Calapooia Family Dental - February/March 2022

Calapooia Family Dental - February/March 2022

The Journey Toward Optimism CHANGING MY MINDSET THIS MARCH

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

Calapooia Courier February/March 2022

I tend to be a realist. I believe that perspective is what makes me a good dentist. It’s a way of viewing the world through a scientific, factual lens, and that’s necessary when it comes to identifying oral health issues and treating patients. But when it comes to applying that mindset to other areas in my life — like parenting — I’ve quickly learned that realism isn’t always the best course. I’ve been thinking more about this lately, as I recently learned that March is Optimism Month. I’ve been trying to take a more optimistic approach to obstacles rather than confronting everything with realism. I think it’s valuable to note that realism isn’t pessimism. If you are someone who is an optimist, you may view people like me as pessimists, but taking a realist approach isn’t the same as viewing the bad in each situation. It’s simply accepting reality for what it is. However, I also understand this viewpoint can be limiting. As any parent may tell you, realism isn’t how children view their world. Kids are exploring and learning how to live within the world around them. How they react or respond to something may seem totally out of proportion for adults, but it’s completely within reason for kids. For instance, I’ve often found that even when they make a poor choice, kids are rarely trying to hurt you or be mean. Everything they do is done by a simple lack of knowledge or understanding, or it’s their way of exploring their world. This hasn’t been an easy realization for me. I have had to remind myself that my knee- jerk reaction to find fault in these situations — like any scientist would — doesn’t work in parenting. When something bad happens, it’s valuable for parents to remember there likely wasn’t a bad intent. It’s simply an opportunity for a child to learn and grow.

The same can be said around the practice, too! As humans, we all mess up, and sometimes those errors happen at work. When these events do occur, it’s incredibly helpful to remember the person behind the mistake. They likely didn’t make an error on purpose. Staying positive and using this mistake as an opportunity to grow is extremely valuable. My realist mindset and desire to find the source of every issue is what allows me to accurately find the root challenges of someone’s oral health concerns. But — back in the real world — 99% of the time what is more important for my mental well-being and my relationships is that I respond positively and kindly. There are even studies on this. (Of course I would use realism to support my optimistic pursuits!) Researchers have found that those who approach life with an optimistic mindset are healthier, enjoy better relationships, and can solve problems well. Those are great attributes for anyone to strive for. I know I won’t be perfect on this journey. There are moments when I’ll slip back into viewing scenarios as a realist when being more optimistic would help. All I can do is practice and continue to grow.

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BUT FIND THE ELUSIVE GOOD- LUCK CHARM FIRST One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four- leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four- leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and what can you do with them? Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake

There’s something irreplaceable about that first bite into dessert. Sadly, our favorite sugary treats are our mouths’ worst nightmare! As we indulge, sugar and bacteria build up and later feast on our teeth, leading to greater chances of tooth decay and gingivitis (inflamed gums). But what if we told you there’s a way to enjoy a sweet treat with minimal impact on your oral health? It’s true! Make these teeth-friendly treats this spring to satisfy your sweet tooth without destroying it. 3 DESSERTS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR ORAL HEALTH SWEET TREATS FOR YOUR TEETH

How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover

Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby.

Crepes With Berries and Yogurt

Crepes are a sweet French treat that appear complex but are actually very easy to make. Simply combine flour, eggs, milk, water, salt, and butter and ladle a very thin amount into a skillet. Flip like you would a pancake, and top with berries, fresh apples, low-sugar Greek yogurt, and/or chocolate chips. Each of these toppings is healthy and can stimulate a healthy mouth environment. Better yet, crepes are low in sugar! Check out AllRecipes.com for some easy ways to make crepe.

Clover Craft

Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Melted Coconut Chocolate

While raw cacao and dark chocolate may provide some protection from tooth decay, some chocolate treats that are created with high-sugar ingredients cancel out the goodness that comes from chocolate. But you can limit this impact! Simply enjoy more dark chocolate, or examine the ingredients list, looking for a low sugar count. (Monk fruit sweeteners can have a limited impact, too!) If you want a warm sweet treat, try melting your dark, healthy chocolate with coconut oil. This will give it a creamy taste and texture, and it’s a great topping for berries and the aforementioned crepes!

A Sweet Cheese Plate

Sometimes the best dessert really isn’t a “dessert” at all! Create a teeth- friendly, palate-pleasing cheese plate to round off your meal. Include cheese, nuts, berries, carrots, and dark chocolate. Each of these foods have oral health-boosting properties, and they are satisfying to eat! For instance, cheese can stimulate saliva production, and it’s rich in calcium, which benefits your teeth. Similarly, nuts and carrots are hard but easy to chew, stimulating more saliva production and scrubbing away buildup. If you have additional questions about what foods in your diet are oral-health friendly, please ask our team at your next appointment! You can schedule yours by calling 541-926-3689 or visiting CalapooiaFamilyDental.com.

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FLOSS LIKE THE EXPERTS

4 STEPS TO PEARLIER WHITES!

Easy March Madness Chili No. 3: Move to the back. Once you’re past the canines, the angle of your teeth and your hands will make it difficult to effectively continue flossing in the same manner as above. Instead, glide the floss in between each tooth and make a “C” between your thumb and forefingers on each hand, leaving about 2 inches between for flossing. No. 2: Start in the front. With the floss secured between your thumb and fingers, thread it between your front teeth (on the top). Gently glide the floss up and down the teeth a few times, and be sure to tap your gums without too much force. Pull the floss out, slide your grip to a fresh section, and continue flossing. Once you have flossed your canines (the pointy teeth), move onto Step 3!

shape, pointing the ends of the floss back toward your ear to get the best angle. While back there, don’t forget to floss behind your last tooth and the gumline.

Flossing is a valuable component to good oral health. Once you establish a habit of flossing at least once each day, it’s important to master a proper flossing technique. Doing so will ensure this healthy habit actually provides a benefit to your teeth and gums. You may notice dental hygienists have a rhythm when flossing your teeth at your biannual cleaning, and there is a method to their madness. Here’s a proper flossing technique that has been approved by the American Dental Association. No. 1: Get the right length and grip. Use approximately 2 feet of string floss. This length provides you with a firm base for gripping and enough space to thread a clean section between each tooth. Loop most of the floss around your dominant hand’s middle finger and the remaining portion around the middle finger on the other hand. This will provide a firm grip and a side to store the “dirty” floss as it’s used. However, if you prefer not to wrap, simply grip the floss

No. 4: Repeat. Just keep going!

Flossing is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to improve your smile, but making it a habit is just as important as doing it correctly. If you have further questions about how to properly floss, or are curious about alternative options for those with limited mobility, please contact our team today!

SUDOKU

Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning • 1 tsp ground cumin

• 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

1070 24th Ave SW Albany, OR 97321 541-926-3689 CalapooiaFamilyDental.com

Finding Optimism Inside this Issue 1 2 Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round

Eat These Sweets While Protecting Your Teeth!

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Floss Like the Pros in 4 Steps

Easy March Madness Chili

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Get Healthy While Spring- Cleaning!

IT’S MORE THAN JUST TIDYING UP 4 HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPRING-CLEANING

It prevents illnesses. Doorknobs, refrigerator handles, light switches, countertops, and remote controls are all things we touch many times a day. Cleaning anything that’s used often is one way to reduce the spread of germs. By keeping household surfaces clean, we help thwart the spread of viruses and illnesses.

Sunday, March 20, is the first day of spring — which means it’s time for some spring- cleaning. Did you know that cleaning is not just about tidying up a physical space? It’s also about improving overall well-being. Here’s how organization and cleanliness can help you in more ways than you might expect. Spring-cleaning reduces stress and depression. Tidiness and mental health are actually connected. Studies have found that having a clean home is directly correlated to happiness and your ability to focus. Anxiety can spike when laundry is piling up, items are strewn everywhere, and papers get scattered on various surfaces within the home. Clearing the clutter is a great way to boost your mood and increase those feel-good hormones.

respiratory system is greatly affected too. Deep-cleaning your air filters and vents can make breathing effortless — and it’s truly amazing how this can improve your well-being. It keeps you more active. Off the couch and on your feet! Even just running the vacuum and clearing the clutter from the dining room table will get you up and moving, which is healthy for your heart and body. This spring season, putting some elbow grease into your cleaning will benefit you in more ways than one. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Spring-cleaning helps you breathe better. Spring often brings pollen that triggers allergies for many. But pollen isn’t the only

thing to blame when people have difficulty breathing. When dust and pet dander build up in your home, your

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