Sierra Crest Dental - May/June 2019

Sierra Crest Dental - May/June 2019

Sierra Crest Dental

Newsletter

530-562-4089 SierraCrestDental.com

SPRING 2019

Thanks for Being Part of Sierra Crest Dental! PLUS, WINTER WINNERS AND WHAT WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS SPRING

My daughter is an avid rider, and our horses have become an essential part of the family.

As I shared with you last month, Dr. Colpitts has reduced his time at the office so he can spend more time with his family and enjoy this beautiful place we call home. With his transition comes the transition of another team member who has also played a big role around here, Debbie. It was a bittersweet day at the office when Debbie officially retired. As you know, she has been integral to everything we do here, and we are going to miss her positive, go-get-’em attitude. At the same time, we were excited to send Debbie off into this next adventure-filled chapter of life. She plans to spend more time with Dr. Colpitts and the rest of her family, hiking and exploring the beautiful outdoors she loves and taking KT along for the ride. We wish Debbie all the best and know we’ll still see her — and KT! — around. Once you’re part of the Sierra Crest team, you’re a friend for life. Change can be hard, but our team and patients have helped the transition seem smooth. We are so thankful to you for being wonderful and for letting us know that we’re doing a good job! Your positive feedback has been so appreciated during this transition. Thank you for being part of our practice. We especially appreciate you coming in for your appointments, even when the weather has made that challenging. You understand how important oral health is to overall health, and we’re glad we can be a part of helping you stay healthy in every season. As anyone who’s spent four seasons close to the Sierras knows, spring here is different than in the rest of the world. I can’t help but look forward to the summer months, when I can get outside and go mountain biking. Our horses are definitely eager for warmer weather, too. They get to hang out in Truckee for some fun trail rides over the summer.

To our winter giveaway winners, Renee and Bill, congratulations! We hope you’ve been able to get outside and enjoy your snowshoes! It’s such a cool way to enjoy the mountains, isn’t it? Well, it’s time for me to get back to patients. Thank you again for being part of Sierra Crest Dental. You make this a wonderful place to work. I appreciate all of you.

Until next time,

–Dr. Delaney

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESSES IN THE NORTH LAKE TAHOE/ TRUCKEE AREA!

YOU CAN VOTE ONCE A DAY STARTING TUESDAY, MAY 21. WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.

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Brushing Up on Dental C re

TIPS FOR

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim the brush at an angle to reach the area where the teeth and gums connect. Brush with short, back-and-forth strokes across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brushes with soft bristles that can get between your molars are ideal. You should try to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Store your toothbrush in a dry place where it can remain upright until your next use. When you floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around each of your middle fingers. Pinch the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs. Curve the floss around the tooth in a "c" shape, then slide up and down four to five stokes per tooth. Use a different part of the floss every couple of teeth to avoid spreading bacteria.

A study conducted by the University of Adelaide recently found that orthodontic care has no direct impact on a person’s long- term dental health. In other words, just because you had braces or some

other form of orthodontic treatment does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene or regular checkups and still avoid tooth decay. Braces may leave your smile looking picturesque, but the fight for healthy teeth is fought daily. Here are a few tips for practicing proper oral hygiene.

MEET BEN!

Hey, everyone! I'm Ben, also known as "Ben Nugget"! Some of you may have heard about me already from my mom, Denée, who cleans your teeth. Isn’t she good at that? She even brushes my teeth for me! She’s the best. Denée and I adopted each other about two years ago, and it's been a lot of fun ever since. I’m a beagle-dachshund mix, and I like to go for walks and hikes and nap in the sun. But my most favorite game happens when Mom leaves for work. You see, Mom loves her socks. She even has different ones for Christmas and her birthday — I guess it’s a human thing? She also loves playing with me, so I help her have more fun, like any good friend does. When I peek out the window and see she’s gone for work, I grab a sock from her basket because they smell so good! I take it outside and find a nice, cozy spot in the garden. I dig, dig, dig, and drop the sock in, so it’s out of sight. When Mom comes home, it’s a treasure hunt! Sometimes it takes her a long time to find her sock, but we have the best time playing this game. I don’t know who has more fun: Mom or me. I make gardening fun for my human!

Anyway, I hope you have a great spring and summer. Get out there and dig up some fun!

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SNACKING There are many different opinions on the healthiness of snacking. Some people think of snacks as processed foods with high calories, but snacks don’t have to be junk food. Depending on what snacks you’re eating, and how often, these little in- between-meal bites can be highly beneficial or detrimental to your overall health. HEALTHY VS. UNHEALTHY SNACKS People snack when they’re hungry, but they also do it when they’re stressed, bored, or have a habit. When people snack on unhealthy junk food when they’re bored, the result is weight gain. An excellent way to avoid unhealthy snacks is to surround yourself with healthy alternatives. Fill your fridge and pantry with whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and nuts and legumes. With those in your kitchen, you’ll have plenty of healthy options to choose from when you’re hungry. WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? WHO BENEFITS FROM SNACKING? Depending on your weight, fitness level, and medical conditions, snacking throughout the day can be more effective than eating three large meals a day. Individuals who are crunched for time, have particular health conditions, are athletic, or are trying to lose or maintain weight all benefit from healthy snacking throughout the day.

ETTER ORAL HYGIENE

In addition to proper brushing and flossing techniques, there are other ways you can protect your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your plaque-fighting arsenal can remove more hard-to-reach bacteria. You should also try to avoid snacking (without brushing after) before going to bed since this will give bacteria time to feed and multiply overnight. Avoid all tobacco products and, of course, remember to always schedule your next cleaning appointment with your hygienist or call to schedule with Sue, Haley, or Wendy. A lot of this might seem like common sense, but not everyone knows best practices when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy.

DENÉE’S SAUTÉED BALSAMIC MUSHROOMS

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil (2 tbsp for sautéing, 1 tbsp to mix with cooked couscous) • 1/2 medium onion, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 lb. mushrooms, sliced • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp for cooking

• 3 cups dried pearl couscous, uncooked • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1/4 tsp pepper • Salt to taste • 2 oz. goat cheese • 2 cups kale, spinach, or Swiss chard, thinly sliced • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze to drizzle on top

People who have high cholesterol or diabetes can better maintain their cholesterol and blood glucose levels if

mushrooms in, 2 tbsp to mix with cooked couscous)

they eat frequently during the day. For athletes, snacking helps distribute the consumption of nutrients their body needs throughout the day instead of all at once. This way, their energy levels stay the same instead of fluctuating with their meal times. If you find yourself in need of a quick bite, think clementines and almonds instead of chips and candy. You’ll still satisfy your hunger without jeopardizing your health or increasing your waistline.

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes, optional

Directions 1. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with 2 tbsp olive oil. 2. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 3. Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes. Let the mushrooms sit; don't stir! Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and chili flakes, if desired. Stir and sauté for another 5 minutes or until the mushrooms have absorbed the balsamic. Remove from heat. 4. While the mushrooms are cooking, cook the pearl couscous according to package directions. 5. When the couscous is done cooking, add it to the large pan with the mushrooms. Stir to combine. 6. Add 2 tbsp balsamic, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp pepper, and salt to taste. 7. Add the goat cheese and your choice of greens. 8. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top & enjoy!

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Sharing Our Gratitude Inside This Issue p.1 p.2 p.3 p.4 Better Brushing, Flossing, and More Our Furry Family Denée’s Sautéed Balsamic Mushrooms A Healthy Snack Spring Into the Sierras

Spring Into the Sierras

A DAY ADVENTURE TO THE SIERRA HOT SPRINGS

outdoor warm pool, and a dry sauna. The Meditation Pool is outdoors and may be the perfect place to enjoy a stunning night sky. For a more intimate experience, the Phoenix Baths are set inside private rooms. If you head this way for spring, go for a soak or enjoy some of the beautiful surroundings with a hike or a mountain bike ride. In the winter, cross-country skiing is also accessible. On June 7, the Hot Springs is hosting a Manifest Light Retreat led by the founder of the Community Yoga School — one of the many events centered on health and wellness throughout the year. The Sierra Hot Springs offers overnight lodging, as well as onsite camping with access to all of the facilities. Bring your tent, bike, and a relaxed mindset. Just don’t forget your swimsuit!

Looking for a daylong getaway? You don’t need to go far. The Sierra Hot Springs, a nonprofit retreat and workshop center, might be your ideal spot. Located about 40 minutes from Truckee and bordered by the Tahoe National Forest, this stunning location with natural springs is an ideal place to relax and unwind for a day or a weekend. Native Americans have revered this land for the healing and sanctifying waters residing here. Today, the Sierra Hot Springs are run by a nonprofit with the goal of providing stewardship to the land, and in addition to offering relaxing soaking pools, they host workshops and retreats. The pools are open 24 hours a day, and the soaking facilities feature four pools kept at different temperatures. The Temple Dome, the main pool area, consists of an enclosed hot pool with two cold plunges, an

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