Advanced + Family Dentistry - July 2019

REPORT THE WELLNESS

July 2019

770-932-4240

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www.DaculaDentist.com

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A Dozen Summers With just a few more weeks before the school year starts back up, I thought I’d share a bit about my family’s summer and a couple of hopes for yours. It seems like just the other day we were anxiously getting ready for our oldest daughter to go off to school for the first time, and now we’re finding ourselves with soon-to-be fourth grade, second grade, pre-K, and preschool students. As I look back on the all the fun, excitement, and time together we had this summer, I keep thinking of the fact that, once school starts, we really only get 12 summers before graduation. As any parent knows, the days can sometimes be long, but the years are certainly short (and sweet, for sure).

With our youngest daughter, Georgia, just turning 2, we found ourselves getting to watch the wonder of a “first time at the beach” one more time. For our son Finn, this summer brought with it the “first time jumping off the diving board” and all the pride that came with it. Unfortunately, catching that first fish has still eluded Teddy and Eloise, but I’m confident that the worm may turn these last few weeks!

As we wrap up the last weeks of summer, I’m hoping you made as many memories with your family, friends, and loved ones as possible. It is definitely all those little moments together that make up the big picture. As for me and my family, we really enjoyed plenty of time together, swimming, staying up way past bedtime to finishing watching “Cars” for the umpteenth time, and eating more ice cream than a dentist should ever admit to! –Dr. Eric Jones

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Even though road trips offer you a break from the monotony of your office, the stiffness in your muscles and joints that comes from sitting in one position for too long can follow you onto the road if you’re not careful. Whether in front of a laptop or behind the wheel, taking the opportunity to stretch and exercise on your summer road trip is a great way to prevent the soreness from following you back to the office. Here are a few stretches to keep in mind for the next rest stop. LIMBERING UP FOR YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP

For the Hips

While you’re driving, a good way to prevent sore hips is by making sure your knees are slightly elevated above them in your seat. Once you have the opportunity to stop, try doing some hip flexors. Kneel on one knee, slowly push your pelvis forward, squeeze your shoulders back, and open your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat while kneeling on the other knee.

For the Neck

For the Legs

Reach your left arm over the top of your head and touch your right ear. Then, gently pull your head to the left and hold it there for 15 seconds. Repeat this process with your right arm.

To stretch out your hamstrings, place your right heel on a small step. Extend your arms upward, and then lean your upper body forward. You’ll feel a pull in the back of your upper leg. Once you’ve done this for about 15–30 seconds, repeat the process with your left heel. The road may be long, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it in your muscles. If you stop every couple of hours and take some time to limber up, your body will thank you.

For the Chest

Stand in front of a door frame with one hand pressed on either side and your elbows at 90-degree angles, then lean forward. This will cause your chest muscles to open up. Hold this position for 15 seconds. You can do a similar stretch by bending downward while keeping your hands on your car door in front of you, stretching your entire upper body.

WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING

“I needed a filling done, and after a lot of research, I decided to give this practice a try. I suffer from anxiety and have a phobia of needles, so needless to say, I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to the appointment. Dr. Patel took his time with me, and his assistant was very kind. She even held my hand while he administered the shot. Dr. Patel was so gentle that I didn’t even feel the shot! I couldn’t believe it, but it was painless, and I was super happy! I will definitely go back if I have any work that needs to be done in the future! Thank you, Dr. Patel!” –GRACE S.

“Great experience. They took over Barry Hatcher’s practice in Hog Mountain. Staff is excellent, and Dr. Patel is a local young man from here in Gwinnett County. Office has been updated, looks great, and they have the latest and greatest in equipment. Hats off to this outfit.” –MARK F.

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The Effects of Sugar on Teeth

AND IMPROVING YOUR ENAMEL

Everyone knows that an excessive amount of sugar isn’t healthy, but many are unaware why sugar is bad for teeth. It might surprise you to know that sugar itself isn’t what hurts your teeth; it’s what happens after you consume it. The Battle of the Mouth Our mouths are filled with bacteria, but don’t be alarmed because most of them are helpful rather than harmful. However, these helpful bacteria are at constant odds with those looking to destroy your enamel. Harmful oral bacteria feed on sugars, and when they do, they produce acid, which strips healthy minerals from your tooth enamel. This process is known as demineralization. Demineralization is continuously butting heads against another process called remineralization, which replaces destroyed minerals and strengthens the teeth. When someone eats a large quantity of sugars or starches, demineralization can happen more quickly and more often, and remineralization can’t keep up. Cavities The constant destruction of the enamel by these acids creates a bacterial infection, which can eat away at your tooth until there is a hole, aka a cavity. Cavities can be treated in many

ways depending on their severity. If it has just started, using fluoride treatments can increase remineralization and build up enamel again. Another option is to receive a filling, which is a common treatment

that fills the hole with various materials, such as porcelain or tooth-colored resins. When the cavity isn’t treated, it burrows deeper into the tooth, causing pain and tooth loss. Improving Remineralization Making sure your teeth are exposed to constant minerals is the best method to strengthen your enamel. In addition to using fluoride rinses and toothpastes, keep an eye on your diet. Avoiding sugary foods and consume fruits and vegetables with high fibers, cheeses and yogurts with calcium and phosphates, and black and green teas to repress harmful bacteria are all ways to improve remineralization.

SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES

SUDOKU

WATERMELON CUCUMBER SKEWERS

Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, light, and fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves • Salt, to taste Equipment: • 1 packet of bamboo skewers

• 1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed • 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds • 1 block feta cheese, cubed

Directions

1. Assemble skewers by placing one watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full. 2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.

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A Dozen Summers PAGE 1 4 Stretches for Staying Limber on the Road What Our Patients Are Saying PAGE 2 Sugars Turned Acid Watermelon Cucumber Skewers PAGE 3 Avoid the Summer Heat Somewhere Cool PAGE 4

Relax in These Cool Destinations This Summer CHILL OUT

As the scorching summer sun beats down, it’s hard to remember that just six months ago you were shivering through the winter, whether that meant a chilly 50 degrees F or bitter subzero temperatures. But if cooler temps sound like paradise, and a dip in the pool is no longer keeping you cool, it might be time to take a vacation somewhere chilly. Check out these three destinations to avoid the summer heat. Alaska No place says chilly quite like Alaska. Trips to Alaska can be expensive during this time of year, but when you step into that crisp air with a cool mountainous view, you’ll understand why it’s a popular summer voyage. Travelers can choose to fly or take a cruise ship, and many cities feature tourism-packed excursions. A few notable locations include Anchorage, the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and Denali National Park and Preserve. Iceland Just as its name suggests, Iceland can be the perfect destination for travelers yearning to get away from the

unbearable summer heat. With temperatures rarely exceeding 60 degrees F — the average high for the country — packing is easy for this relaxing vacation. Take a relaxing dip in one of the country’s many hot springs or enjoy tremendous views of the fjords. Even better, you can tour the country at any time because it’s sunny almost 24 hours a day. What could be better than a midnight hike around the fourth happiest country in the world? Norway Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to give up your skiing hobby! Venture off to Norway and experience some of their most popular summer ski resorts. After a day or two shredding the slopes, experience the popular Norwegian Opera and Ballet in Oslo or choose between numerous outdoor and indoor exhibitions. Best of all, you won’t even break a sweat, as the average temperature in Norway’s hottest month barely hits 70 degrees F. Bordering Sweden and northern Finland, Norway can even be the beginning to a cool European tour this summer.

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