Need Coffee or Soda? You CAN Consume These Beverages Safely. Here’s How!
the nutrients from natural sugars — such as those we get from fruit. Our body needs natural sugars, but we should avoid overindulgence, which can negatively affect our teeth and increase our waistlines. Plus, when your sugar intake is normalized or lessened, your mouth’s saliva and your good oral hygiene habits like regular flossing and brushing can remove sugar from your teeth before any real damage is done. You can positively impact your oral health by removing sugary sodas and coffee from your diet, but this may not be feasible for everyone. If this is you, try cutting creamer or additives from your coffee or opt for sparkling water to curb your soda appetite. Furthermore, don’t spend more than 30 minutes drinking soda or coffee. Sipping on these drinks is like bathing your teeth in sugar for hours. Instead, opt for smaller portions that you can drink in 30 minutes — or dump the remainder out. Consider using a straw, too, to lessen the amount of sugar caking your teeth. We know there are some things we just can’t live without, and if soda or sugary coffee is it for you, consider the ways you can enjoy it safely. Dr. Jelinek and his team can help you learn more about small changes you can make for greater oral health. Schedule your appointment today at NorthernVirginaDental.com.
For many of us, the day doesn’t begin until we’ve had our coffee, while others love a can of soda for an afternoon boost. By now, you probably know these drinks are not great for your teeth, but you can find safer ways to consume coffee or soda. Your teeth and your taste buds will thank you! To understand this, consider why dentists have talked on and on about the dangerous effects of sugar on the teeth. When you consume sugar, you introduce bad bacteria into your mouth’s ecosystem. These bad bacteria eat away at your enamel, which cannot “grow back,” depleting your teeth of the primary defense it has against damage and infection. If left untreated — or, if the bacteria is allowed to continue to eat away at your enamel — your tooth can form a cavity or decay completely.
However, sugar isn’t your body’s biggest enemy. We need sugar to survive, so cutting back on our sugar intake is a healthy way to ensure we receive
Zucchini Noodles With Turkey Bolognese
Sudoku
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
3 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 tbsp garlic, minced 1/2 cup onions, diced small
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1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp sugar
1 lb ground turkey
3 medium zucchini
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
Parmesan cheese, for garnish
2 tbsp tomato paste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil. 2. Add garlic and onions and stir constantly until garlic is golden and onions are translucent. 3. Increase heat to medium and add ground turkey, break apart, and cook thoroughly. 4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and sugar. Reduce heat to low. Stir occasionally. 5. Using a spiralizer, mandolin, or vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini into noodles. 6. In another large sauté pan over medium-low heat, add remaining olive oil and zucchini noodles, tossing constantly for 2 minutes until slightly wilted. 7. Plate the zucchini noodles, top with the turkey Bolognese, and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Solution on Pg. 4
Inspired by JustATaste.com
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