Robinson Dental - June 2021

Robinson Dental - June 2021

Dental Digest WAYLAND •899 Reno Drive •Wayland, MI •49348 •269-509-4155

COOPERSVILLE •502 W. Randall St. •Coopersville, MI •49404•616-384-4129

JUNE 2021

Robinson Dental, My Second Family

MEET ERIN FOWLER, OUR BUSINESS TEAM LEADER AND TREATMENT COORDINATOR!

Hi, everyone! I’m Erin Fowler, the business team leader and treatment coordinator at Robinson Dental’s Wayland location. I started working at Robinson Dental over six years ago, and when I initially applied, I had no idea if this opportunity would happen. I’d never worked in the dental field before! At the time, I’d been working in early education as a teaching assistant, and even though I enjoyed it, I was a single mom with growing financial needs. Then I saw the Robinson entry level position open up, and I was immediately curious. Truth be told, I always loved going to the dentist, even as a kid. I loved the “polished clean” feel of my teeth, and in a way, it almost felt like going to a spa to feel refreshed instead of seeing a doctor. Although I was a little nervous about applying, my then-boyfriend (who is now my husband!) encouraged me to apply even without any dental field experience. When I came in for my interview, I was awestruck by the immensely friendly team and environment. It only took a few hours after my interview for me to get an email with a job offer. I was so thrilled!

Beth often says I “work magic” in this regard. I love investigating for other people, so the real magic, to me, is seeing people’s surprised faces when a seemingly impossible treatment becomes affordable for them. Or even people learning they’re insured by their employer, when they had no idea! My other responsibilities as a business team leader include helping our team communication and acting as a patient advocate in all business activities of the office. I learned everything I needed to know through Robinson Dental — and so much more! It’s very important to the office’s vision that all business staff know about dentistry logistics and treatment on a clinical level. I’ve really enjoyed that aspect of my work because I learned so many things I’d never heard of before, like the mouth-body connection: Our oral health can influence so much of our bodily health, and vice versa. Before he passed, my dad had diabetes, and they kept finding an infection but couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. The doctor asked, “Have you been to a dentist in a while?” And my father said, “I haven’t been to a dentist in years.” Looking back, my father had significant symptoms of periodontal disease, and it’s truly one of the silent killers. Bacteria from our gums or cavities can get into our bloodstream and affect diabetes, fertility, heart conditions, and much more. I see dentistry in a completely different way than I did as a kid. It makes me emotional to see patients smile for the first time in years, finally proud of their teeth after their treatment. Dr. Beth and Dr. Scott Robinson are truly doctors of the mouth and benefit not only patients’ oral health but also their overall well-being. Best of all, they do an amazing amount of charity work, from helping the Helen DeVos Hospital to working with veterans. Being married to a veteran, that’s always meant a lot to me. And with how kind and close-knit our team is, Robinson Dental has truly become a second family.

“I see dentistry in a completely different way than I did as a kid. It makes me emotional to see patients smile for the first time in years, finally proud of their teeth after their treatment.”

One thing I admire so much about the team at Robinson Dental is their ability to recognize people’s strengths and put them in unique, flexible positions that complement those strengths. Although I started at the same entry position as everyone else, it didn’t take too long before I realized that I loved the treatment coordinating aspect to being a dental office team member.

Thanks so much for reading and don’t be shy to say hello if you stop by our Wayland location!

–Erin Fowler

As a treatment coordinator, I work with a patient’s insurance and budget to organize a treatment plan that’s most beneficial and affordable for them. Dr.

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616-384-4129

Kale, Seaweed, and Other Not-So-New Superfoods

There’s nothing so trendy as a new superfood or diet, and the “in vogue” ones change constantly. Older readers may remember the Atkins diets and other fads of the early 2000s, but younger ones may not even remember a time before the paleo diet was a thing — and it’s already almost a thing of the past. Many things we associate with these trends, though, are anything but new. We see this most clearly with the grains we turn to in the name of health. Westerners generally wouldn’t be familiar with quinoa, amaranth, teff, or kamut if it weren’t for their presence in the hippest healthy-eating Instagram feeds. Many of these foods hail from Africa or the Far East, so it’s understandable we don’t know them all — but there’s nothing really new about them. People in the Americas and the Old World have eaten quinoa for 3,000–5,000 years. Teff, which is technically a grass seed, was one of the first domesticated plants, emerging thousands of years ago in what is now Ethiopia. Alternate sources of protein and fiber show a similar trend. Seaweed — the perennial favorite of Twitter dieters everywhere — has been consumed in China, Korea, and Japan since before recorded history. If you know anything about recorded history in those regions, then you know that’s a long time! And kale, whose reputation precedes itself, has been cultivated since at least 2,000 B.C. in Greece, Asia Minor, and other parts of the Mediterranean. So, the next time you dig into your favorite health food, take a moment to Google what you are eating. You might be part of a long line of human beings who have turned to that food for sustenance over the millennia!

Stop Gum Disease With Perio Therapy!

Your gums are just as important as your teeth when it comes to the overall health of your smile. Fortunately, there’s a solution for gum disease. Most perio therapy treatments are quick and painless and can work wonders to improve the look and feel of your gum line. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease affects half of all adults in the United States. Some of the most common symptoms of gum disease include: • Red or inflamed gums • Gum pain or sensitivity • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth • Receding gums • Loose teeth • Persistent bad breath

Gum disease starts off as gingivitis but can progress into periodontitis if not treated early. While gingivitis is reversible, periodontitis is not . Once your condition has deteriorated enough, you cannot cure your gum disease and must keep up with gum treatments for life in order to maintain healthy gums.

Luckily, perio therapy can help! At Robinson Dental, we offer a variety of

the tooth’s surface under these pockets to make it easier for the gums to re-adhere to the teeth. This keeps the pockets as shallow as possible so bacteria have less room to grow and thrive. More serious cases of gum disease might require laser therapy. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to keep your gums healthy today! Our team will talk to you about your options and recommend the treatment option that’s best for you.

treatment options to help you catch and treat gum disease early on. A procedure called scaling and root planing can help ease the damage caused by gum disease and make your gums look and feel healthier. During this procedure, our team will scrape plaque and bacteria out from the deep pockets that can form under your gums. We will then smooth out

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WORD SEARCH

TOP 5 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FOR A HEALTHY SMILE

Happy National Fruits and Veggies Month!

ADVENTURE CAMPING

HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC

PRIDE SANDALS SUNBURN SWIMMING

Will an apple a day keep the dentist away? Maybe so! Fruits and vegetables aren’t just important for your immune system and general health — they’re also important for your smile. Here’s a few of our favorites along with a few reasons why these fruits and vegetables will keep your smile bright. No. 1: Celery Celery is likely the closest thing we have to nature’s dental floss. The crunchy, fibrous texture is a very effective way to naturally clean your teeth. However, it’s also high in vitamin A and vitamin C, which can help you produce saliva and protect teeth from gum disease or loosening. Celery is also a healthy food for fighting unhealthy fats and refreshing your breath! (So, don’t ditch the celery after eating those spicy chicken wings!) No. 2: Carrots Many crunchy, firm vegetables are healthy for your teeth because they require plenty of chewing and often contain lots of water, which helps scrub away food particles and bacteria. While carrots don’t have as much water as celery or cucumbers, carrots are uniquely equipped as a great cavity-fighting vegetable. They contain a ton of vitamin C, calcium, and keratins, which all have dental benefits! No. 3: Spinach, Kale, and Lettuce Okay, there’s a bunch here! But these super healthy leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and a ton of important vitamins and minerals that’ll keep your teeth looking great. Even if you throw them into a sandwich, crunchy fresh greens definitely help keep your smile bright throughout the day. No. 4: Strawberries Did you know that strawberries are packed with vitamin C, which helps your body produce collagen? Not only is collagen important for healthy, youthful skin, but it’s also vital to maintaining the strength of your gums. A half cup of strawberries (just 4–6 berries) will give about 70% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. No. 5: Apples Eating apples or other fibrous fruits not only helps clean your teeth and increases salivation, but they also stimulate your gums, further reducing cavity- causing bacteria due to increased saliva flow.

FATHER GEMINI

Iced Green Tea, 2 Ways Inspired by 101Cookbooks.com

Nothing says summer like a glass of iced tea. Enjoy these two twists on a classic summer soother.

INGREDIENTS

• Ingredients • 2 tbsp loose-leaf green tea • 4 cups filtered water, divided Option 1: Rose and Coriander • 1 tbsp dried rose petals • 1 tbsp whole coriander seeds

Option 2: Ginger Mint • 1 handful fresh mint leaves • 1 inch fresh ginger, cut into coins

DIRECTIONS

For Rose and Coriander Tea: 1. In a large pitcher, place green tea, rose petals, and coriander seeds. 2. Bring 1/2 cup water to just below boiling. 3. Pour hot water over tea leaves, petals, and seeds. Let steep for 10 seconds, then add the remaining 3 1/2 cups water. 4. Refrigerate 4–8 hours until tea reaches your desired strength. Strain and serve over ice. For Ginger Mint Tea: 1. Follow the instructions above, substituting the mint leaves and ginger coins for the rose petals and coriander seeds.

It’s easy to sneak these healthy, delicious fruits and vegetables into any diet, and we hope you give them a try!

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502 W. Randall St. Coopersville, MI 49404 RobinsonDental.org

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Inside THIS ISSUE Robinson Dental, My Second Family

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Superfoods Are Not So New ... Stop Gum Disease With Perio Therapy!

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Top 5 Fruits and Vegetables for a Healthy Smile Iced Green Tea, 2 Ways

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4 Summer Blockbusters for the Whole Family

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Summer is back, and, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, so are movies! This June and July, a host of family films will hit theaters and streaming services. Here are four to put on your must-watch list. ‘Vivo’ — Friday, June 4 (Theaters) If you loved “Hamilton” and your kids enjoyed the live-action “Mary Poppins,” don’t miss “Vivo”! This film tells the story of a musical Capuchin monkey who makes the journey from Cuba to Miami, Florida, to see his name in lights. It’s all about friendship and adventure and is the first- 4 Summer Blockbusters for the Whole Family Don’t Miss These Flicks!

ever musical from Sony Pictures. It also features original songs from the “Hamilton” writer and star from “Mary Poppins,” Lin-Manuel Miranda.

‘Luca’ — Friday, June 18 (Disney+) “Luca” will transport you to two places: a beach town in Italy and a world where magical sea monsters walk the land! This beautifully animated film tells the coming-of-age story of a young boy with a monstrous secret who just wants to eat gelato and ride scooters with his friends. The heartwarming film is a Disney and Pixar collaboration and will premiere on Disney+ on June 18 without an additional fee for subscribers. ‘Cinderella’ — Friday, July 16 (Theaters) We’ve already had live-action versions of “The Jungle Book,” “The Lion King,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” but now, Disney is at it again! The latest live-action version of “Cinderella” is a musical rom-com starring Camila Cabello, Idina Menzel, Pierce Brosnan, and John Mulaney, among others. ‘Jungle Cruise’ — Friday, July 30 (Theaters) Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt will join forces this summer in “Jungle Cruise,” a live-action Disney adventure flick. The movie follows a researcher named Dr. Lily Houghton as she travels down the Amazon river to hunt for a tree that has healing powers. Skipper Frank Wolff is her guide, but before long, things get sketchy and, as Disney puts it, “their fate — and mankind’s — hangs in the balance.” These release dates are subject to change due to COVID-19 and may be delayed or moved to streaming services. If one of the movies sticks out to you, check online for updates!

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