Gooch Family Dental January/February 2018

Get Your Kids to Eat

Healthier Than Ever

Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo.

Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know

you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when

kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables.

Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new

foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!

Have You Considered Veneers? A PORCELAIN GRIN

At Gooch Family Dental, we understand the importance of a great smile. We want all our patients to leave feeling confident about showing off their pearly whites! Sometimes intensive procedures, like realignments, are needed in order to get there. But what if your smile is just a little off? If minor discoloration or one chipped tooth is keeping you from grinning, it may be worthwhile to look into porcelain veneers.

• Achieve a dramatically whiter smile by covering stains and discoloration • Conceal structural damage, like minor cracks and chips • Improve the appearance of mild misalignment • Fill spaces and gaps between your teeth • Improve the dimensions of your teeth for a smile that compliments your facial features

What They Are:

How to Get Them:

Porcelain veneers are custom-crafted ceramic shells with a thin, translucent finish designed to fit your smile. They don’t replace your natural teeth, but are bonded to the front of them. Patients can have a veneer placed over a single problem tooth, or have entire sets made.

Usually, getting porcelain veneers takes two appointments. First, the dentist will make room for the veneers by removing a small amount of enamel. They will then make a detailed impression of your teeth, from which your custom veneers will be crafted. Here at Gooch Family Dental, we have our own CEREC® machine that can craft small orders on-site. If you feel like small imperfections are holding your smile back, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gooch today and find out if veneers are right for you.

What They Do:

The benefits of porcelain veneers are extensive. Depending on the condition of your teeth, veneers can be the most effective avenue for reaching your aesthetic goals. Many patients invest in them for their ability to do the following:

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