A+ Family September 2017

Dental Domino Effect The Problems You Face After Losing a Tooth as an Adult

Losing your teeth as a child is an exciting experience. You get to look forward to a visit from the Tooth Fairy and some sweet cash under your pillow the next morning. Losing your teeth as an adult, however, is a far less thrilling event. A missing tooth is a common reason adults are embarrassed by their smile. But if you’ve lost a tooth, you shouldn’t feel ashamed. The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that 178 million adult Americans are missing at least one tooth. While losing a tooth is common, it does have repercussions. Cosmetic concerns aside, there are numerous health risks associated with missing a tooth. The mouth and jaw work together as one unit

with many parts. Should one of these parts go wrong, the rest of the mouth

You can avoid this disastrous domino effect by addressing missing teeth as

can fall into disarray. When a tooth falls out, the surrounding teeth and gums become more vulnerable to cavities and gum disease. The rest of your teeth may start to crowd in order to fill the open space. It’s a domino effect, and it worsens the longer you wait. The bone around the missing tooth goes unused and can suffer from atrophy, similar to how your bone becomes weak from lack of use if you break your leg. When your jawbone atrophies, is can completely change your facial structure. The more teeth you’re missing, the more apparent this atrophy becomes.

soon as possible. Dental implants can replace lost teeth, fusing to your jawbone to create a stable, natural-looking tooth. Bone loss is prevented, and the rest of your teeth stay in line. That toothy gap in your fourth-grade photo is charming, but it’s far less endearing on your business portfolio or dating profile. Call 619-831-8832 (San Diego) or 858- 842-5850 (Poway) and learn how implants can replace your missing tooth today! One-Pan Harvest Pasta

Have a Laugh!

Ingredients

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2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 3/4 cups reduced- sodium chicken broth 1 cup dried whole grain elbow macaroni

1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces (4 cups) 1 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (2 cups) 2 tomatoes or 4 Roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 cup)

• • • • •

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Kosher salt

Ground black pepper (optional)

• • •

1/3 cup chopped red onion

Snipped fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Grated Parmesan cheese

1 (19-ounce) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained

Directions

reduce heat. Cover and simmer 7–10 minutes more or until vegetables and pasta are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper; top with basil and Parmesan cheese and serve.

1. In a very large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Cook, uncovered, 7–10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Add beans, broth, pasta, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil, then

Recipe courtesy of midwestliving.com.

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