As spring blooms around us, we’re also greeted with celestial wonders, like the recent solar eclipse that captivated audiences worldwide. The cover photo for this month’s newsletter was kindly provided by a local photographer, Stephen Hung, who created a photo montage of the eclipse as seen from Frederick, MD.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re spreading awareness about oral cancer and tips for how to make your dental routine more eco-friendly. We also want to give a shout out to our amazing hygienists by recapping our Facebook posts from National Dental Hygienist week.
You also might be thinking about that spring cleaning check-list, so we’ll share a few suggestions on what else you might want to weed through (hopefully not our newsletter!).
In This Issue:
- Oral Cancer Awareness Month
- Dental Hygienist Week
- Spring Cleaning Tasks Beyond Scrubbing
- Eco-friendly Dental Tips for Earth Day
- The Value of X-rays
- Recipe of the Month: Mediterranean Bean Salad
- YouTube Channel
- Please Leave us a Review!
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Reference Source: https://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/
Signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:
- A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
- A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
- Loose teeth
- A growth or lump inside your mouth
- Mouth pain
- Ear pain
- Difficult or painful swallowing
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit your dentist for an oral cancer screening ASAP.
Did you know that oral cancer is a serious problem in the United States? Every year, thousands of Americans lose their lives to this disease, and it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. That’s why it’s so important to talk about it during Oral Cancer Awareness Month.
This year alone, about 58,500 Americans will find out they have oral or oropharyngeal cancer. And shockingly, over 12,250 people will die from it. That’s like losing one person every single hour, all day, every day. Even scarier, only a little more than half of those diagnosed will still be alive five years later. We really need better ways to find and treat it sooner.
One big problem is that we don’t have a good way to screen for oral cancer in the US. So, by the time doctors find it, it’s often already spread too far and is harder to treat.
Adding to the challenge, some oral cancers are caused by a virus called HPV, especially a type called HPV16. And the tricky part? HPV-related cancers might not show any signs early on, making them even harder to catch.
Another worrying thing is that oral cancer isn’t just an older person’s problem anymore. More and more younger people are getting it, partly because of things like smoking, drinking alcohol, and HPV infection.
Since oral cancer can sneak up without causing pain or obvious symptoms, it’s crucial to get regular screenings and check-ups. Even people who no longer have teeth should get screened regularly. That way, if anything worrisome is found, it can be caught early when it’s easier to treat.
Treatment for oral cancer usually involves many different approaches, like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. And while there’s some hope with new treatments, finding it early is still the best way to save lives.
So, let’s make sure to follow-up with your dentist regularly and have them perform an oral cancer screening.
If you’d like to know what oral cancer looks like, check out https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997
Dental Hygienist Week
Dental hygienists’ contributions to our oral health and overall well-being cannot be overstated. Every member of our hygiene team – Brandon, Kristen, Flora, Tyann, Donna – displays expertise, compassion, advocacy for preventive care, and commitment to patient education, and to their own education through continuous professional development.
We recognized our fabulous hygiene team on Facebook and Instagram during National Dental Hygienist week (April 8th-12th) and we’d like to recap that here for those who missed it!
Meet Flora, who is bilingual in English and Spanish. She loves the clicking noise that her scaler makes when she removes calculus. She also enjoys Perio charting and educating her patients on gum health.
Meet Kristen. She loves meeting new patients and the interesting conversations she has with them. (Don’t worry, she won’t make you talk with your mouth full!)
Meet Tyann. She loves seeing the transformation and confidence that a bright clean smile gives her patients after their cleaning.
Meet Brandon. He loves removing calculus in areas that are hard to reach.
Meet Donna. She loves educating patients in a practical way so that they understand how to better take care of their teeth.
Not featured in our celebration were Kailea and Laura, who work for us part-time and were not in the office during National Hygienist Week. Regardless, we want to share a big THANK YOU to ALL of our hygienists for your unwavering dedication to excellence which enriches our lives and helps us smile brighter every day.
Spring Cleaning Tasks Beyond Scrubbing
As the flowers bloom and the sun graces us with its warmth, many of us embark on the annual ritual of spring cleaning. While this often involves dusting, decluttering, and scrubbing every nook and cranny of our homes, spring cleaning can also extend beyond just tidying up our living spaces. It presents an opportunity to refresh various aspects of our lives and surroundings.
Let’s explore some spring cleaning possibilities that go beyond cleaning your house. Imagine how good it would feel to accomplish even one of the following!
- Health Check-Up: Just as we deep clean our homes, it’s important to give our bodies a thorough check-up. Schedule appointments for routine health screenings, dental cleanings, and eye exams. Use this time to reassess your diet and exercise habits, making any necessary adjustments to prioritize your health and well-being.
- Personal Growth and Mindful Meditation: Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up external spaces; it’s also about decluttering our minds and focusing on personal reflection and growth. Take inventory of your goals, aspirations, and personal development. Consider investing in self-improvement activities such as reading new books, taking online courses, or learning a new skill. You can also incorporate mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. Clearing mental clutter can lead to increased focus, reduced stress, and a greater sense of well-being.
- Digital Detox: In today’s digital age, our devices accumulate digital clutter much like our physical spaces gather dust. Take this time to declutter your digital life by deleting old files, organizing your email inbox, and unsubscribing from unnecessary newsletters. Consider setting boundaries for screen time and digital distractions to promote a healthier balance in your life.
- Financial Review: Spring is an excellent time to review your finances and make any necessary adjustments. Take stock of your spending habits, create or update your budget, and review your savings and investment accounts. Consider setting financial goals for the months ahead and take steps to work towards them.
- Community Cleanup: Extend your spring cleaning efforts to your local community by participating in a neighborhood cleanup or volunteering for environmental conservation projects. Not only does this contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment, but it also fosters a sense of community and connection with those around you.
Spring cleaning can be more than just a chore; it’s an opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh various aspects of our lives. By extending our cleaning efforts beyond our homes and embracing tasks that promote personal growth, health, and community involvement, we can welcome the new season with a sense of clarity, purpose, and renewal.
Eco-friendly Dental Tips for Earth Day
The celebration of Earth Day on April 22 is the perfect time to reflect on our environmental impact and explore ways to live more sustainably. While we frequently try to find ways to reduce waste and conserve resources in our daily lives, our oral health habits also play a significant role in shaping our environmental footprint. From the products we use to the practices we adopt, there are numerous eco-friendly dental tips that can contribute to a healthier planet.
Let’s take a look at ways we can save the planet while brushing our teeth!
- Alternative toothbrush options: Try switching out your plastic toothbrush for one made of bamboo. Plastic doesn’t fully decompose, but bamboo is compostable and biodegradable. You might also consider an electric toothbrush which has a reusable handle and produces less waste.
- Low waste Toothpaste: Look for toothpaste tablets or powders which frequently come in recyclable containers. If you prefer the paste, look for brands with recyclable packaging and without abrasive microplastic ingredients.
- Ditch the (plastic) floss: You heard us right! We still want you to floss between those teeth, but a water flosser will help you get into those hard to reach areas and help reduce waste. If that doesn’t work for you, look for floss made from a sustainable material such as silk coated in beeswax.
- Water conservation: Turning off the tap while you’re brushing can save up to 8 gallons of water every day. Just use the water to rinse the sink when you’re done.
- Reusable products: Whenever possible use reusable products like rinse cups or mouthwash bottles.
- Recycle: used toothbrush tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothbrush outer packaging, toothpaste cartons and floss containers can be dropped off at the Common Market at both Buckeystown Pike and 7th Street locations in Frederick. https://www.commonmarket.coop/community/live-green/.
If that is not an option for you, https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/about-terracycle/drop_off_locations to find out if there’s a drop-off point closer to you.
These ideas might not all be for you, but, just keep them in mind when following your routine. Even just choosing products with less packaging can help reduce waste and help our planet.
The Value of X-rays
Source: https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(24)00058-8/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_email
X-rays are an important tool in dental care. They enable your dentist to look at parts of the mouth that cannot be seen during a regular examination.
For example, x-rays can show your dentist:
- an infection in your tooth or tooth root
- cavities between teeth or under fillings
- trouble with teeth or jaw development in children and teens who are getting their permanent teeth
- jaw problems, including infections and fractures, or problems with the way teeth will fit together
- bone loss from severe gum disease
Types of X-rays
Depending on your needs, there are different types of x-rays your dentist can take. Here are some common x-ray examinations.
- Bitewings are taken with a small film or digital sensor that you bite down on with your back teeth. These x-rays show the back teeth from the chewing surface to the bone near the gumline. These can help your dentist spot problems like cavities between your teeth or problems with the bone that could be caused by gum disease.
- Periapical x-rays help your dentist see the whole tooth from the crown to the tip of the root. This helps your dentist see what is going on below the gumline. These x-rays are particularly useful when there’s a suspicion of tooth decay or infection.
- Full mouth x-rays are a combination of bitewings and periapical x-rays to capture a complete view of your entire mouth. These x-rays are generally recommended every 3-5 years to monitor the progression of the condition of your teeth and gums.
- Panoramic x-rays produce a long film that shows the entire jaw and all of the teeth in 1 image. It allows your dentist to view supporting or surrounding structures such as sinuses, nerves, and joints.
Are X-rays Safe?
The amount of radiation associated with digital dental x-rays is small. Dental x-rays can be useful in helping your dentist see what is going on in spots they cannot otherwise see or examine, such as between your teeth and below your gum line. Talk to your dentist about the usefulness and safety of dental x-rays.
Beyond X-rays
Another option for taking images of the mouth and teeth is the iTero Element 5D dental imaging system. This optical scanner uses no ionizing (damaging) radiation, and the scan is completely non-invasive and painless. It is performed within a few minutes with a wand-like device that scans the teeth and oral structures. As the scan progresses, you get to see the image of each arch appearing on the screen in real time!
The iTero Scanner can simultaneously record:
- 3D digital impressions (instead of your having to bite down into a cold clay-like substance on a tray, and having to keep the tray in your mouth for several minutes);
- Color images inside the mouth; and
- Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI) images, which allows the internal structure of the teeth to be scanned
X-rays play a crucial role in dental care, allowing dentists to see beyond what’s visible during a regular exam and aiding in the detection of various dental issues. However, for those seeking alternatives, the iTero Element 5D dental imaging system offers a radiation-free, non-invasive option, providing comprehensive digital impressions and visualizations in real-time. Whether through traditional X-rays or innovative imaging technology, your dentist can ensure your oral health needs are met safely and effectively.
Recipe of the Month: Mediterranean Bean Salad
Source: https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/mediterranean-bean-salad-recipe/
Step up your salad game with this show-stopping Mediterranean Bean Salad! This protein-packed dish is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 15 ounce can of cannellini beans, drained and well rinsed.
- 15 ounce can of garbanzo beans, chickpeas drained and well rinsed.
- 1 cup cherry tomato halves
- 2 small Persian cucumbers, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced (do not peel.)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced.
- 1/2 cup Peppadew peppers* (or other pickled peppers), rough chopped.
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives, halved.
- 1/2 cup pimento stuffed green olives, halved.
- 1 cup assorted colorful bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped marinated artichokes, chopped.
- 10 large fresh basil leaves, shredded.
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 Tbsp red wine vinegar, or more to taste.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, I used thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
- 1 clove garlic , minced.
- salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together and taste to adjust any of them to suit you. Add more vinegar if you want a tangier flavor. Set aside.
- Put the beans in a large salad bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and toss with enough dressing to coat everything but not drown the salad.
- Chill the salad thoroughly before serving. The salad will keep, well covered, for several days in the refrigerator. Note: if making this bean salad ahead of time, leave out the tomatoes until you are ready to serve. Tomatoes tend to get mushy in the refrigerator.
Notes: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients – this recipe is great to just use what you already have to make delicious variations!