Premier Dental - March 2020

Premier Dental - March 2020

PREMIER DENTAL N EWS L E T T E R

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The Consequences of Avoiding Dental Treatment AVOIDING THE DENTIST?

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We all have a tendency to procrastinate, especially when we think something is going to be unpleasant or don’t know what to expect. Most of the time, this is harmless, but when it comes to procrastinating dental work, you can face dire consequences in terms of pain, suffering, and costs. The positive side of this is when you do learn to avoid procrastinating your dental care, you will find these seemingly scary issues have relatively easy, pain-free solutions. I wanted to share with you the common conditions people avoid treatment for, and if this sounds familiar, call us right away! We’ll help you find relief. If you don’t see your pain or issues on this list, still give us a call. We can help you find a solution. The most common dental problempatients ignore is losing a filling or needing a cavity filled . The danger with procrastinating this is that once a cavity takes hold, it’s only a matter of time before the cavity spreads and enters the nerve chamber of the tooth. This is when you often feel pain, and by then, what was once a simple cavity has now graduated to a root canal and crown, which is more expensive and can be more painful. Other times, youmight delay getting a crown on the tooth after the root canal. After all, the pain and infection are gone, and you can chew normally again. Life is good! Well, except for the fact that the tooth is not strong enough to withstand normal chewing for long and ends up fracturing, often happening in a manner that cannot be saved. Instead of having a strong tooth to chewwith, the tooth has to be extracted. (Many people who need a crown on a large filling delay this treatment for the very same reasons!) Of course, you might also delay replacing a tooth with a bridge, implant, or denture after an extraction because you’re chewing fine. The gap may feel strange, but you might get used to it and think it’s not necessary to address. But your teeth are fickle! They can move, crack, and affect your ability to chew properly.

Some will avoid treatment for an infection, despite all the signs that they need help. There’s a strange taste in your mouth. You feel some swelling, an occasional headache or earache, and

throbbing and pain when you chew, but this may come and go. You may think you can nurse it through and that it can’t

be that bad. But that swelling, pain, and damage will continue to increase, and the infection could become life-threatening and immensely painful. And don’t forget about your gums! Those who need extra gum treatment may notice a funny taste and smell, bleeding gums, and sensitivity. Others may not feel anything at all and only hear lectures from their dentist. It may seem easy to put off, but the infection can slowly dissolve your jaw bone and loosen your teeth. The bacteria in the infected areas will travel through your bloodstream and affect other areas of your body, including your brain and other organs. Your gums play a more vital role in your health than you may realize! Finally, some will delay a nightguard when they have a grinding issue (bruxism). It may feel like no big deal. A little crack here, a little crack there —maybe your teeth are getting a little worn, but they still function. But you get headaches, your muscles are tight in the morning, and your jaw joint (TMJ) feels sore. Bruxism creeps up on you, and over time, it can do a lot of damage to your joints and your teeth.

HYGIENIST

CHARLENE PRACTICE MANAGER PETER

Don’t just live with pain and abnormalities. We would love to help you find relief and feel better about your smile. Give us a call today.

—Hema Gopal, DMD

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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YOUR GUIDE TO SPRING- GREENING

3 Eco-Friendly Home Swaps to Make When You Declutter

It takes a special kind of person to enjoy spring-cleaning. For most of us, the satisfaction of a clean house doesn’t quite outweigh the hours of scrubbing, sorting, and slogging through heaps of unnecessary stuff. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to start your spring-cleaning, try flipping the paradigm: Instead of spring-cleaning, think of what you’re doing as spring -greening, andmake some eco-friendly swaps along the way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Swap your plastic spray bottles for bulk or DIY cleaning products. According to a Statista report, in 2019, the household cleaners market was worth more than $31 billion, and it’s continuously growing. You can save money on cleaning supplies by taking the green route. When your current stock runs out, try buying bulk cleaners or making your own. Both options will save plastic because you can reuse your bottles, and they can help you avoid the harmful chemicals found in most cleaners. Visit UnderATinRoof.com and read the blog post “Zero Waste Cleaning Supplies + Recipes” to get started. 2. Explore alternative laundry detergents. If you’re used to using a plastic jug of liquid laundry detergent, it’s time to step out of your comfort zone. This spring, try exploring greener alternatives like plant-based bulk laundry powder (Molly’s Suds is an excellent source). Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try adding all-natural cleaners like soap nuts or English ivy to your laundry loads. For more on the former, search “soap nuts” on 1MillionWomen.com, and read up on ivy detergent at Permacrafters.com/English-Ivy-Laundry-Detergent.

On March 8, 1971, all eyes were on the world of boxing as people watched what would become known as“The Fight of the Century.”It was one of the most anticipatedmatchups the sport had ever arranged: Current heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali were finally facing off, the first time two undefeated boxers would fight each other for the heavyweight title. Spectators were hungry for a battle. Both fighters held rightful claims to the title of world heavyweight champion. Ali won it in 1964 and successfully defended it for several years, but he was stripped of the title during a legal battle over his induction into the U.S. armed forces. In his absence from the sport, Frazier earned two championship belts through major knockout fights. But when Ali settled his court case and came to reclaim his title, Frazier wasn’t ready to give it up easily. Ringside seats for the fight sold for today’s equivalent of over $1,000. Millions watched the broadcast in over 50 countries around the world, and Madison Square Garden sold out to a crowd of 20,455 spectators. The fighters possessed polar opposite tactics, backgrounds, and social impacts, but when it came to skill, they were evenly matched. The fight captivated the nation. As Sports Illustrated put it at the time, “The thrust of this fight on the public consciousness is incalculable. It has been a ceaseless whir that seems to have grown in decibel with each new soliloquy by Ali, with each dead calm promise by Frazier.” THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY HOW A BATTLE OF BOXERS CAPTIVATED THE WORLD The fight exceeded all expectations with a fully engrossing 15 rounds. For the first quarter of the match, it seemed Ali would best his opponent, but Frazier came back with fury. Even though Ali continued to rise to his feet round after round, Frazier emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, dealing Ali his first professional loss ever. The landmark event highlighted an unforgettable night of skillful prowess like the world had never seen. Even though the title fight was only the beginning of the rivalry between the two boxers, the matchup rightfully took its place as one of the greatest fights in the history of the sport.

3. Say goodbye to paper towels. Paper towels are a mainstay in American homes, but do we really need them

when a good old-fashioned rag can do the job? According to the Ocean Conservancy, 13 billion pounds of paper towels are tossed in the U.S. each year! This spring, quit paper towels and keep a stash of dish rags under the sink to do your dirty work. When you’re cleaning out your closet, you can even cut up old T-shirts and add them to your rag stash! If you’re brave, try giving up tissues, too — an old- school hanky does the trick.

If you’ve made all three of these swaps, don’t stop there! To continue your green journey, visit any of the blogs mentioned above

and start browsing.

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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GIVING BACK TO LOCAL COMPANIES On National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, which is huge for small businesses everywhere. Mom-and-pop businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy; Small Business Trends reports that mom-and-pop businesses account for 64% of gross domestic product (GDP) and generate 78% of all new jobs. Furthermore, no matter what turns the economy takes, small-business owners are less likely to lay off their employees than big corporations. Mom-and-pop businesses support all communities, and you can support them by celebrating this unofficial holiday! Shopping locally has a massive impact on your community. Local businesses return three times the amount of money to the local economy than larger corporations do. With that big of a returned investment, your community can support even more small businesses that generate a wealth of jobs and keep the cycle going. In addition to the economic boost, products from small businesses are usually higher quality, which makes them a better value for your dollar. Take this day to shop for birthday and holiday gifts for your loved ones that will bring them great joy and last a lifetime. Give your local economy a boost!

on Facebook or take a picture for Instagram, be sure to tag the business and use relevant hashtags so your friends, family, and everyone else in your community can shop there, too. Writing reviews on Google Reviews and Yelp helps establish validity for the company. When another potential customer looks for reviews, they know they’re getting quality products and services from a well-established pillar of the community. The local businesses that are active on social media may post deals and sales for that day only, so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to follow all your favorite businesses!

Get social and spread the word!

While small businesses utilize every form of marketing available, social media is essential for their success and growth. After shopping at your favorite mom-and- pop business, share that experience on your social media! When you write a post

PESTO CHICKEN WITH BLISTERED TOMATOES

TAKE A BREAK

Inspired by CookingLight.com

Ingredients

Directions

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2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1-inch thickness Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 6 tbsp spinach pesto 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 1 tsp red wine vinegar

1.

In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to pan. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, then remove pan fromheat. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Spread pesto over chicken and top with pankomixture. Broil chicken for 2 minutes on high heat until browned. In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat.

2.

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3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Add tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Season tomatomixture with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar.

Solution on Page 4

10. Serve tomatoes with broiled chicken.

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Cost of Avoiding the Dentist!

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Boxing’s Greatest Battle 3 Eco-Friendly Home Swaps to Make During Spring-Cleaning Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes March Madness Fun for the Whole Family

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WHOSE PICKS WILL GO ALL THE WAY? March Madness Fun for the Whole Family

One of the greatest things about March Madness is that you don’t have to be a

Madness matchup into a little party. It doesn’t have to be fancy; make fun snacks to eat while you watch or bet pieces of candy on who will have the most points to create great family bonding opportunities. Reward the winners with prizes. Offer prizes to each round winner as well as the overall bracket winner to get the whole family involved. Small prize ideas for each round can include a homemade dinner of the winner’s choice, a week’s supply of their favorite snack, or a coupon for getting out of a chore. Whoever wins the whole tournament (or makes it the furthest with their bracket) deserves a bigger reward. Offer them the chance to see a movie of their choice in theaters or to eat a meal at their favorite restaurant. Create a learning opportunity. Learning math or geography might not sound like your child’s idea of fun, but it can be when they learn it through the lens of March Madness. See if your kids would be interested in understanding the inner workings of the ranking system or studying where some of the qualifying colleges are located on a map of the United States. They may find it so interesting that they don’t even realize they’re learning valuable skills.

huge college basketball fan to get in on the fun. Kids of all ages can fill out brackets — or have a parent

fill one out for them — and watch their picks duke it out on the court. While healthy competition among family members can be fun all on its own, check out the following tips if you’re

looking to go the extra mile and reap as much fun from March Madness as you can.

Turn each game into an event. Not every kid may like watching basketball, but if they fill out a

bracket, then they might gain at least a passing interest in who will win each game. To elevate their interest, turn each March

DR. HEMA GOPAL: 20+ YEARS IN PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

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