Sabal Dental Airline - February 2021

Sabal Dental Airline - February 2021

2222 Airline Rd., Suite A4, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 | www.SabalDental.com | (361) 853-8999 | February 2021

THE STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY That’s Now In Use at Sabal Dental Airline!

Hello! Dental hygienist Brittany here this month to talk about how a new laser at Sabal Dental Airline is helping us better serve you, our patients! The laser is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that’s been used in other fields for quite a while. You’ve probably heard of laser surgery for vision correction and cosmetic laser procedures like tattoo removal. In dentistry, we use the laser for several procedures and to decrease inflammation and generally promote healing. What can the laser do for you? The laser can be used to assist with periodontal therapy. Periodontal conditions are extremely common, but the good news is that many are reversible. The laser helps us address periodontal conditions by cleaning the plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth and the pocket that forms between the teeth and gums. It can also remove scar tissue or any damaged tissue from infected areas. Bacteria buildup in the mouth leads to inflammation and disease. Using the laser helps us address this inflammation, which in turn helps our patients heal faster. We also use the laser to address gum recession and tooth sensitivity. This is a relatively common complaint that can be caused by brushing or biting too hard or that occurs alongside periodontal disease. If you’ve ever experienced pain from drinking

something cold (or feeling cold air on a tooth), you know what this kind of sensitivity feels like. The laser is used to desensitize the area by sealing off the exposed tubules on the root that lead to pain. This process is also preceded by a fluoride varnish — a treatment we’ve long offered, which can now be supplemented with the laser. The varnish helps prevent tooth decay and protect teeth with weakened enamel. Last but not least, we are using the laser to treat herpetic lesions and ulcers. If you’re prone to these sores, you know how painful they can be and that they can disrupt planned dental treatment when present. Now, if patients feel a breakout coming and they come in within two days of the lesions appearing, we can treat the spot with the laser. This helps minimize the chances of sores coming back in that same spot in the mouth and also speeds up the healing time. This is especially useful for patients who need to have other dental procedures done. In the past, if a patient came for a dental treatment and had sores in their mouth, we couldn’t do other treatments because we didn’t want to risk spreading the viral infection. Now with the laser, we can treat the sores prior to other procedures. This means you don’t need to worry about scheduling a second appointment, and you’ll get relief from those painful sores much sooner.

Does it hurt? This is one of the most common

questions our patients ask us about the laser, and I’m happy to say the answer is “no.” You may feel a warming sensation while the laser works, and

you’ll likely hear the hum of the machine, but that’s about all.

If that’s not enough good news, consider that laser procedures are relatively quick and inexpensive compared to laser treatments in other fields! As an added benefit, patients don’t experience any post-op discomfort like soreness or numbness, and they heal more quickly. Though we’ve only had the laser in operation for a few months here, patients have reported seeing an immediate difference in their teeth and gums. Dr. LaPoint and all of our hygienists have undergone 12 hours of continued education and three hours of clinical practice to learn how to safely use the laser. We’re all impressed with its capabilities and excited to use it to continue offering you the best dental care out there!

Sabal General Dentistry • (361) 853-8999 • 1 –Brittany J.

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.thenewsletterpro.com

A SIMPLE WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR DAY! THE CALENDAR OF ‘THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO’

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. 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 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!

OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST

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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.

Have a Laugh!

Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins

Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

Ingredients • 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed • 3/4 cup natural creamy almond butter (can substitute creamy peanut butter) • 2 large eggs • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (or honey) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and spray with nonstick cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl, mix bananas,

• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1 cup oat flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup strawberry fruit spread, divided (we recommend Bonne Maman INTENSE) 5. Evenly divide batter into liners. Add 1 tsp strawberry fruit spread to the top of each muffin. 6. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the spread into the batter. 7. Bake for 22–27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Transfer muffins to wire rack to cool and enjoy!

almond butter, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

4. Stir in oat flour, baking

powder, and salt until smooth.

Sabal General Dentistry • (361) 853-8999 • 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2222 Airline Road, Suite A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Hours: M–F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Inside This Issue

Laser Technology Comes to Airline! PAGE 1 Improve Your Day With This Simple Life Hack PAGE 2 Hear From Our Happy Patients! PAGE 2 Get Kids Excited About Brushing Their Teeth (Is it Possible?) PAGE 3 Strawberry Kissed Almond Butter Muffins PAGE 3 Can We Call Gum a Superfood? PAGE 4

The Incredible Benefits of Gum CHEWON THIS

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. 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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