Are You Brushing Off the Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene? THE BEST INTENTIONS
It’s pounded into your head your whole life, you need to brush your teeth and gums regularly if you want to have good oral health. It’s a great habit to have. However, what you don’t always hear is how too much of a good thing can be a real problem. Dentists estimate that between 10 and 20 percent of the population have damaged their teeth or gums because of overbrushing. In the world of dentistry, overbrushing is also referred to as “toothbrush abrasion,” and it can actually lead to sensitive teeth and receding gums. Are you diligent about your oral hygiene? If so, the irony is that you may be at the greatest risk of damage from overbrushing — although there’s also a genetic predisposition, and the risk is higher for those who clench or grind their teeth. The fact is, plaque doesn’t require a lot of aggression to remove. It’s a common misconception, which is why you may not realize that brushing hard doesn’t provide any additional benefit to your oral health, and can actually be dangerous if you aren’t careful. You may be overbrushing if you’re being too vigorous each time you do brush or even if you’re brushing too frequently. The real key to successful
brushing is time: Rather than brushing hard for 30 seconds, brush gently for a few minutes using proper technique.
Fortunately, there are treatment options available if you already have severe damage from overbrushing. Ask us for more information at your next appointment! AVOCADO AND CUCUMBER Cold Soup Ingredients • Olive oil • 2 medium ripe • 1 lemon, juiced • ½ cup cold water • 1 clove garlic
COVER CONTINUED
Instructions 1. Preheat grill to medium-high. avocados, halved • 1 large cucumber, halved • 6 stalks spring onions • 1 jalapeno
• ¾ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper
definitely doesn’t only apply to teachers. I remember one time during college. I was in a four-year dental hygiene program, studying to be a hygienist. That was just the plan. One day, my mom asked me, “Why don’t you go on and become a dentist?” When I thought about it, I didn’t really have an answer. I just hadn’t considered that possibility before. Years later, here I am running my own dental practice. Looking back, it’s clear to me that I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today without the support of dozens of teachers and mentors. From my blond-haired kindergarten teacher to my lovely mother, I’m grateful for them all.
2. Coat halved avocados with lemon juice to avoid browning. Brush olive oil over avocados, cucumber, spring onions, and jalapeno. Oil grill while hot. 3. Grill vegetables until everything is grilled or slightly charred. Once grilled, remove and place on platter to cool. 4. Chop grilled veggies and puree with lemon juice, cold water, garlic, salt, and black pepper. 5. Once smooth, portion soup into bowls and refrigerate to cool before serving. 6. Garnish with toasted cubed bread, avocados, spring onions, chives, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
— Dr. Patti
Recipe inspired by kirantarun.com.
Lake Oconee Dentistry | Personalized & Comfortable | 3
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