what I do and look forward to coming into the office each and every day.”

“Don’t give too much advice just yet,” Raab recommends. “We really don’t know enough to give long-term advice at this point.”

It’s also important for parents to recognize their own grief during this time. Many parents look forward to celebrating these milestones with their children, so missing these experiences can be traumatic for parents too. It’s okay to acknowledge your own loss and disappointment, but avoid projecting your feelings onto your child. We cannot take back the experiences stolen by COVID-19, but as parents, we can be there for our kids and help them work through this uncertain time. And remember, no matter what happens, you can still mark the occasion with a nice graduation present.

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UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES AND RISKS OF ORAL CANCER

These conditions should be addressed as soon as possible, as they are some of the earliest signs of oral cancer. If you notice these symptoms in your mouth lasting longer than a 2–3-week period, contact a dental professional immediately.

smokers, especially those over 50 years of age. However, many younger and nonsmoking and nondrinking people are diagnosed with cancer due to HPV. This virus is known to lead to oropharyngeal cancer, which involves the base of the tongue and tonsillar tissues in the throat. Oral cancer doesn’t only impact the throat; it can also occur on the lips, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, and inner lining of the cheeks.

SCREENING

At Beaumont Family Dentistry, we can screen for oral cancer using the VELscope. This handheld device is sensitive to any abnormal changes in the tissue of the mouth and throat. It sends out bright blue light to inspect that tissue, and any unhealthy or harmed tissue will disrupt the natural fluoresce patterns the light creates inside the mouth. Often, screening with this device can detect the earliest stages of oral cancers, enabling quick action to prevent its spread. Beaumont Family Dentistry offers VELscope screening to all our patients. At your next dental appointment, ask about getting a screening.

SYMPTOMS

It’s important to be aware of any unusual changes in the mouth, especially if a condition lasts longer than a week. Many of the symptoms to be aware of are:

Our team at Beaumont Family Dentistry knows how important it is for our patients to stay well informed about oral cancer and the dangers it imposes. Understanding the causes, risks, and symptoms, as well as the technology we use to catch those early signs of oral cancer, is instrumental to your overall health.

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Sores or irritation

Red or white patches

Pain, tenderness, or numbness

Lumps

CAUSES AND RISKS

Loose teeth

Difficulties swallowing

The people at the highest risk for oral cancer are those who have been heavy drinkers and

INSPIRATION

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of cacio e pepe , which is Italian for cheese and pepper. This dish combines a wholesome flavor profile with fresh, seasonal ingredients to satisfy any craving. SPRINGTIME CACIO E PEPE

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water before draining and put spaghetti in a covered pot to keep warm. 3. Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with foil and toss in asparagus and olive oil. 4. Cook asparagus for 5–7 minutes and sprinkle with lemon zest. 5. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved water, Parmesan cheese, and pepper to the spaghetti. Stir until creamy. 6. Toss in asparagus and arugula before serving.

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6 oz multigrain spaghetti 8 oz fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

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1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp lemon zest

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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1/2 tsp black pepper 1 cup baby arugula

Inspired by Eating Well

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

3141 BEAUMONT CENTRE CIRCLE STE. 300 LEXINGTON, KY 40513

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1

Rest Easy in Our Care

2

Help Your Child Grieve Losing Senior Year

A Healthy Body Begins With a Healthy Smile

3

Don’t Ignore Abnormalities in Your Mouth

Springtime Cacio e Pepe

4

What Is Gardening Good For?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING

GIVE YOUR KID THE GIFT OF A GREEN THUMB

different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants. Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!

For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.” The two found that exposure to

Springtime often means nicer weather and more time spent outside, but it also means it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development.

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