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May/June 2025
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Growing up, we had a Buick sedan, and my dad had this magic word that would make the headlights turn on or off. My brothers and I would sit there in amazement, mom chuckling, and we could never figure out how he did it. His hands were on the wheel the whole time. We wouldn’t find out until much later that the headlight switch was on the floor. Though it was just his ability to maneuver an everyday situation into something funny, it was its own special sort of magic — the power of dad jokes. When I was about to ask a girl out for the first time, I was very nervous and didn’t know what I was doing. I still remember what Mom said — that any girl I asked out would be lucky to go on a date with me. At that awkward age, it was exactly what I needed to hear, the kind of thing that makes you feel less uncertain. Even now, as a grown-up, it still feels good to know you have someone cheering for you. I have many memories of growing up with my mom and dad, but those are just a couple I’ve kept with me for a long time. With Mother’s and Father’s Day coming up, I’m reflecting on all the little ways they shaped who I am today. It’s not just the big life lessons, like the difference between right and wrong, but the small moments — like Trivial Pursuit games and quiet encouragement — that stick with me. I’m not surprised my parents ended up together because they have similar emotional intelligence. They can read people incredibly well. They called it when they told me one of my childhood friends was bad news. I didn’t want to believe it at the time, but sure enough, he turned out to be a big bully who tormented me and others. My interest in human psychology certainly came from them. They’re both very loving, supportive, and always available for questions or problems. I was never afraid to tell them about a situation — though they didn’t just bail me out. They were there for support when I needed it and THE EVERYDAY MAGIC OF MOM AND DAD The Hidden Headlight Trick and Other Parental Wisdom
would ask if it was okay for them to help. My dad was the elementary school principal, and after that bully chased me home, he asked if I was ready for help. It was a small town, so he knew the junior high principal and set up a meeting. After that, for whatever reason, that bully never bothered me again. My mother was the director at her office, where they did archaeological fieldwork throughout Iowa, so she was very science-based. I used to volunteer as much as possible on her digs and worked there for five or six summers between high school and dental school. She always welcomed it and found time for me. Though she’s a little more reserved, she’s always looked out for us. Anyone who’s spent an hour in my chair knows my humor came from my dad and my compassion from my mom. They taught me that hard work is important and how to build a good moral compass. They showed us that sometimes you do something not because a reward awaits but because it’s the right thing. My parents continue to impress me today. My dad is now one of the higher-ups in his Peace Corps alum group, and just two Mother’s Days ago, my mom received an honorary doctorate from the University of Iowa. Growing up with strong role models, you don’t always want to hear the lessons at the moment, but they sure pay off. So, this year, my message for all kids is that your parents are probably pretty cool people. And, to the parents, your kids are looking up to you, so stay cool. To my parents, thank you for everything. -Dr. Jason Schermer
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THE TRUTH ABOUT TODAY’S TREATMENTS Is a Root Canal Really That Scary?
If you have to go in for a root canal, you’ve likely heard at least one horror story about the procedure — “Root canals are extremely painful,” “They’re poison that causes serious health conditions,” or “It’s better just to pull the tooth.” The truth is that modern root canals are nothing like many of the outdated myths circulating online. Root Canal Awareness Week takes place in May, and we’re sharing the benefits of this common procedure and why it’s not as scary as you may think. THEY CAN SAVE YOUR NATURAL TEETH. The human body likes its own pieces and parts; no manufactured alternative will ever be as good as the natural root. Root canals allow dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth, helping to prevent implants. There’s
a reason we try to preserve the tooth rather than replace it with an artificial one. Treating the nerve when a tooth becomes cracked or infected is crucial to prevent further damage. When left untreated, the infection can spread, and the dentist will ultimately have to remove the tooth. A root canal can prevent the need for more drastic measures. THEY ARE SAFE. Myths about root canals leading to serious illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease have persisted since the 1920s but have been widely debunked by science. Avoiding the procedure is more likely to cause health problems, including swelling, bone loss, or abscesses. Root canals are a very predictable procedure that typically takes only about an hour.
THEY AREN’T PAINFUL. Today’s dentists take careful steps to ensure your root canal isn’t painful. When treated early, there’s less swelling and discomfort, making the process feel no more uncomfortable than cavity fillings. If there’s an infection, we use antibiotics to keep the swelling down, and your dentist will thoroughly clean and evaluate the tooth to ensure there’s enough healthy tooth structure to work with. This pre-treatment allows the specialist to work in a clean environment, reducing the chance of bacteria seeping back into the area. If you are facing a root canal, don’t let the myths prevent you from saving your natural teeth. Contact us so we can refer you to an endodontist we have been working with for the past 25 years. She did Dr. Schermer’s root canal, and he fell asleep during it!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Best dentist in Cleveland!! Staff is amazing and they make sure you are comfortable the whole time. Highly recommend!” -David G. — “Super kind, professional, and accommodating dental practice on the east side. I highly recommend it!” -Mike B.
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(440) 483-1003
CREATING YOUR CANVAS HOW ART CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Decades ago, I almost failed art class in grade school. I’ll never forget that project, making a clay object glazed and finished in the kiln. Every time I put the item in, it exploded even though no one else seemed to have that problem. It was my last chance, and I took the lump of clay, added little legs, and made a little turtle that somehow survived the fire. I still have that turtle today — far from a masterpiece but a reminder of how far I have come in embracing creativity. Nowadays, I get the opportunity to be artistic as a dentist, creating digital teeth designs and helping craft smiles I never imagined as a kid. It’s a gift that our children love to be creative, doing everything from drawing, weaving, and sewing to making fun videos. My daughter once even recreated an entire Disney movie, acting out every part. National Creativity Day is on May 31, and it’s amazing to see how art and self-expression have evolved. In a world with tensions rising, art, in its many forms, provides us with an important outlet to deal with difficult emotions healthily.
Certain art forms naturally speak to me, like my favorite painting at the Cleveland Art Museum. Something about it resonates with me, and now, whenever we visit, my kids will say, “Hey, Dad, it’s your painting.” They have their favorites there, too. Ultimately, even the art I don’t necessarily get or enjoy is something I still appreciate for the sake of it. Create something, whatever it may be — painting, gardening, or even driving downtown and enjoying the local murals. If a piece of art or a song means something to you, don’t be afraid to learn more about it. If you can find the artist, ask them what motivated them and what makes them tick. It’s going to be beneficial to you, and it’s also going to make the world a better place. No matter what happens in the world, I hope there will always be a place for artistic expression — and I hope you find the art that heals, inspires, and connects you.
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH Q: Where do bad rainbows go? A: To prism. It’s a light sentence, but it gives them time to reflect.
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
Ingredients • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 large eggs
Q: Where do sheep go on vacation? A: The Baa-hamas Q: Where do sharks go on vacation? A: Finland.
Directions 1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com. You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
exceptionalsmiles.com
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
INSIDE
1 The Love That Built Me
2 Root Canal Myths Busted
What People Are Saying About Us
3 Embrace Your Inner Artist
Creamy Chicken Carbonara
4 Hidden Hazards to Your Health
SHOCKINGLY SNEAKY HIGH-CALORIE SNACKS DIET DECEIVERS
For most health-conscious Americans, counting calories is the go-to method for keeping their bodies and eating habits in check. Unfortunately, even the strictest dieters may be defeating their goals without realizing it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, moderately active males aged 31–45 need to consume 2,600 calories daily to maintain proper weight and health. In contrast, moderately active females in the same age group need 2,000. Moderately active older adults need 2,400 and 1,800, respectively. Although these amounts seem to offer considerable wiggle room at first glance, you may be shocked to learn how quickly calories add up — even when your diet consists of “healthy” options. GLARING TRUTHS ABOUT ‘GOOD’ FOODS. First, let’s avoid the misconception that calories are the end-all, be-all of a successful diet plan. Sure, you could keep your weight down by eating
nothing but 2,600 calories of Oreos every day, but your body would miss out on much-needed protein. For a healthy way to provide your body with this essential nutrient, reach for chickpeas instead — but keep in mind that a single 1-cup serving on top of a salad packs nearly 300 calories. To put that into perspective, it’s the caloric equivalent of pouring an order of small fries and a packet of barbecue sauce on your leafy lunch. Here’s another not-so-fun fact: One cup of guacamole has about the same calories as a double cheeseburger!
DRINKS YOU SHOULD DITCH. Thirsty? No problem — just swallow 10
teaspoons of sugar! Sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s how much sugar you consume every time you drink a 12-ounce regular Coke, which also has more than 140 calories. Other drinks you may think are “healthy choices” really aren’t. Even though electrolyte drinks like Gatorade might seem like a great option after a workout, several brands are high in sugar, sodium, and
other chemicals. A better choice? Coconut water, which naturally has electrolytes! Fruit juices are another tricky one. They may tout vitamins but are sugary and high in acid. You’re better off eating the actual fruit.
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