NEW SEASON, NEW HABITS SIMPLE ORAL HEALTH RESETS FOR SPRING
Spring is here, and your counters and floors aren’t the only things you should include in your spring cleaning. A new season is a great time to refresh something you use every day: your teeth. From going to your dentist for a complete cleaning to upgrading your toothbrush, there are steps you can take to reset your oral health habits and keep your smile bright all year. REFRESH YOUR ROUTINE One of the best places to start is decluttering your oral care supplies and evaluating your daily dental routines. Replace your old toothbrush with a new one with soft bristles. It’s easy to forget that toothbrushes should be replaced every three months to prevent fraying and loss of effectiveness. This is a perfect opportunity to switch to an electric toothbrush if you’re not already using one. Toothpaste and mouthwash can expire, so check the expiration dates and replace anything that’s past its prime. Ensure that you brush twice a day and floss once a day. SCHEDULE YOUR DENTAL VISIT Your dentist is your number one ally in protecting your smile and maintaining your oral health. Schedule an
appointment for a professional cleaning and check- up. During this visit, your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that basic home care can’t reach. They can also identify any signs of potential issues, such as gum disease or cavities, and create a plan to address them. If you have any dental goals, such as whitening your smile or straightening your teeth, discuss them with your dentist. CARE FOR YOUR WHOLE SELF Your oral health and overall wellness are closely linked, so by taking care of your whole self, you are helping to improve your smile. Make sure to drink enough water to prevent dry mouth and flush away bacteria and debris. Reduce your sugar intake, as it plays a significant role in tooth decay. Aim for a full night’s sleep because insomnia increases your risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and bad breath. At Exceptional Smiles, we’re here to help you start this season off smiling. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. This March, we’re offering a free sleep apnea consultation. If you are a new patient, don’t miss out on a $150 cleaning and X-rays or a free Sonicare toothbrush this April.
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH Q: What do you call a $2 chicken? A: Buck, buck!
Ingredients Pad Thai • 2 medium zucchini • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 red bell peppers • 3 green onions • 1 large egg • 2 cups bean sprouts • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) • Lime wedges (optional) Sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp packed brown sugar • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
Directions 1. In small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; set aside. 2. Using vegetable spiralizer, cut zucchini into noodles. 3. Heat large pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil (reserve the other half). 4. Add zucchini noodles; cook for 2–3 minutes. 5. Let noodles rest for about 3 minutes. Remove noodles, drain, then reheat pan. 6. Add remaining olive oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. 7. Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes. 8. Add bell peppers and green onions; cook 1–2 minutes. 9. Add egg and stir until cooked 10. Add back zucchini noodles, then add sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Then add bean sprouts. 11. Serve, garnishing with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
Q: What did one Dorito farmer say to the other? A: “That’s a cool ranch.”
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com You may see it in our next issue! Q: Why can’t NASA send a duck to space? A: The bill would be astronomical.
Inspired by WhiteOnRiceCouple.com
3
exceptionalsmiles.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator