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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-438-8152 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | OCTOBER 2019
HALLOWEEN IS ABOUT FACING YOUR FEARS WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
When it comes to Halloween, it seems like every family has their own fun traditions to kick off the spooky, candy-filled festivities. My family, for example, plans out a classic group costume and goes trick-or-treating together. Last year, we went as a circus act complete with a bearded lady, a monkey, a strong man, and a ringmaster, and the year before that, we hit the streets to do our best portrayal of the beloved gang from the Toy Story franchise. While Halloween is a holiday replete with costumes and candy, it’s known to hone in on people’s biggest fears. With its haunted houses, winding corn mazes, chilling movies, and cardboard cutouts of ghosts, goblins, and spiders, Halloween serves as a day for people of all ages to face what scares them most. Since I’m in a line of work centered around helping people, it might seem surprising to hear that much of my workday involves addressing fear. But, when the vast majority of the population experiences real anxiety while sitting in the dental chair, helping them work through their fears becomes an important aspect of my job. Over the years, helping assuage patients’ fear- filled thoughts has become my favorite part of being a dentist. I’ll admit to people right away that even though I know exactly what goes on during each and every dental procedure, I still don’t enjoy sitting in the chair getting my own teeth cleaned. Lying back in the chair with several instruments in your mouth can
make anyone (even dentists) feel supremely vulnerable, but I’ve found it’s not the procedure that brings on the fear; it’s the feeling of not knowing what is going to happen.
the hygienist, or me, but once I let them know what to expect from their appointment, I find they feel a little more at ease. Sometimes I’ll start with a joke to break the ice. In fact, the other day, an initially frightened patient and I joked about how awful it would be if I turned the office into a haunted house. I started thinking about all the creepy decorations I could hang and the scary costume I could wear when she interrupted my thoughts and exclaimed, “You wouldn’t need to change a thing! This place already sends chills down my spine!” Amidst our fit of laughs, I talked her through her procedure from beginning to end and even showed her which instruments I would be using. Once she knew what to expect, she seemed much more relaxed. The bottom line is I understand why people are afraid of me and where those fears come from, but, in order to work through that fear-based thinking, we have to face what’s scaring you together. If you know you have an appointment coming up, and you already feel some anxiety about sitting the chair, the best thing you can do is talk to me about it. Tell me how you’re feeling, ask questions, complain even! I promise I’ll do my best to make you feel a little more comfortable and prove I’m not so scary after all.
When you really think about it, the unknown is at the heart of most fears. If you’re watching a scary movie, the suspense stems from not knowing who the villain is, but, once you discover their identity, your fear starts to dissipate. The same thing occurs when you embark on a new life experience like starting a job, going to a different school, or having a baby. Comfort comes from knowing. When I meet a new patient, I can usually tell right away if they are frightened. They might be apprehensive about the chair, the procedure, (even dentists) feel supremely vulnerable, but I’ve found it’s not the procedure that brings on the fear; it’s the feeling of not knowing what is going to happen.” “Lying back in the chair with several instruments in your mouth can make anyone
– Dr. Brooks
513-438-8152 • 1
4 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR TEETH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WILL ALL THAT HALLOWEEN CANDY AFFECT YOUR ORAL p H?
FALL FAMILY FUN DECORATE YOUR HOUSE WITH YOUR OWN CREATIONS!
The leaves are turning, the weather is changing, and the holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out the fall decor! To make this season especially memorable for your family, create your own decorations with these fun ideas below.
PINE CONE PAINTING
Go on a family walk through the park to pick up a few fallen pine cones or take a quick trip to the store to buy a bag. Once everyone has their own hand-picked pine cone, grab a paintbrush and a few colors and have at it! For extra flair, add some fixings like glitter, beads, sequins, string, and more.
With Halloween on the horizon, the opportunities to indulge in sugary and acidic treats and drinks are abundant. While you probably already know goodies like candy and soda can do some general damage your teeth, you might not know how they affect the pH balance in your mouth.
LEAF PAINTING
WHAT IS pH?
Take a trip outside with the kids to pick out some large, unbroken leaves, then head back inside and get creative! You can pull out the construction paper and paint trees, using handprints and “arm prints” as the trunks and branches. Paint the leaves you found to spruce up your trees or use them as decorations on their own. You can also use them for leaf printing or leaf pressing. When you’ve got multiple friends and family members coming over and you need snacks, edible decorations are the way to go. You can get a little creative and make elaborate treats, or you can opt for delicious and easy-to-make finger foods with your kids. A good starting treat for your family is a batch of pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats. Add orange food coloring to the mix and get your kids to shape the treats like pumpkins before using a few pretzel sticks to make sturdy stems. FUN FINGER FOOD
The pH scale is a measure of the acidity of a given substance. It ranges from 0–14 — 0 being the most acidic and 14 the most basic (or alkaline). When it comes to oral pH, you should think of the human mouth as a watery ecosystem that, like the rest of the body, requires a balanced pH that is ever so slightly alkaline. Usually, your saliva sits around a pH of 7.6. But when you consume acidic foods and drinks, your oral pH is tipped, creating an imbalance that immediately starts to wear away the enamel on your teeth. If that protective layer wears away, it leaves your teeth vulnerable to plaque and bacteria, which cause decay, sensitivity, and discoloring. • DON’T GRAZE Sipping on drinks and snacking on food are two main culprits when it comes to acidity and tooth decay. Keeping a soda or snack at your desk to graze on will create a long-term acidic environment in your mouth without giving your saliva a chance to rebalance it. Not to mention the consistent supply of food (read: sugar) you’re providing for decay- causing bacteria. • RINSE WITH WATER Every time you are sipping on an acidic beverage or snacking on anything sugary or starchy, have a glass of water nearby. Alternating between the acidic drink/snack and water will help your mouth to rebalance faster. • CHEW GUM After a meal or an acidic drink, chew sugar-free gum, ideally one containing xylitol (my personal recommendation is Trident). The action of chewing gum encourages the mouth to make saliva, which over time will restore pH balance. To prevent these issues this Halloween season, keep the following tips in mind! • WAIT TO BRUSH YES, you read that correctly! Do not brush your teeth immediately after having a soda, cider, fruit juices, candy, etc. Because the enamel is already softened by the acidity, toothbrush bristles will literally brush off the enamel, thinning that protective layer surrounding the dentin. Instead, rinse and swish with water and wait at least 30 minutes before you brush. While as a dentist I’m in the “no candy zone,” as a father and holiday-celebrating human, I’m all for letting yourself enjoy the treats that come with each holiday. At the same time, I advocate for moderation and keeping these tips in mind so you can indulge AND protect your teeth. Happy Halloween! For more information on oral pH, check out our blog article: ATownDental.com/Is-That-Drink-in-Your-Hand- Destorying-Your-Teeth/
THANKSGIVING CRAFTS
Thanksgiving is only a month away, and your possibilities for holiday- themed crafts are endless
with just a few supplies like paper, scissors, markers, and string. You can make turkey placemats, tissue paper trees, pumpkin garlands, paper pumpkins, or leaf mobiles to hang from the ceiling. Compile a list of
ideas and have your kids pick out which craft they want to do first, then get to work together to create as many decorations as you
want to display for Turkey Day.
With these engaging craft ideas, the whole family will be eager to make their own decorations and show them off for months to come!
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NO-CARVE PUMPKIN DESIGNS!
JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
Jack-o’-lanterns go hand-in-hand with Halloween, but digging through the inside of a pumpkin is not something everyone enjoys. If you aren’t keen on cutting open a pumpkin, here are a few no-carve ideas you can try this Halloween! HAUNTED HOUSE Take a few pumpkins, stack them on top of each other, and create a spooky pumpkin haunted house! Then, use paint, balsa wood sheets, and hot glue to create silhouettes, ghosts, windows, and doors for a haunting effect! CREATIVE WITH STRING Use cotton twine and hot glue to create a web-like design on the surface of your pumpkin. Don’t forget to add a few plastic spiders! You can also use string art to create ghostly words or images. Lay out your design with small pegs or nails and wrap the string around them to reach your desired effect. NOTHING BUT NET You can create eerie pumpkins using fishnet stockings. Spray-paint your pumpkin if desired — just make sure
the design of the stockings will stand out. Once the paint is dry, cut the legs off the stockings, slide the pumpkin inside, remove the extra fabric around the stem, and use hot glue to secure it. COLORFUL PAINT Painting your Halloween pumpkins gives everyone a chance to participate. Be creative by using different designs, cutouts for silhouettes, drip paint to create a marble design, or nail polish and water to give white pumpkins a unique and vibrant look. A SPOOKY MONSTER By adding a witch hat, wrapping a pumpkin in cheesecloth, attaching spider legs, or tying on a vampire cape, you can create a pumpkin version of the most popular Halloween monsters. Along with these accessories, you can also use paint, construction paper, and other craft materials to add the details that will make your creation pop!
For more detailed directions for these pumpkin designs and more ideas, visit WomansDay.com.
HOW TO ASSEMBLE A VEGGIE SKELETON
HOW BIG IS YOUR BRAIN?: We’re giving away $25 every week! Just check our Facebook page every Tuesday to play our Tuesday Trivia contest. We’ll post a question, you post the answer, and you’re entered to win! Every Wednesday, we’ll post the answer, some additional info, and announce the winner of a $25 Amazon e-gift card. Visit our page at www.facebook.com/atowndental. IT’S NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH!: Now that it’s officially October, what might be your kid’s number one request? Halloween candy! As a parent, you might feel concerned about the damage that chewy candy corn and caramel apples have on your child’s teeth. While it’s always good to teach them to practice a little self-restraint when it comes to delectable sweets, as long as you also pass along good dental hygiene habits, you don’t have to worry as much! Make brushing and flossing a ritual you complete together at least twice a day, and, if you want any other advice, feel free to give our office a call. Our hygienists would love to join you in celebrating National Dental Hygiene Month! YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOW!
As someone with very specific dietary needs, I completely understand how difficult it can be for many people to find refreshments they can enjoy during the holidays while it seems everyone else gets to indulge in treat after treat. Consider all your guests in your food planning this holiday season (chances are good you know people who eat paleo, have gluten or other allergies, are diabetic, etc.), and offer up something like this festive veggie skeleton! It’ll act as easy decor, please all attendees, and cancel out all the sweets people will eat too (oh wait, that’s not how it works?!). Your efforts will not go unappreciated.
FOR THE HEAD
Your favorite paleo-friendly dip makes a great canvas for a face. Pour it into a bowl and build features on top using different veggies.
FOR THE RIBCAGE
Sliced cucumbers make for great vertebrae, and bell pepper slivers can be used to simulate ribs. Alternate between the two to give your skeleton some backbone.
FOR THE ARMS AND LEGS
Any long and straight vegetable will do the trick here. If you want to be anatomically accurate, consider using some spherical vegetables for joints.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and wacky with your veggie skeleton. The whole point, after all, is to have some fun and give people a reason to smile.
513-438-8152 • 3
513-438-8152 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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FALL CRAFTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
WILL ALL THAT HALLOWEEN CANDY AFFECT YOUR ORAL pH?
AVOID GETTING YOUR HANDS DIRTY THIS HALLOWEEN
HOW TO ASSEMBLE A VEGGIE SKELETON
FUN LOCAL EVENTS FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY!
WHAT TO DO IN CINCINNATI THIS MONTH GET IN ON SOME FUN LOCAL ACTIVITIES THIS FALL!
QUEEN BEE HALF MARATHON When: Saturday, Oct. 12; 7:30 a.m. Where: Race starts at JACK Casino Admission: Register at QueenBeeHalf.com
The month of October offers up some amazing festivities for you and the entire family at none other than Coney Island Park. With live shows, pumpkin throwing competitions, and carnival rides, this month-long event features entertaining activities, regardless of age group. You can visit some farmyard friends at the petting zoo, take a hayride through the grounds, or roast s’mores at the Yogi Bear Campsite plus many other options for some good old-fashioned fall fun. Head to ConeyIslandPark.com to see which event might be best for you and your family! OHIO SAUERKRAUT FESTIVAL When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12–13; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce Admission: Head to SauerkrautFestival.WaynesvilleOhio.com for more information! On Oct. 3, 1970 the Waynesville Retail Merchants decided to host a sidewalk sale when someone suggested they serve a delicious sauerkraut dinner as part of the event. Thus, the annual Ohio Sauerkraut Festival began! While the first year served 528 pounds of sauerkraut to nearly 1,500 visitors, this year the festival plans to serve 7 tons to over 350,000 visitors! There will also be 450 craft booths to peruse, and you can sample the offerings from dozens upon dozens of food booths. With delicious food, live entertainment, and local shopping vendors located only an hour away from Cincinnati, what more do you need?
Brought to you by the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, the Queen Bee Half Marathon is a wonderful way to spend a cool fall Saturday helping supporting a race dedicated to raising funds for local charities that focus on women. Even if you’re not feeling up to running 13.1 miles, you can opt for the four-mile event instead! Both courses wind through some of our city’s historical neighborhoods, but that’s not all. You’ll get to see
dozens of amazing bands at the refreshment zones to keep your heart pumping long after the race is over. Once you cross the finish line, you can kick
back and enjoy an unforgettable after-party filled with chocolate, massages, and fun!
FALL-O-WEEN FESTIVAL When: Every Saturday and Sunday in Oct.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Coney Island Park Admission: $12 General Admission for Ages 2 & Up
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