Fairview Dental - February 2021

Fairview Dental - February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

SOMETHING to SMILE ABOUT

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Using Dental Tech to Give You Back Your Bite and Smile What I Love Most About My Job

If I had to pick a favorite part of my day-to-day work routine, it would be getting to use the high-tech dental equipment that we have at the office. We use the equipment to help patients feel better about their smiles so they can leave our office better than when they came in. I think most guys are kind of tech geeks at heart, whether it shows most when they’re working on a car or a computer. As for me, I geek out every time I get some sort of new dental technology, especially when it helps patients regain functionality of their bite or get their smile back. Using new dental technologies to help my patients might be my favorite part of the job because it prevents the most stressful part of my job from happening: not being able to get enough information about their problem to put together a solution. (There’s nothing I dislike more than not being able to offer my patients a solution to their discomfort or pain.) Fortunately, the more new technologies I have at the office, the less that scenario happens. One machine that’s been particularly helpful is called a CT machine. Without getting too much into the details, it basically creates 3D X-ray models. With it, I’ve been able to find causes of pain and discomfort that were otherwise undetectable. As fascinating as all the tech is to me, though, it’s the results that it brings that really make my work enjoyable and fulfilling. When I know that I’ve helped someone regain control of their bite or a sense of confidence about their smile, there’s nothing else that I would rather be doing with my life. As an example, I had a gentleman come into my office last year. He was missing four back teeth, most of them molars. Because he was missing the teeth that you would normally use for chewing, he had started using his front teeth to chew. Since front teeth aren’t built for chewing, those teeth were starting to deteriorate. He came into our office thinking we would pull all of his teeth and give him dentures or something like that. But, after looking at his bite with the CT machine, I was able to plan out a surgery that would allow him to keep his front teeth while we replaced his back teeth. The surgery went as planned, and every time I’ve seen that patient since, he’s told me how happy he is to have kept all of his teeth.

Examples of fixing someone’s teeth that extensively are admittedly not very common. I deal with cases of that caliber maybe once or twice a month. However, the fact that I get to work with patients in that capacity at all is incredible. Many times, instead of repairing someone’s bite, I’m restoring their smile. The difference is that while repairing someone’s bite might mean making their teeth more functional, restoring someone’s smile means giving them the confidence to show their teeth in public again. If you’ve ever been embarrassed about your smile, you know how hard that is. Getting your smile back is like regaining your confidence. While Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and it’s a day for celebrating the person you love, why not take a day to reflect on the aspects of your work that you love as well? Knowing there are parts of my work that I won’t stop enjoying makes me excited to go into the office every day.

–Dr. Russell Powell

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3 Ways to Get Kids Excited ABOUT BRUSHING THEIR TEETH Good dental hygiene starts at a young age. As parents know, it can be challenging at times to motivate kids to keep their teeth clean. What can you do if your kids simply aren’t interested in brushing, flossing, or rinsing? How can you instill these habits and get the ball rolling? It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month, we wanted to spotlight a few ways to get your kids excited (or, at least, motivated) to keep their teeth looking their best. Here are a few ideas to get you and your kids started. Make it a game. A rule of thumb is that you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Most of us, kids included, usually fall short of this. Here’s what you can do: Get a timer and set it for two minutes. Then get your brushes ready and go! Whoever brushes for the full two minutes gets two points. Anyone who stops brushing during that time only gets one point. Then at the end of the week or month, tally up the points. Whoever has the most wins! Kids go head-to-head against one another — or against the grown-ups. Throw in prizes for a little extra fun! Let your kids pick their toothbrushes. Fun toothbrushes are just that — fun! When shopping for a new brush, let the kids pick their own. They can choose from different colors or characters — just as long as it’s a soft-bristled brush. At the same time, let them pick their own toothpaste. This is something that often goes overlooked. Sometimes, mint can be overwhelming for younger kids, so a fruitier or milder flavor is a good way to encourage them to brush better.

Reward good habits. While we may be talking about practicing good oral care habits, this tip really applies to any good habits. They should be encouraged and rewarded. Much like the game, kids get points every time they brush. As they accumulate points, they can cash them in for prizes. Make up a schedule of prizes that they can choose from. Maybe for 10 points, they can get a small reward. If they save up 100 points, they get a much bigger prize. You can also add points for flossing and rinsing — and bonus points for brushing for the full two minutes.

Take Your Home Oral Care to the Next Level

Oral Care Subscription Box The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing your toothbrush every 3–4 months or as soon as the bristles start fraying. If that’s hard for you to remember, sign up for one of these three great services that will automatically ship dental products directly to your home. You’ll never go to the store to buy oral care products again! • Quip You buy the base toothbrush kit, then every three months, Quip sends you a new brush head, battery, and anything else you might need, including toothpaste. They even have Bluetooth toothbrushes! To sign up, visit GetQuip.com . • Toothbrush Hub This subscription service allows you to choose which products you want to be shipped to your home and how frequently you want them delivered. Whether you want an old-fashioned manual brush or a new electric toothbrush head sent every three months, you can get it. Either way, Toothbrush Hub helps ensure you’re changing your brush at optimal intervals. Learn more at ToothbrushHub.com . • Boka You can get everything from toothpaste to flossers on this site. Like Quip and Toothbrush Hub, Boka lets you customize your order and find the dental products that are right for your mouth and your budget! Check it out at Boka.com . WITH THESE 3 DENTAL PRODUCTS

Home oral care is more advanced now than ever! New products and services are coming on the market all the time. Here are three you can

use this year to step up your game and impress the dentist on your next visit to the office.

Handheld Water Flosser If you’re not flossing with string floss regularly, this can be a great way to ease into the habit. And for those with limited mobility in their hands or arms, a handheld water flosser is a great substitute for its more cumbersome counterpart. While water flossers are not a perfect alternative to string floss, they will help to clean between your teeth and around your gums and can be a good addition to your daily oral care routine. Bluetooth Toothbrush It may sound weird, but Bluetooth toothbrushes are gaining popularity. This new tooth technology connects to your smartphone to help you track your brushing and improve your technique. If you want to maximize your brushing time and minimize plaque, this is essential.

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Chew on This

Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese

THE INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF GUM

You may have heard that chewing sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth, but did you know the benefits go beyond freshening your breath and cleaning your teeth? If you choose the right kind, find the right time, and have the right mindset, that little stick of gum can go a long way. Clean Your Teeth As long as it’s sugarless, chewing gum can be good for your teeth. But getting the most out of it is really all about timing. Pop a piece of sugarless gum into your mouth immediately after eating and chew for at least 20 minutes. You’ll help protect your teeth by removing food debris and increasing your saliva flow. More saliva can strengthen your tooth enamel because it has phosphates and calcium. Slim Your Waistline Chewing gum may only burn 11 calories per hour, but if you chew it over the course of a few hours a day, those numbers can add up. Some studies have shown that chewing gum can also help curb food cravings, which may help you make better eating decisions. One study done by the University of Liverpool found that gum chewers ate 36 fewer calories than those who did not chew gum. Again, that might not sound like a lot, but it adds up. Improve Your Memory The act of chewing gum increases blood flow to your brain. This has many positive effects, but an outstanding one is its effect on your memory. In some cases, chewing a stick of gum can lead to a 35% increase in short-term memory. And if you’re struggling to stay awake, some studies suggest that chewing mint gum can help you stay more alert. Fight Your Nausea Sugarless mint or ginger gum can help soothe an upset stomach because those two herbs are natural remedies for nausea. If you suffer from heartburn, chewing gum can also lower the acid levels in your esophagus and help reduce reflux.

Inspired by JustATaste.com

Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 2 tsp sugar • 3 medium zucchini • Parmesan cheese, for garnish

• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1 tbsp garlic, minced • 1/2 cup onions, diced small • 1 lb ground turkey • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Directions

5. Using a spiralizer, mandolin, or vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into noodles. 6. In another large sauté pan over medium-low heat, add remaining olive oil and zucchini noodles, tossing constantly for 2 minutes until slightly wilted. 7. Plate the zucchini noodles, top with the turkey Bolognese, and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

1. In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. 2. Add garlic and onions and stir constantly until garlic is golden and onions are translucent. 3. Increase heat to medium and

add ground turkey, break apart, and cook thoroughly.

4. Add crushed tomatoes,

tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally.

Take a Break

Who knew gum was such a wonder food? The next time you’re craving dessert, reach for a stick of gum instead, and thank yourself later.

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Inside

This Issue

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What I Love Most About My Job

Getting Kids Excited About Brushing Their Teeth (Is it Possible?) 3 Dental Products Every Home Needs in 2021! Can We Call Gum a Superfood? Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese Improve Your Day With This Simple Life Hack

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THE CALENDAR OF ‘THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO’ A Simple Way to Improve Your Day!

In a post on Facebook, she wrote, “I wanted something for me and my kids to look forward to each day, so I posted a list to my fridge of the days of the week and one fun thing each day. (Like Taco Tuesday, Takeout Thursday, Dance Party Friday, Movie & Popcorn Sunday.)” It’s an idea anyone can easily implement. Create themed days (like game night or park day) or create a schedule of fun things. Write down when the next show or movie you’re interested in will be available to stream. You can do the same for a new book or video game that may be coming out and apply the concept to virtually anything. The important thing is that you write it down on a calendar so you can see it. When you or your family glance at the calendar and see what’s coming up, it elevates your mood and

Many families have faced disappointment in one way or another. Since early last year, countless activities and events have been canceled, and people had to skip many family vacations and get-togethers. Though it is a new year, it’s still going to be a while before normal activities and events will be scheduled, meaning there might not be a whole lot to look forward to, which can be disheartening. So, why not change that and give yourself and your family something to look forward to? A great way to improve your day — or week, month, or even year — is to write down things you’re excited about. In an article on Lifehacker.com, one mom talked about how she improved the overall mood of her family by creating a calendar of things to look forward to every week.

boosts your day. And the more things you’re looking forward to, the better!

Give it a try and get everyone in the family involved. When you need a little extra joy in your life, this is an incredibly simple way to achieve it!

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