Lake Oconee Dentistry - May 2019

The MONTHLY Smile

706-453-1333 www.LakeOconeeDental.com

MAY 2019

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVEN’T SEEN ME AROUND AS MUCH ...

Here’s Why!

Whether you’ve been a patient at Lake Oconee Dentistry for five years or 15, you might have noticed that, over the last year, I’ve been spending a little less time in the exam room. The truth is, since April of 2018, I have been slowly redirecting my focus in order to have a larger impact on our team and our patients.

How?

As a dentist, I can spend three hours creating a crown for Mr. Smith, and that crown certainly impacts Mr. Smith’s life for the better. However, as a mentor, I can spend the same amount of time coaching and sharing my knowledge with our other doctors. By doing this, the knowledge I share helps dozens of their patients going forward. Patti and I are fortunate to have three great doctors — Dr. Shelly, Dr. Andrea, and Dr. Jamie — who have joined our practice. Each brings a unique set of skills and talents to the table. While all of our doctors are extremely competent, they still benefit from ongoing training and coaching. It ensures that they stay on the cutting edge of dental technology and treatment. It’s not just our doctors who benefit; our entire team needs this coaching, as well. For the last several years, our practice has been voted The Best Dental Office in the area, a tremendous honor. But, in order to keep providing patients with first-class service, our team must stay dedicated to learning. With this transition, I’m able to be a much larger part of that process. To be clear, I will still be seeing patients. But I will also be taking time, when not chairside, to focus on coaching and training. Legacy isn’t about leaving something for people. It’s about leaving something in people. I’m excited to share more of my knowledge with others, but my ultimate commitment is always to you, our patients. If you don’t see me in the exam room, it’s because I’m working diligently behind the scenes to ensure our patient experience is still the best around.

Let me explain.

Next March, I’ll turn 50 years old. Milestone birthdays have a way of forcing you to assess your direction and consider your legacy. I’ve been practicing dentistry for nearly 25 years. During that time, I have always made education a priority. While the average dentist is only required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, I have attended hundreds of hours of courses a year in an effort to provide our patients with the most up-to-date care.

In fact, a few years ago, I received the Mastership Award from the American Academy of General Dentistry, which is presented to dentists who complete 1,100 hours of continuing education in a variety

“As I was considering all of this education and the knowledge I have gained, it began to occur to me that I might be able to have a larger impact by sharing my knowledge with others.”

of disciplines and pass a rigorous exam. Upon receiving this award, I joined a rather elite group, Mastership Award winners. The members of this group represent less than 2 percent of all general dentists in the U.S. and Canada. As I was considering all of the education and the knowledge I have gained, it began to occur to me that I might be able to have a larger impact by sharing my knowledge with others. I have always had a passion for teaching, and this passion has continued to grow as I’ve gotten older. I began to see that, by taking more time to share my knowlege with the practice as a mentor and teacher, I could potentially impact the lives of hundreds of more patients.

–Dr.David

Lake Oconee Dentistry | Personalized & Comfortable | 1

Go Green

GET OUT THERE WITH THESE ECO-TOURISM TIPS

A study conducted by the University of Adelaide recently found that orthodontic care has no direct impact on a person’s long- term dental health. In other words, just because you had braces or some other form of orthodontic treatment does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene or regular checkups and still avoid tooth decay. Braces may leave your smile looking picturesque, but the fight for healthy teeth is fought daily. Here are a few tips for practicing proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim the brush at an angle to reach the area where the teeth and gums connect. Brush with short, back-and-forth strokes across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brushes with soft bristles that can get between your molars are ideal. You should try to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Store your toothbrush in a dry place where it can remain upright until your next use. When you floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around each of your middle fingers. Pinch the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs. Run the floss back and forth and up and down between two teeth at a time, being gentle around your gums. Use a different part of the floss every couple of teeth to avoid spreading bacteria. Vacations can come with great expense, and not just for your bank account. According to a 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change, travel accounts for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cut through the greenwashing and do your part to lessen these emissions by traveling sustainably. TRAVEL GREEN When possible, trains, hybrid buses, and carpooling are great alternatives to larger, more environmentally intrusive travel methods. Large cruise liners are detrimental to oceans, and airplanes emit large amounts of toxins into the air. However, you can cruise and fly with the earth in mind. Some cruise lines are working to reduce their impact by installing more eco-friendly lighting and materials, and flight experts recommend using “green” airports, choosing fuel- efficient airlines, staying longer, and traveling less. If anything, it’s an excuse to extend your European vacation! STAY GREEN Where you stay impacts the environment as much as how you get there. Hotels use copious amounts of water for bathing and laundry, and they struggle to reduce energy because guests leave their lights and televisions on. However, many luxury resorts, woodsy cabins, and even entire countries have opted to make eco-tourism easier. If you’re looking for a region of the world

committed to preserving nature, look no further than Iceland, Finland, and Sweden, which are ranked the three most environmentally friendly places in the world.

DO GREEN Man-made attractions like the Egyptian

pyramids and Machu Picchu are some of the world’s greatest wonders, but Earth itself is pretty breathtaking. Check out natural attractions while hiking or camping in preserved forests, or soak up all the Caribbean has to offer by snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. When you’re mindful of your surroundings and remain unobtrusive, there are endless outdoor activities you can explore. Some locations even partner with environmentally conscious organizations you can donate to or volunteer with.

Opt for a green vacation and know that while you relax, the earth is getting a little relief too.

BRUSHING UP ON DENTAL CARE Tips for Better Oral Hygiene

In addition to proper brushing and flossing techniques, there are other ways you can protect your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your plaque-fighting arsenal can remove more hard-to-reach bacteria. You should also try to avoid snacking (without brushing after) before going to bed since this will give bacteria time to feed and multiply overnight. Avoid all tobacco products and, of course, remember to schedule a dental cleaning and exam twice a year.

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THE BEST WAY TO STAY ACTIVE IN RETIREMENT Clubs: Not Just for High School

While it’s great not having your nose to the grindstone nine-to-five, leaving work also means leaving behind a lot of daily activities and social interaction. Eventually, having nothing but free time goes from relaxing to isolating, and that can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. When planning for retirement, it’s important to plan ways to stay active and engaged. Joining a new organization or club can be a huge benefit. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay active in retirement.

check out your local homeowners association. There are plenty of ways to engage with like- minded people while making a difference.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

ENJOY YOUR HOBBIES

Don’t know where to start when looking for a group to join? Start online! Try searching “groups for retirees” and see what comes

Did you spend years dreaming about hitting the golf course every day? While it can be nice to spend some time alone on the green, consider joining a golfers club if you want to mix things up. Enjoy scrapbooking? Check for get-togethers at the craft shop. If you’ve always wanted to try pottery, look for a class at the rec center. It’s easy to find groups dedicated to just about any activity.

up. You might discover a travel group and start planning your trip to Asia. Or maybe you’ll have more fun mentoring young people in your professional field. Don’t be afraid to spend your retirement doing something new! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your alone time, but don’t let your alone time turn into a lonely retirement. Joining a group can help you broaden your social circle, stay active, and maybe even learn something new about yourself.

GET INVOLVED

Think of the causes you’re passionate about and get involved! Animal shelters and soup kitchens are always looking for volunteer help. Book lovers of all ages can join their local Friends of Libraries chapter. To make a difference through politics, help with fundraisers or join an active campaign. If you want to stay closer to home,

TAKE A BREAK

CHIPOTLE BLACK BEAN BURGERS

Ingredients • 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed • 1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped • 3 cloves garlic • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce • 2 teaspoons cumin

• 1 pinch salt • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 handful fresh cilantro • 1 teaspoon Sriracha • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 1. Place half the black beans, onion, and garlic in your food processor. Blend for 20–30 seconds until combined. Add chipotle, cumin, salt, cornstarch, cilantro, and Sriracha. Blend for another 10–20 seconds. 2. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in oats and remaining black beans. 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Form mixture into patties and carefully transfer to skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until bottom is browned and set. Very carefully flip and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes until opposite side is browned and set as well. 4. Serve immediately, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Lake Oconee Dentistry | Personalized & Comfortable | 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1011 Parkside Main | Greensboro, GA 30642 If you have any questions, call us at 706-453-1333 www.LakeOconeeDental.com

We’re located at 1011 Parkside Main between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater.

Inside

Dr. David’s New Role page 1 How to Travel Sustainably page 2 Better Brushing, Flossing, and More page 2

Which Club is Right for You? page 3 Chipotle Black Bean Burgers page 3 Beginning a Barre Routine page 4

BARRE-ING IT ALL Burn Fat With This Ballet Workout

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a ballerina, barre might be the perfect workout for you. With classes and studios popping up across the country, barre is trending. You don’t need the grace of a dancer to get the most out of this ballet-inspired workout.

are pregnant, people with arthritis, and those just dipping their toes into the world of fitness. The injury risk with barre is low, and those who struggle with balance will see an improvement. Additionally,

most moves within a barre routine involve progressions, so if a position becomes too strenuous, students can scale back to a lower progression. WHAT’S THE DOWNSIDE? Despite barre’s ability to tone and shape with precision, there are some limits. Those looking to lose weight will not find the results they crave from barre. Likewise, if you are living with diabetes or other chronic conditions where cardiovascular workouts are ideal, barre isn’t the best choice. However, like most fitness routines, barre is a great workout to weave into your regimen. For example, rather than relying on it for weight loss, use it to boost your stability and strength for other workouts.

WHAT IS IT? Derived from ballet, barre focuses on flexibility, strength, and toning. Students learn common ballet poses and do low-impact movements that burn fat and strengthen the smaller muscles that are often missed in strength training and cardio routines. Routines can range from using weights to relying solely on the body, while adaptations in barre can be more complex. For example, barre high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combines the muscle-sculpting capabilities of barre with the calorie-torching efforts of HIIT.

WHO SHOULD DO IT? Anyone can incorporate a barre routine into their fitness regimen. However, there are some demographics that can benefit most from a barre-style workout. Because barre involves low-impact moves, it’s great for women who

The beauty of a barre workout is that it’s flexible. Find a routine and style that is best for you and be prepared for how amazing your muscles will feel. (Once the burn fades away, of course.)

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