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REPORT THE WELLNESS
MAY/JUNE 2025
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SPECIAL REPORT: GROWING NEW TEETH? Scientists Are Getting Closer to Growing Real Teeth
I have to admit, I really like research. Maybe it’s because of my skeptical nature, my curiosity, or all those summers spent in a lab during undergrad, but anytime I hear of something new, I love diving into the research papers to see exactly what — and sometimes more importantly, how — advancements were made. That being said, you can imagine my enthusiasm when news reports came out just a few days ago about a breakthrough with growing teeth. For years, researchers have dreamed of finding a way to grow a real, living tooth to replace one that’s missing. Thanks to some major scientific advances, that dream is starting to get closer to reality. Scientists have learned how to use stem cells — special cells that can turn into almost any type of tissue — to create early versions of teeth in the lab. These lab-grown “tooth buds” don’t currently resemble adult teeth, but the proof that new teeth can be grown in a lab shows real promise. Debate continues about the best way to insert these lab-grown teeth into the human mouth. The current consensus is that the teeth can be either partially or fully developed in the lab, followed by surgical implantation into the recipient site. Meanwhile, in Japan, researchers are approaching the problem from a different angle, focusing instead on genes and signals that inhibit the growth of new teeth. While still controversial, it’s been proposed that a third tooth bud may lie dormant underneath our gums. By removing certain suppression signals, these tooth buds may grow and develop into a third set of teeth. This has already been shown to happen in mice, and human trials are scheduled to begin in 2025. Importantly, the first human trials won’t focus on actually growing new teeth just yet. Instead, researchers will administer the suppression-regulating drug intravenously to test for safety, tolerance, and adverse effects. Although this approach has a long way to go, the potential benefits for patients born with congenital anodontia — a genetic condition where certain permanent teeth never develop — are very promising.
benefits during our lifetime. If you’re holding out for lab-grown teeth to replace your own missing ones, it could be quite a wait. Fortunately, advancements in dental implants have created a treatment option that is easier on the patient, less invasive, and more predictable than ever before. We’ll keep you updated as this outstanding research continues. Who knows? In the future, replacing a missing tooth could feel a lot more like getting a new one back, naturally!
–Dr. Jones
Of course, lab-grown teeth or suppression-regulating drugs aren’t available for dental patients yet, but I do believe we’ll see the
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DIET DECEIVERS Shockingly Sneaky High-Calorie Snacks
calories daily to maintain proper weight and health. In contrast, moderately active females in the same age group need 2,000. Moderately active older men and women need 2,400 and 1,800, respectively. Although these amounts seem to offer considerable wiggle room at first glance, you may be shocked to learn how quickly calories add up — even when your diet consists of “healthy” options. Glaring truths about ‘good’ foods. First, let’s avoid the misconception that calories are the end-all, be-all of a successful diet plan. Sure, you could keep your weight down by eating nothing but 2,600 calories of Oreos every day, but your body would miss out on much-needed protein. For a healthy way to provide your body with this essential nutrient, reach for chickpeas instead — but keep in mind that a single 1-cup serving on top of a salad packs nearly 300 calories. To put that into
perspective, that’s the caloric equivalent of pouring an order of McDonald’s small fries and a packet of barbecue sauce on your leafy lunch. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: One cup of guacamole has about the same calories as a McDouble burger! Drinks you should ditch. Thirsty? No problem — just swallow 10 teaspoons of sugar! Sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s how much sugar you consume every time you drink a 12-ounce regular Coke, which also has more than 140 calories. Other drinks you may think are “healthy choices” really aren’t. Even though electrolyte drinks like Gatorade might seem like a great option after a workout, several brands are high in sugar, sodium, and other chemicals. A better choice? Coconut water, which naturally has electrolytes! Fruit juices are another tricky one. They may tout vitamins but are sugary and high in acid. You’re better off eating the actual fruit.
For most health-conscious Americans, counting calories is the go-to method for keeping their bodies and eating habits in check. Unfortunately, even the strictest dieters may be defeating their goals without realizing it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, moderately active males aged 31–45 need to consume 2,600
CONTINUING TO KEEP YOU SAFE AND HEALTHY Enhanced Sterilization Protocols and Controls
Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the office.
Beverages will be served safely only upon request.
There will be additional time between patients for enhanced sterilization.
Curbside check-in from your vehicle is now available.
Please reschedule if you have a fever or a sick family member.
Medical-grade air filtration is used in all operatories.
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Fit at Any Size
Why Fitness Beats BMI in Predicting Long-Term Health
For years, we’ve been told that maintaining a “healthy” weight is the key to longevity. But new research suggests that fitness — not the number on the scale — is the real game-changer. A 2024 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who
side, those with lower VO2 max were 2–3 times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of their BMI .
The good news? Improving fitness doesn’t require drastic
measures . You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend hours in the gym to boost your aerobic health. The key is consistency — moving your body in an enjoyable and sustainable way. Start with simple activities like a daily 20-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a few sets of bodyweight exercises. If joint pain is an issue, try swimming or water aerobics, which provide a great workout without putting stress on your knees or hips. Health isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size — it’s about staying active, feeling strong, and making movement a part of your everyday life. So, forget about obsessing over the scale and focus on what matters:
are physically fit, regardless of their body weight, had a lower risk of death than those who were unfit — even if those unfit individuals had a “normal” BMI. Simply put, being active is far more important than being thin for long-term health.
BMI, or body mass index, has long been used to measure health risk, but it only considers weight and height, ignoring more crucial factors like muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Researchers behind this new study argue that aerobic fitness — how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together — is a much better indicator of health than weight alone. They found that individuals with higher VO2 max, which measures oxygen use during exercise, had significantly lower risks of death. On the flip
moving more and living better .
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup butter • 2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces • 1/4 cup minced onion • 1/2 tsp minced garlic • 1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
• 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup cashew halves
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
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SPECIAL REPORT: Growing New Teeth? PAGE 1
Hidden Hazards to Your Health PAGE 2
Why You Should Focus on Fitness Instead of Weight Loss Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf PAGE 3
Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the Atlantic PAGE 4
A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME Escape to the Azores
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical, with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit.
Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’ culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely. The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving. Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only
white-sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
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