As we bask in the warmth of the summer season, we’re excited to bring you another tantalizing edition of our monthly newsletter. So grab a refreshing drink, find a cozy spot, and dive into this issue. We encourage you to explore, participate, and make the most of the articles presented. Together, let’s make June a month filled with growth, celebration, and shared experiences.
In This Issue:
- Healthy Mouth, Healthy You
- Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – Gum Disease Prevention May Reduce Risk
- The Mouth and Body Connection
- Juneteenth
- Happy (Belated) Father’s Day
- Happy Pride Month
- Honoring Our Team Members
- Recipe of the Month: Watermelon Salad
- YouTube Channel
- Please Leave us a Review!
Healthy Mouth, Healthy You
Did you know that your oral health is linked to your overall well-being? Your dental health is part of a bigger picture: whole-body wellness. Maintaining a healthy mouth goes beyond a sparkling smile, it can have a significant impact on your entire body. Let’s explore the relationship between your teeth, gums, and the rest of your body and why oral hygiene is important for your overall health.
Heart Health: Studies have shown a connection between gum disease and various heart conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries. Inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to the development of these serious health issues.
Respiratory Health: Poor oral health can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory infections, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Diabetes Management: Research has revealed a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to gum disease, but gum disease can also make it more challenging to control blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a crucial time to take care of your oral health. Hormonal changes may increase the risk of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Without proper care, these problems may become more serious and can lead to gum disease. Gum disease in the mother is linked to premature birth and low birth weight. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist.
Taking care of your oral health is a holistic approach to self-care. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can reduce the risk of these health conditions and protect your overall well-being. Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain a healthy mouth:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris between your teeth.
- Follow the personalized recommendations of your dental hygienist and dentist regarding using tools such as a proxy brush, water flosser, or electric toothbrush to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. Or wearing a lab produced night guard.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, cleanings, and early detection of oral health issues.
- Follow a balanced diet that is low in sugary and acidic foods.
- Avoid tobacco use, which increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems.
Remember, a healthy mouth is not just a matter of aesthetics—it is a vital component of your overall health and well-being. By prioritizing oral hygiene, you are taking a proactive step towards a healthier, happier you.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month – Gum Disease Prevention May Reduce Risk
Emerging research suggests that maintaining good oral health may play a role in promoting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative conditions that cause cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Chronic inflammation, often caused by gum disease, has been identified as a contributing factor to neurodegenerative diseases. The inflammatory response triggered by oral bacteria and their byproducts can spread throughout the body, including the brain. This chronic inflammation may contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Gum disease can also lead to the release of harmful bacteria into the bloodstream and these bacteria can travel to different parts of the body, including the brain. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it is believed that these oral bacteria and their toxins may directly impact brain health and contribute to the development of cognitive impairments.
We want to spread awareness and help our patients to be informed about how their oral health affects their overall health. We encourage you to take proactive steps towards oral hygiene and brain health by checking out our educational articles in our newsletters and on our website. We also have curated educational videos on our Youtube channel explaining oral health conditions and how to take care of your teeth, gums, and mouth at home.
A Special Thanks to Caregivers
We recognize the profound impact Alzheimer’s has on both the individuals living with the disease and their caretakers. The emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming at times, and we want you to know that we appreciate you. We see how much you care for patients in your care when you bring them to our office and we’re right there with you to help ensure they are receiving the best care possible.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires a special kind of commitment. You provide unwavering support, guidance, and comfort to individuals navigating a complex journey of memory loss and cognitive decline. Your tireless efforts improve their quality of life and bring solace and peace to their families.
This is a topic that is near and dear to our hearts also and we hope that the little bit of education we share here will somehow help with your incredible duty.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a historic and culturally rich observance that holds deep importance for the African American community and our nation as a whole. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery. This momentous occasion marked the liberation of approximately 250,000 enslaved people in Texas and symbolized the end of chattel slavery throughout the United States.
Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and determination of African Americans who fought for their freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and progress.
While the holiday itself has recently passed, we hope that you will embrace this month as a time for reflection, growth, and unity. Together, we can work towards a future where every individual is valued, respected, and free from oppression.
Happy (Belated) Father’s Day
We sincerely hope that all of our father’s and father figures had an amazing Father’s Day! It is a day that we celebrate some of the incredible people who have made a lasting impact on our lives.
Thank you for being our guiding light, our rock, and our biggest supporter. Your love, wisdom, and unwavering presence have shaped us into the people we are today. We’re grateful for the countless lessons you’ve taught us and the memories we’ve created together. You are our hero!
To all the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, and mentors, thank you for being there, for teaching, guiding, and nurturing us. Your love and support make all the difference.
Happy Pride Month
In the spirit of love, acceptance, and equality, we come together to celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month holds deep significance as a commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. It serves as a reminder of the resilience, courage, and determination of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and paved the way for progress.
Pride is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the freedom to be authentically ourselves. It is a reminder that diversity is our strength and that everyone deserves to live their truth without fear or discrimination.
Honoring our Team Members
To learn more about our team members, visit Our Team page on our website.
MVP – June
Every month we recognize a team member who has gone above and beyond, for our patients or other team members.
In June, we recognized Abbey and Brandon
Invisible Worker Recognition
Every month at our All-Teams meetings we recognize a team member who makes our day-to-day operations run smoothly, despite their contribution not being obvious to many of us.
In June, we recognized Debbie Mason-Rooney.
Watermelon Salad
This refreshing watermelon salad is a favorite summer side dish. Feta, mint & avocado are the perfect tangy, creamy, and fresh counterpoints to a juicy watermelon.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the salad
- 5 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 heaping cup diced English cucumber
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, cubed
- ⅓ cup torn mint or basil leaves
- ½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced, optional
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt.
- Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a large plate or platter. Drizzle with half the dressing. Top with the feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with remaining dressing. Season to taste and serve.
YouTube Channel
We’re posting some interesting and educational videos on our YouTube Channel. Subscribe to keep updated about our new videos!
Check out our new playlists with curated videos explaining our new iTero Wellness Scans, Invisalign, and how to take care of your teeth at home.