Premier Dental - December 2021

Premier Dental - December 2021

PREMIER DENTAL N EWS L E T T E R

EDITION 34

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Recently, I read a book called “Lessons From Madame Chic,” by Jennifer L. Scott. This book was an accidental discovery, but I found it to be well written, easy to read, and inspiring. It is geared mainly toward women, but in its pages are lessons for everyone, especially as we experience shorter days and longer nights. The book centers around Jennifer’s experiences as an exchange student in Paris during her final year of high school in 2001. She lived with a host family that she calls “Famille Chic” in the book. Her boyfriend applied for the same program, and he also lived with a host family that she calls “Famille Bohemienne.” Through her close connection with these two families, their friends, and her general observations about Parisian life, Jennifer’s eyes opened to something fundamentally different about their approach to everyday living. We tend to think of the French as wealthy, mainly because we see their clothes, food, and perfume as expensive. But the average Parisian has far less than the average American does, yet still manages to live well. Jennifer noticed that French people live simple lives and don’t have many material possessions, but they surround themselves with beauty. They often bring passion and enthusiasm to their everyday experiences. The French lifestyle seems to be about simplicity and quality over quantity. Here are a few examples from Jennifer’s book. (Granted, I know some of these ideals may have changed and been adapted over the years, but these approaches appear to be ingrained in French culture.) • Clothing: Most French people don’t have a lot of clothes, but what they do have is quality-made. The French only wear clothes that make them look good. • Food: They like good food, but they do not snack between meals. Instead, French people wait for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with anticipation, and they thoroughly enjoy the meal when it’s ready. This often includes full-course meals with dessert, butter, cheese, and cream. Nothing is artificial, and it’s full-fat. Their portions would also be considered moderate by our standards. Living Well Every Day LIVE LIKE THE FRENCH

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• Homes: Their living spaces are small, but they furnish these spaces gorgeously and eliminate clutter. Having clutter means you have too much. • Social Life: French people rarely pay for entertainment but find ways to enjoy their lives

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every day. A party with friends, a glass of wine while listening to music, or a brisk walk around the neighborhood are a few examples of commonly practiced forms of French entertainment. • Wellness: The French — namely Parisians — usually don’t go to the gym, but they are physically active throughout the day, conducting most of their errands by walking. Most of their buildings do not have elevators, so everyone walks up steps regularly! As a result, most French people are physically fit. My Thoughts Many of the things the French do are not realistic for Americans; our lifestyles are very different. Yet, the principles of simplicity and beauty are great ideals to aspire to. This book inspired me to look for the beauty in my life and to take joy from even the smallest events and simplest pleasures. It made me think about how I could find pleasure in simple things. I urge you to think about it, too. So much of life has been negative lately, but enjoying simple pleasures is about mindfulness. When was the last time you sat quietly and just enjoyed some terrific music? Or, when did you last really pay attention to a meal? Have you savored every taste and flavor and thoroughly enjoyed eating, rather than being on autopilot? As the new year approaches, as our days are shorter, and as we are more confined to our homes, consider ways that you can bring beauty, simplicity, and quality to your everyday life. In essence, let’s try to live a little more like the French do.

PATIENT COORDINATORS

MICHELE ROBERTA

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CATHLEEN

HYGIENISTS

CHARLENE JULIA

PRACTICE MANAGER

PETER

–Hema Gopal, DMD

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Think Before You Swish THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF MOUTHWASH There is nothing like gargling with mouthwash before starting the day — that fresh feeling is simply irreplaceable! Mouthwash is certainly a staple in many people’s oral routine, but does it really work? While it does not replace regular brushing and flossing, mouthwash has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Prevents Cavities and Decay Mouthwash is a pro at washing away bacteria that may lead to tooth decay. When bacteria is in your mouth, it thrives off of sugar that is left over on your teeth after a snack, then produces acid as a waste. That acid is what leads to cavities. Many mouthwashes contain fluoride to aid in remineralization of your teeth and enamel to keep them strong and healthy. Freshens Breath When food is left to fester in your mouth after a meal, a bacteria forms that does not smell too fresh. Mouthwash contains antimicrobials to give your breath the minty boost you need. Stops Plaque Buildup It can be tough to use a toothbrush to get the plaque out of every nook and cranny of your teeth. Luckily, mouthwash contains ingredients that are able to dissolve plaque with just a few swishes.

Dehydrating If your mouthwash contains alcohol to kill bacteria, it may also be drying out your mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, you may wish to try an alcohol-free oral rinse. Masks Bad Breath Mouthwash may take care of coffee breath, but for those who have chronic bad breath, it may be indicative of a larger problem elsewhere. Masking it with mouthwash seems like an easy fix, but it may deter you from getting to the root of the problem. May Lead to Irritation The alcohol contained in many mouthwashes may cause irritation to the tissues of your mouth, sensitive spots, or canker sores. While that burning feeling might make you believe the mouthwash is doing its job, it may be causing problems within your mouth. Most importantly, be sure to treat your oral rinse as the cherry on top of your oral care routine. It does not replace brushing your teeth and flossing, as it cannot remove plaque and particles completely. While mouthwash is not a substitute, it can work wonders for your oral health if used correctly. For all of your mouthwash or dental questions and concerns, contact your dental office today!

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DIY Holiday Eggnog

The drinks of choice for winter are usually warm and cozy — apple cider, hot chocolate, and wassail all have their place on the table. But no rule says you have to drink something hot when it’s snowy outside. In fact, a cold beverage might keep you warmer! A study from the Thermal Ergonomics Lab at the University of Ottawa found that when you drink something hot, it can cause you to sweat more and, as a result, will actually cool you off more than a cold drink! Crazy, right? Of course, you could probably reverse the heat loss by bundling up in a sweater so your sweat doesn’t evaporate. But if you’re in your warm, cozy home, why not go for a cold drink like a smoothie? You can even add some holiday cheer to your healthy(ish) treat with one of these five seasonal ingredients. 1. Peppermint — For a protein-rich smoothie that tastes like a candy cane, blitz together almond milk, yogurt, almond butter, mint leaves, ground cinnamon, and a few drops of peppermint extract. 2. Cinnamon — If you love chocolate chip cinnamon rolls, you need to try the smoothie version! Frozen bananas, coconut milk, vanilla yogurt, cacao powder (which is packed with antioxidants), vanilla extract, and cinnamon are the secrets to a healthy version of your favorite Christmas breakfast. 3. Cranberries — Cranberries are both festive and packed with vitamins and antioxidants that may help fight heart disease and cancer. To cash in on those benefits, whip up a smoothie with frozen cranberries, pear slices, goji berries, orange juice, coconut milk, and flax seeds. Smoothies Aren’t Just for Summer Anymore! 5 HOLIDAY INGREDIENTS TO TOSS INTO YOUR BLENDER

Inspired by TastesBetterFromScratch.com

Ingredients

• 6 egg yolks • 1/2 cup sugar • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 cups milk • 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1 pinch salt • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy! Take a Break

4. Ginger — What screams Christmas more than gingerbread? You can make a delicious smoothie version of the cookie with rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, vanilla extract, and molasses to reap the anti- inflammatory and nausea- fighting benefits of ginger. 5. Eggnog — Eggnog is far from a healthy drink, but it’s a holiday favorite! To enjoy it in a new way, blend it up with a scoop of vanilla protein powder and ice after your workout.

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Inside

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

This Issue

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Inspiration in ‘Lessons From Madame Chic’

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Think Before You Swish

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5 Key Ingredients for Delicious Holiday Smoothies DIY Holiday Eggnog

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Get the Most Out of Your Sleep

The Type of Sleep You Get Matters! How to Wake Up Refreshed

Are you getting enough shut-eye but still feeling groggy when you wake up? The type of sleep you get matters, and a sleep schedule can help ensure you’re cycling through all the stages of sleep your body needs. Sleep is broken up into four different stages. During the first stage, which only lasts about 5–10 minutes, your body is softly drifting off, and as your brain slows down, your breathing and heartbeat slow as well. When you transition to the second stage, you become less aware of your surroundings, your eye movements cease, and your body temperature drops. Moving into the third stage, your body will drift into a deep sleep, where you will not be awakened by small noises and your muscles are completely relaxed. In the fourth stage, your body is in a deep, restful state. In stages three and four, you’re getting REM sleep, which is when your body is in its deepest sleep, and your breathing, heart rate, and temperature all reach the lowest level. In these stages, your body is able to fight sickness, begin repairing itself, and commit information to memory. During REM sleep, which occurs about 90 minutes after your head hits the pillow, your body is completely relaxed, and you begin to dream.

of sleep about 4–5 times per night, and one cycle typically lasts about 90–110 minutes. Too much or too little REM or non-REM sleep can affect the quality of your sleep and how refreshed you feel. Quality sleep is important to make sure you are recharging your body, strengthening your mind and immune system, and prioritizing your health. If you never achieve deep sleep throughout the night, sleep deprivation sets in, and you won’t get the proper rest you need to recover. By setting a sleep schedule, you can make sure you are hitting the hay each night at a reasonable hour and allowing yourself to properly cycle through the

different stages of sleep. Be sure to clear your mind before tucking yourself into bed and make sure your bed is comfortable to promote the best possible sleep — your body counts on it!

Throughout the night, you will progress through these stages of sleep multiple times, but usually not in a perfect sequence. You will likely be in each stage

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE