Take a look at our April newsletter!
THE
7525 STATE RD., STE. A, CINCINNATI, OH 45255 | 513-231-7755 | WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM | APRIL 2025 FUTURE DENTISTS OR JUST HERE FOR THE SNACKS? BRUSH - UP ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
Watching My Kids Grow in the Practice
When you own a family dental practice, “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” isn’t just a once-a-year event in April — it’s a weekly tradition. My kids are regular visitors to the office, whether they’re tagging along for fun, getting their teeth cleaned, or even helping out with small tasks. Running a business and raising a family often go hand in hand; honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Since we homeschool, our kids are always home, so sometimes they need a change of scenery. If I’m heading back to the office after lunch, I’ll casually ask, “Who wants to come with me?” and without fail, one of them jumps at the opportunity. In our previous office, before we remodeled, the kids were always there because my wife regularly worked in the practice. They had no problem making themselves at home — filling up tiny water cups at the dispenser and waltzing through the staff doors like they owned the place. After our remodel, we finally had space for a proper staff break area, complete with a table and chairs, and I even got my own private office. That means the kids can hang out, do schoolwork, or play on the computer while I see patients. They also know our entire staff, and if my wife is driving by, they’ll often stop in just to say hi. They come storming in like it’s a family reunion, and the team loves it. When it comes to dental visits, we keep things flexible. Instead of booking standard appointments, we take advantage of cancellations. My wife will bring the kids in, and while one gets their cleaning, the others raid the staff break room for snacks. Lucky for them, our team keeps it well stocked, and the kids know the magic words, “Help yourself.” Between crackers, candy, and the weekly Crumbl cookies, they think going to the dentist is the best deal ever. As they get older, some of them are even showing an interest in working at the office. Our oldest daughter is counting down the days until she turns 14 so she can officially start as a receptionist. She’s already helped with small tasks, like shredding papers and assembling giveaway items, but she’s eager to take on a “real” role. Meanwhile, our son — who’s only 9 — has already decided he’s going to be a dentist. It’s not even a question in his mind. “Duh, of course, I’m going to do that. That’s what Dad does.” I love his enthusiasm,
even if he doesn’t quite grasp the long road ahead — high school, college, and dental school. We’ll see if he still feels the same in 20 years!
Beyond our kids, our team is growing in more ways than one. For the first time in a long time, we have employees with children, and that’s been special. We do a family Christmas party where Santa makes a special appearance at the office, and if someone has a new baby, they’ll bring them in during team lunches. If we had the space, we’d love to offer on-site daycare, but for now, we just keep things as family-friendly as possible. At the end of the day, whether my kids choose to enter the dental world officially or carve their own paths, I cherish how they get to be part of this adventure and witness the power of building something meaningful. And if nothing else, they’ll always know going to the dentist comes with a side of cookies and fun.
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Flossing Myths You Need to Stop Believing to Keep Your Smile Healthy DON’T LET PLAQUE WIN! Flossing — it’s that little thing we all know we should do, but many often skip. Maybe you think brushing alone is enough or only reach for the floss when you feel something stuck between your teeth. But the truth is, flossing is an essential part of keeping your smile healthy, and there are plenty of myths out there that might be holding you back from doing it right. So, we’re here to set the record straight! MYTH NO. 1: FLOSSING ORDER DOESN’T MATTER. Think you should brush first, then floss? Think again! The best order is to floss, rinse, then brush. Why? Flossing first loosens plaque and food particles between your teeth, so rinsing washes them away, and brushing finishes the job. Doing it the other way around can leave all that gunk in your mouth, defeating the purpose! MYTH NO. 2: A QUICK UP-AND-DOWN IS GOOD ENOUGH. Many people make the mistake of swiping floss straight up and down between teeth. But to really clean your teeth and gums, you must wrap the floss around each tooth in a C-shape. This technique lets you sweep around the tooth and gums to remove bacteria and plaque. MYTH NO. 3: YOU ONLY NEED TO FLOSS WHEN FOOD GETS STUCK. If you’re only flossing when you feel a popcorn kernel wedged in your teeth, you’re missing the bigger picture. Flossing isn’t just about removing food; it’s about breaking up plaque and harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease, bad breath, and cavities. Even if your teeth feel clean, plaque forms constantly, and flossing is the best way to stop it in its tracks. WHY FLOSSING IS A BIG DEAL. Dental plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. If you don’t floss daily, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), which can’t be removed at home. Over time, this leads to gingivitis, gum recession, gum disease, and even tooth loss. The worst part? You may not even notice until the damage is done! WHICH FLOSS IS BEST? Regular string floss is the gold standard, but if that’s not your thing, gum chucks (floss handles) or floss picks can be good alternatives. The key is to use whatever makes you floss! There are even fun flavors like cupcake, coconut, and watermelon to make the experience more enjoyable.
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. PLAN AHEAD Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes. MASTER YOUR EQUIPMENT Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS CAPTURE NATURE’S BEAUTY LIKE A PRO
f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus. CONSIDER COMPOSITION In photography, composition is key. When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos.
Bottom line? Flossing isn’t optional — it’s essential!
BE RESPECTFUL Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
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PARENTING TEENS TIPS FOR HANDLING CONFLICT WITH CARE
KEY STRATEGIES FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION Engage in active listening.
As kids grow into teens and young adults, family dynamics often change. Gaining more independence naturally becomes their priority, which can lead to more conflicts at home. Whether disagreeing over curfews, arguing about responsibilities, or struggling with differing communication styles, these challenges can feel new to many parents. Conflicts don’t have to create division, though. They can even strengthen your relationship if you handle them with care.
Set clear, respectful boundaries. Teens still need structure, but how you enforce boundaries matters. Respect their growing independence by explaining the reasoning behind rules and allowing room for compromise. You can also demonstrate the behavior you expect from your teen by setting and maintaining your boundaries. Modeling appropriate boundary-setting in your interactions shows them how to establish and respect limits in their relationships, which can benefit them long after they leave home.
Sometimes, the best way to avoid or defuse conflict is just to listen. Active listening helps strengthen relationships by showing your teen you care and understand their perspective. Reflect on their feelings to show you’re paying attention (e.g., “It sounds like you’re upset because you feel misunderstood.”). This approach helps teens feel heard and makes it less likely they’ll get defensive. Collaborate on solutions. Instead of imposing rules or decisions on your teen, involve them in finding resolutions. Collaboration and negotiation show their input matters. Open discussions foster mutual respect and help build a foundation for long-term trust and understanding. When collaborating, ask open-ended questions like, “What do you think would be fair?” or “How can we make this better for everyone?”
BUILDING STRONGER BONDS THROUGH CONFLICT
The teenage years bring rapid changes in how teens relate to their world and families. Conflict is common during this formative period, but it doesn’t have to be a battle — it can be a bridge. With patience, empathy, and the right strategies, you can foster a bond that not only survives the teen years but thrives because of them.
YOUR MONTHLY NEED-TO-KNOWS
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
IMPORTANT OFFICE HOURS TO KNOW: Our office will be closed from Monday, May 5, to Friday, May 9. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, May 12! We’ll also be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. WHERE DO THEY MAKE NFL FOOTBALLS? All of the official NFL footballs have been made at the Wilson factory in Ada, Ohio, ever since 1955. Every football is handmade, not from pig skin, but from cowhide sourced from Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa. WHY DO WE PUT CANDLES ON TOP OF A BIRTHDAY CAKE? The tradition can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece! People would light candles atop round cakes to symbolize the moon and pay tribute to the goddess Artemis. The candles’ smoke was believed to carry your wishes up to the Greek gods and goddesses. WHO WAS THE TALLEST PRESIDENT? The title of “Tallest U.S. President” goes to Abraham Lincoln, who was 6 feet, 4 inches tall, but Andrew Jackson was not far behind, being only a half-inch shorter. Meanwhile, the shortest of all presidents is James Madison, who was only 5 feet, 4 inches tall!
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large
• •
4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided
• • • • • • • • • •
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 small head broccoli, cut into florets 3/4 cup julienned carrots
skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes.
1/2 cup snow peas
1/2 cup halved green beans
4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp soy sauce
remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 tsp salt
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ANDERSON DENTAL CARE Nathan Brooks, DDS, Inc.
513-231-7755 WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
7525 STATE RD., STE. A CINCINNATI, OH 45255
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Dr. Brooks’ Children Have Made the Dental Clinic Their Home
2
Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Flossing Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
3
Turn Teen Disagreements Into Growth
Your Monthly Need-to-Knows
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
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Cincinnati’s Spring Food Festivities You Can’t Miss!
SPRING BITES AND SIPS! Celebrate Spring With Tea, Tacos, and Cultural Delights
As spring arrives in Cincinnati, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and indulge in the city’s incredible culinary scene. Whether you’re craving an elegant tea experience, a vibrant cultural celebration, or the ultimate taco showdown, these events offer the perfect excuse to get outside, savor exceptional food, and make the most of the warmer weather! AFTERNOON TEA AT THE TAFT MUSEUM OF ART Friday, April 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. TaftMuseum.org/cafe Celebrate British National Tea Day in style at the Taft Museum of Art on Friday, April 18! Immerse yourself in an afternoon of elegance, culture, and delicious flavors with the museum’s Afternoon Tea series. Savor a delightful selection of sweet and
savory treats perfectly paired with Churchill’s Teas while enjoying the museum’s captivating exhibits. This event offers a perfect blend of artistry and indulgence, perfect for tea enthusiasts and curious weekend diners. Reservations are required!
THE REAL TACO FEST May 10, 2025 RealTacoFest.com
2025 ASIAN FOOD FEST April 26–27, 2025 AsianFoodFest.org
Get ready for the ultimate taco experience at Real Taco Fest! This local street taco festival brings together the best tacos in town for one delicious day of flavor and fun. Sample unique taco creations from top local restaurants and sip on refreshing beverages! With over 13,000 tacos served last year at Smale Riverfront Park, this festival is a must for every taco lover. Whether you’re a fan of classic carnitas or adventurous fusion flavors, there’s something for everyone!
Prepare for a feast of flavors at the 2025 Asian Food Fest, returning to the heart of Cincinnati on April 26–27! This two-day celebration brings together the best of Asian cuisine, culture, and community. Now in its 14th year, one of the tastiest festivals in town attracts nearly 100,000 attendees with mouthwatering dishes, live performances, and unforgettable experiences. Mark your calendar and come hungry for a weekend of flavor and festivity!
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