Elite Smiles - January/February 2020

Elite Smiles - January/February 2020

M O N T H L Y

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JAN/FEB 2020

LOVE YOUR SMI LE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY And Give Your Self- Esteem a Boost Thanks to Valentine’s Day, there’s a feeling of love in the air that seems to permeate the entire month of February. Chances are that you like to spend this time of year thinking about your partner and the best way to express your love to them. However, it’s important not to forget yourself in this time of love. Self-love and self-care are essential to mental and physical well-being. When we indulge in the things we love in life, we boost our confidence and improve our overall happiness. The start of a new decade is a great time to give yourself a chance to “reboot” and feel good about who you are. One of the best ways to instill self-confidence and overall health is with a bright and healthy smile. BASIC CARE Taking care of your teeth is an excellent form of self-care that benefits you in more ways than one, and it all starts with the basics. When you take the time for basic oral care, you’re preventing gum disease and cavities, which in turn improves heart health and decreases the risks for Alzheimer’s and arthritis. You should brush and floss your teeth twice a day and regularly use mouthwash and sugar-free gum to ensure optimum health. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to give your teeth the love and attention they deserve.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE Valentine’s Day is a great time of year to think about the aesthetics of your smile. While many people don’t think of teeth whitening as a necessity, having a bright, white smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Whether you’re heading to a job interview or date or you simply want a radiant smile, teeth whitening can help you feel and look great! The month of love is also an excellent time to think about the different ways you can improve your smile. Cosmetic dental procedures can give you the perfect smile and improve your oral health. With today’s dental technology, fixing a broken tooth or replacing missing teeth is easier than it has ever been. Taking steps to feel good about yourself, no matter what your plans are this year, is a great way to indulge in a little self-care.

VISITING YOUR DENTIST In addition to taking care of your teeth at home, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and regular cleaning. Your dentist will ensure the health of your teeth; plus, they can also look for other issues, such as symptoms of sleep apnea or cancer. Don’t skip this step. Visiting your dentist is especially important to self-care. Taking care of your body will help you feel better about yourself, both inside and out.

Having a smile you love boosts your confidence and self-love. Don’t miss this chance to show your teeth just how much you care.

–Steven Freeman

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THE NONINVASIVE GUM TREATMENT YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR

STAY ACTIVE DURING YOUR GOLDEN YEARS 3 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees Whether you want to generate some extra income during your retirement or just keep yourself busy, getting a part-time job can be a great way to spend your golden years. But why settle for just any opportunity when you could stay mentally and physically active and give back to the community? If that sounds like your ideal way to spend retirement, here are a few options to consider. PASS ALONG YOUR KNOWLEDGE AS A TEACHER. Many community colleges and community centers offer part-time teaching opportunities for those who want to share their field of expertise with others. Many of these positions don’t require a teaching degree or certificate — just a wealth of knowledge from your years in the workforce. Alternatively, if you want to help younger students with their academics, you could also work as a tutor or a teacher’s assistant at a local school. SHARE YOUR PASSION FOR SPORTS AS A COACH. Coaching can be a satisfying way to spend your retirement and support younger athletes. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to be a coach. You might need to pass a background check, and you’ll probably need to know first aid as well. While the pay isn’t incredible, the time you’ll spend sharing your passion for sports with young people is more than worth it.

Many people have a fear of going to the dentist, especially when it involves surgery. The idea of surgery can be a frightening thought for anyone, which is why many professionals seek out noninvasive treatments. Luckily, patients have the option to choose the LANAP protocol, which provides an alternative to conventional dental surgery. TREATMENT FOR PERIODONTAL DISEASE Across the U.S., hundreds of adults suffer from some form of periodontal or gum disease. Millennium Dental Technologies states that 80% of all citizens have gum disease, but only 60% of that percentage know they have it, and only 3% accept treatment. When gum disease is not treated, it can lead to loss of bone, receding gums, and, eventually, tooth loss. The LANAP protocol is specifically geared toward adults who want to avoid the invasive procedure of surgery but also are in need of treatment. THE LANAP PROTOCOL AND ITS BENEFITS The LANAP protocol is an FDA-cleared laser treatment that is “the only scientifically, research proven methodology that results in true periodontal regeneration, new bone growth, and gum tissue reattachment,” according to Millennium Dental Technologies. Patients who undergo LANAP experience several significant benefits:

• Quicker recovery time

• Less postoperative pain

• Regeneration without the need for foreign materials

• Healthy gums with minimal recession

GIVE BACK AS A PERSONAL CARE AIDE. If you’re looking for an opportunity to stay active and have a more direct impact on people’s lives, you can try being a personal care aide. Personal care aides help elderly and disabled people with everyday tasks, such as shopping, doing laundry, and bathing. Many people who require this assistance prefer older aides who can empathize with their struggles, so it’s a great job for recent retirees. Just because you’ve retired doesn’t mean you can no longer bring value to your community. With all the time you have on your hands, you could become one of your town’s most valuable assets.

QUALIFYING FOR LANAP Anyone who is suffering from moderate to severe gum disease is a perfect candidate for the LANAP procedure, including any person who has diabetes or is pregnant. If you’re suffering from pain while you eat or brush your teeth and have swollen or receding gums, you may have periodontal disease and should seek treatment right away. However, the best way to know if you qualify for LANAP is to consult your dentist and learn your options. At Elite Smiles Dentistry, we want our patients to feel comfortable and confident no matter what brings them into our office. If you have any questions about the LANAP protocol, call our office at 904.201.4304.

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NOW YOU SEE THEM . . .

The World’s Tiniest Animals

than an ant. These reptiles are the smallest in the world. At night, they climb high into the trees to sleep — though, for them, this might only mean a foot or so off the ground. Just like their larger counterparts, the pygmy leaf chameleon uses its tongue to capture its prey. TINIEST MAMMAL: ETRUSCAN SHREW At an average of 3.5 centimeters long and weighing about 2 grams, the Etruscan shrew is the smallest living terrestrial mammal by mass. These timid creatures aren’t keen on being startled. In response to sudden noises, they’ve been known to jump, faint, and even drop dead. Don’t be fooled by their small stature though; relative to their body size, their brains are larger than most creatures (even humans), and shrews have a higher metabolic rate than any other animal. Because of this, they must eat 80–90% of their body weight in food each day. Of course, these are only the smallest known animals in their respective categories. As scientists and conservationists continue to explore remote parts of the world, it’s likely they’ll uncover many more natural wonders.

Often, it’s the big animals in the room — er, forest — that get all the attention. But a look at their smaller counterparts reveals a bustling world of fascinating creatures. From reptiles no larger than your fingernail to tiny primates that only come out at night, these animals are proof that size is not a limitation. TINIEST PRIMATE: MADAME BERTHE’S MOUSE LEMUR Jumping from tree to tree, Madame Berthe’s mouse lemur is a tiny ball of nocturnal energy. At 3.6 inches long and weighing in at just an ounce, this is the world’s smallest known primate. First seen about 20 years ago in western Madagascar, it was named for charismatic conservationist and primatologist Madame Berthe Rakotosamimanana. While its body may be small, its large round eyes help it see in the dark, allowing it to catch insects for food. Found only in Kirindy Mitea National Park in western Madagascar, this species is identified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. TINIEST REPTILE: PYGMY LEAF CHAMELEON The pygmy leaf chameleon also calls Madagascar home, but at half an inch long at birth, it is much tinier than its primate neighbor and not much bigger

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Answer on Page 4

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I N S I D E

Show Yourself — and Your Teeth! — Some Love

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Stay Active During Your Golden Years

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You Don’t Have to Fear Treatment

The World’s Tiniest Animals

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Win a Trip to Disney World!

Local Events

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Local Events S T . A U G U S T I N E MU S I C , T H E OU T DOOR S , AND E XC I T I NG F E S T I V I T I E S ! Local E ents

THERE’S PLENTY TO DO AROUND ST. AUGUSTINE THIS TIME OF YEAR. MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE EVENTS!

LINCOLNVILLE PORCH FEST TWENTY TWENTY Where: Lincolnville When: Saturday, Feb. 15, 12–9:30 p.m. Admission : Free! Website: Facebook.com/LincolnvillePorchFest This is a music festival like no other! Join hundreds of people as they walk through the beautiful neighborhood of Lincolnville and enjoy listening to local musicians as they play across different stages and porches. Maps are available for attendees to see exactly where each performance is taking place throughout the city. A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Where: Anastasia State Park When: January through April, dates and times vary Admission : $2–$8 Website: FriendsofAnastasia.org/event/walk-on- the-wild-side

Strap on your best walking shoes and grab your binoculars for a wonderful adventure through Anastasia State Park. This two-hour walk, led by one of the park’s expert volunteers, immerses walkers into the natural wildlife that thrives in the park. Check out the natural habitats, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and explore Florida’s natural ecosystems. Don’t forget your sunscreen! PARK PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT Where: Anastasia State Park When: Saturday, Feb. 29, 9:30 a.m. Admission : $2–$8

smartphones to capture the items on the scavenger hunt list. Explore the park, compete for a variety of prizes, and, above all, have fun! ST. AUGUSTINE CELTIC FESTIVAL 2020 Where: Francis Field When: March 14–15, times vary Admission : Prices vary Website: CelticStAugustine.com Join the St. Augustine community and celebrate the 10th annual St. Augustine Celtic Festival! Attendees will enjoy a plethora of Celtic foods, drinks, and activities. Bands, including the Dublin City Ramblers, Street City Rovers, and Seven Nations, will perform throughout the three-day event. Don’t miss this annual opportunity to celebrate Celtic heritage!

Website: Facebook.com/ events/2346352085655110

If you’re looking for more outdoor activities, Anastasia State Park is also hosting a scavenger hunt at the end of February! Interested individuals are encouraged to bring their digital cameras or

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