JAS June 2017

THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald

JUNE 2017

Jason A . Schermer , D . D . S & Noor Almuda l l a l , D .M. D COMPREHENS I VE RESTORAT I VE & ESTHET I C DENT I STRY

5825 Lande r b rook Dr i ve , Su i t e 124 May f i e l d He i gh t s , OH 44124

( 440 ) 483 - 1003

MY PHILOSOPHY ‘WHY DID YOU BECOME A DENTIST?’

Occasionally, when patients ask why I became a dentist, I’ll point to the “Top 40” music playing overhead head and reply, “So I could listen to ’80s hits all day.” This is a joke, of course. The truth is, I decided to be a dentist on the first day of ninth grade. Instead of doing roll call, my biology teacher instructed students to stand up, introduce themselves, and tell the whole class what they wanted to be when they grew up. As if having to stand up in front of everyone wasn’t bad enough, at 14, I had yet to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. My mind raced as my teacher moved down the desks. When he got to me, I blurted out, “A dentist!” I couldn’t go back on my word after announcing it to the entire class, right?

dentistry aligned with my goals. I went to the same dentist from grade school through college and never had a bad experience. His office was always a welcoming place, and, after thinking about it, dentistry really looked like the best thing I could do with my life. My path to dentistry took me from my small town in Iowa to here in Cleveland, where I attended Case Western University School of Dentistry. The longer I’ve been in dentistry, the more I realize it isn’t the artistry of dentistry I love most — it’s the people. Yes, dentistry itself is fun, and I like what I do, but it’s my patients who make each day enjoyable. When someone sits in my chair, I have a unique opportunity to get to know them, while simultaneously helping them. I

understand something about a treatment, let them ask questions — and provide solid answers. It’s important to myself, my associate Dr. Almudallal, and our whole team that every patient feels comfortable and confident about every decision regarding their oral health. When we sit down and discuss their treatment plan, we factor in their life situation and their personal needs. If doesn’t matter if it takes a few visits or five years; I want to make sure the treatment is right for them. My job is to provide patients with the dentistry and care they deserve. When I’m able to achieve that, it reminds me I really did make the right call in ninth grade. - Jason A. Schermer

love those moments when I am able to just chat with a patient. I enjoy being able to help them get over any nervousness they may have developed over the years in a more “typical” practice.

“The longer I’ve been in dentistry, the more I realize it isn’t the artistry of dentistry I love most — it’s the people.”

Throughout my years as a dentist, I developed a philosophy to help guide my work and my practice. Among other values, any member of my team can say something I preach regularly is the importance of listening. If a patient is nervous, they deserve the opportunity to explain why. If they come in and say, “This is what I am feeling,” believe them, even if we don’t see anything in our tests yet. If they don’t

Okay, my life’s work didn’t come about quite so unplanned. Even back then, I knew I wanted to go into science, though I didn’t care to spend my days trapped in a lab. I also knew I wanted to help people. When I looked around at the options, I realized

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through The Container Store, allow you to relabel containers as needed. You can also set up baskets for each member of the house for their various items that are frequently used. This tactic will help keep your family from losing easily misplaced items like keys, wallets, phones, and chargers. Plus, decorating these baskets is a fun way for each family member to express their personality. Don’t be afraid to seek unique solutions when it comes to storage. If you have high ceilings in your kitchen, for example, you can hang pots and pans from hooks. Large objects like bicycles, which use up a lot of ground space, can be hung from walls in your garage. The website ABowlFullOfLemons. net has all sorts of clever home organization hacks, and they have even published a book called “The Complete Book of Home Organization,” which is an invaluable resource. With an open mind and a little ingenuity, you will be surprised at how much extra storage space you can create. Sometimes using the space you have more efficiently is just as valuable as adding more space to the equation.

Streamline Your Storage Spaces Making Room in a Crowded Home

All homes, no matter the size, could use more storage space. Everyone has their list of items that end up getting “put away” in different places — or those items they can never seem to find. Most homes can gain a little extra capacity through smart organizational systems. Here are a few tips for increasing organization and streamlining the storage space in your house.

A great place to start is to categorize the items you need to store. While having one or two spaces for miscellaneous items doesn’t hurt, the more junk drawers you have, the more likely it is items will end up there, making them hard to find and track. Find a logical, intuitive location for items, and you will be surprised by how naturally organization follows. You should think about the space an object occupies as an extension of the object itself — the way

your home is an extension of you. Specific containers will help you make sure items end up where they belong. The Container Store is an awesome resource for finding all sorts of useful storage contraptions that will fit spaces of any size and shape. Check out their website and receive free shipping on orders over $75. Labeling containers will remind you of precisely what belongs in each space. Little dry-erase boards, which are also available

TESTIMONIALS

“Dr. Schermer and his team were excellent. They eased all of my fears. I would highly recommend them to my family and friends.” –Avis L. “After a two-year hiatus, I expected a very difficult visit. Rather than being judgmental, Dr. Schermer and his entire team were kind, supportive, and extremely thorough in evaluating the situation, executing the necessary

plan for the day, and offering options going forward.” –Michael M. “I always have a great experience; everyone is incredibly nice and helpful.” “I highly recommend Dr. Schermer for dental care. I was very pleased with the care and services I received. Dr. Schermer patiently listened and addressed my –Nicolle R.

concerns. His staff was friendly and helpful.”

–Rochelle P. “For the first time in my life, I actually like going to the dentist. Everyone in this practice is extraordinarily kind and gentle. I had not had a dental exam in over a decade because I had so many bad experiences previously. Now, I look forward to going.” –Ann K.

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To Floss or Not to Floss? The re Rea l l y I s No Ques t i on

Last August, a report from the Associated Press turned the dental world on its head. Therein, AP wrote that there’s no scientific evidence to support the medical benefits of flossing. Yet here we are, almost a year later, and dentists everywhere are still reminding their patients to floss during every visit. So, what’s the deal?

After the AP report flooded the news, the American Dental Association openly admitted there was a lack of research that supports flossing. However, the lack of scientific evidence does not mean flossing isn’t good for your oral health; it means we haven’t been able to fund the 30 years of research it would take to “prove” flossing is helpful. Studies on flossing aren’t usually exciting enough to win research grants.

Patients are encouraged to floss to prevent gum disease. While brushing cleans away plaque on your teeth, the wide bristles can’t do much for the plaque between your teeth. It’s this plaque that can build up, form tartar, and cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed, leading to gingivitis. Flossing removes the plaque your toothbrush can’t reach and cleans out the pockets in your gums. Dentists don’t need expensive research to know flossing is important; they see it firsthand every day

when they look into the mouths of countless patients.

After the initial celebration of “no more flossing!” faded, most people recognized the holes in the report and agreed they should probably stick to the dental regimen recommended by their dentist. So, when Dr. Jason or Dr. A mention flossing during your next visit, don’t be upset — they wouldn’t bring it up if they didn’t care about you.

Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month

Curry Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients •

1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets 1 fennel bulb, fronds removed, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons ghee, melted 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast*

• • • • • • •

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon turmeric

Whenever the cashier at the grocery store asks my dad if he would like the milk in a bag, he replies: “No, just leave it in the carton.”

•

½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon coriander

•

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon white pepper

•

Chopped parsley, to garnish

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, add florets and fennel along with ghee and toss to coat. Then add the other ingredients and toss again. 3. Place in the oven to bake for 35 minutes or until slightly browned. 4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley on top!

*Nutritional yeast is not required, but it gives the dish a cheesy flavor, so is recommended.

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Jason A . Schermer , D . D . S & Noor Almuda l l a l , D .M. D COMPREHENS I VE RESTORAT I VE & ESTHET I C DENT I STRY

jasonschermerdds.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

(440) 483-1003

I N S I D E What’s ’80s Pop Have to Do With Dentistry? 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 124 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

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Streamline Your Storage Spaces

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Testimonials

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Why Is My Dentist Still Telling Me to Floss?

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Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month

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Yellowstone: Where the Wild Things Are

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE THE UNSPOILED NATURAL MAJESTY OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

This summer, skip the expensive hustle and bustle of an overcrowded theme park. After a vacation like that, you’ll feel like you need another.

As far as getaway destinations go, Yellowstone National Park, sprawling across Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, is a little more expansive. More than 3 million visitors flock to its astonishing peaks, multicolored pools, and dramatic geothermal geysers each year, but as you travel across Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, it’s unlikely you’ll see much of them. And the sheer variety of unparalleled activities to explore means fun for the whole family. Make sure to check out Old Faithful, the most famous geothermal geyser in the world, with eruptions averaging a whopping 130 vertical feet. Or if it’s majesty and exploration you’re

itching for, hike one of the many trails along the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The views across the Yellowstone River, with clay cliff faces and tree-covered mountains in every direction, are unlike any other. Also, be sure to investigate the Grand Prismatic Spring, which, besides its otherworldly rainbow waters, is known for being the largest hot spring in the U.S. For many, though, the biggest draw of the park is the wildlife. Yellowstone is home to the largest bison population on public land. It houses more mammals than anywhere else in the lower 48 states, 150 species of birds, and

huge populations of native fish, to name a few. Just driving around the park, you’re apt to see moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, and, if you’re lucky, grizzly bears, mountain lions, or wolves. Go boating, catch a fish, scale a mountain, ride a horse — the things to do vary as much as the breathtaking landscape. If you’re looking for an affordable, relaxed, and wide-open family vacation this summer, Yellowstone is a no- brainer.

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