SUDOKU
Your Mouth Is Trying to Tell You Something
Dental problems don’t usually show up without warning. Your mouth often gives small clues that something isn’t quite right, and catching them early can save you from pain, stress, and costly treatments later on. Here are six early signs of dental problems you should never ignore. Lingering Tooth Sensitivity If you feel a sharp twinge when drinking hot coffee or eating something cold, lingering tooth sensitivity may be to blame. While mild sensitivity can be normal, ongoing discomfort often points to worn enamel, cavities, cracked teeth, or exposed roots. When sensitivity becomes frequent, it’s a sign your teeth need professional attention. Bleeding Gums After Brushing or Flossing Seeing blood in the sink might not seem alarming, but healthy gums shouldn’t bleed regularly. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest signs of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. Without treatment, it can progress into more serious gum problems that threaten your teeth and bones. Persistent Bad Breath Occasional bad breath happens to everyone, but persistent bad breath is often a sign of an underlying dental issue. Bacteria trapped in cavities, gum pockets, or infections can cause odors that brushing alone can’t fix. Chronic bad breath is your mouth’s way of asking for help. Changes in Gum Color or Shape Healthy gums should be firm and pink. If your gums appear red, swollen, or shiny, or start pulling away from your teeth, it could indicate infection or gum disease. Receding gums expose sensitive tooth roots and increase the risk of decay and tooth loss. Jaw Pain or Morning Headaches Waking up with jaw soreness or frequent headaches can be linked to teeth grinding or clenching, often done unconsciously during sleep. Over time, grinding wears down enamel, cracks teeth, and strains jaw joints, leading to long-term damage if ignored. Spots or Discoloration on Teeth White, brown, or dark spots on your teeth can be early signs of decay. At this stage, damage may still be reversible with proper treatment. Waiting too long can allow cavities to develop, requiring fillings or more invasive procedures. EARLY SIGNS OF DENTAL TROUBLE
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
MOUTHWATERING MINI CHEESECAKES
Ingredients
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12 oz package vanilla wafers 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• • •
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
21 oz can cherry pie filling
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In two 24-cup miniature muffin pans, line each space with a paper liner. 3. Using a food processor or resealable plastic bag, crush vanilla wafers into a fine crumb. 4. Press 1/2 teaspoon of crumbs into each paper liner. 5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 6. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. 8. Cool completely in the pan. 9. Top each mini cheesecake with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving. Enjoy!
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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