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San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1
Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100
San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467
The Happy Tooth
TOO MANY PILLS How Overmedicating Steals Away Childhoods
As a dentist, I learn a lot about patients from the state of their mouths. This sounds a little gross, but it’s true. For example, when a patient suffers from dry mouth, and I can see all the cavities in their teeth as a result, there’s a pretty good chance they’re taking some sort of prescription medication. Nine times out of 10,
“Today, 1/3 of the kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD were diagnosed before they were 5 years old.”
when I review my patient’s medical history later, I’m not surprised to see I’m right. However, I am often surprised to see just how long some of my younger patients have been taking certain medications. The first time I realized one of my 19-year-old patients had been taking ADHD medication since she was 10 years old, I was stunned. One thing America seems to have a problem with is letting kids be kids. As a result, we tend to seriously overmedicate our children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children who have been diagnosed with ADHD undergo behavioral therapy first. However, The Washington Post reports that less than half of these children have even had one session. Meanwhile, 75 percent of these kids are taking drugs to treat their condition. Anne Schuchat, CDC principal deputy director, warns that there is still little research into the long-term effects popular ADHD medications, like Adderall and Ritalin, can have on developing brains. Schuchat stated, “Until we know more, the recommendation is to first refer parents of children under 6 years of age who have ADHD to training and behavior therapy.” Just over a decade ago, doctors hesitated to diagnose children before they entered the second half of elementary school. Today, 1/3 of the kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD were diagnosed before they were 5 years old. This seems so crazy to me! My nephew, Jake, is 4 years old and he is so hyperactive. Once, I called my sister at 9:30 p.m., long after Jake’s bedtime, and he was still wide awake. I could hear Janice trying to put her son to bed, but Jake was just full of energy. When I said goodbye to him over the phone, he started begging me to come “save” him. “No, Auntie, no! I need you!” Poor Janice was exhausted, but that’s how kids are sometimes, right? I can’t imagine a doctor trying to put Jake on medication just because he’s an energetic 4-year-old.
This isn’t to suggest parents who make the difficult decision to put their child on medication are wrong or lazy. The heartbreaking reality is that some children, even very young children, struggle with severe cases of mental illness and need
prescriptions to feel safe and secure. But in the case of ADHD, there is evidence to suggest that adults do a disservice to children by using prescription medications as the first response. Behavioral therapy can take time, but, as the CDC points out, the results can be “longer lasting.” Additionally, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia warns that some of the symptoms commonly misdiagnosed as a sign of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, problems focusing, and difficulty learning, are actually the result of sleep apnea.
Modern medication is able to help address any number of terrible ailments that would have destroyed a person’s life 20 years ago, but it’s important for parents to recognize when the “easy answer” isn’t an answer at all.
–Dr. Justene Doan
August 2018 Edition
A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1
The Best Ways to Cool Your Mouth After Eating Something Spicy Hot, Hot, Hot!
or specifically, capsaicin, an oily compound that loves to stick to your tongue. It’s important to note that capsaicin is not water-soluble.
Chili peppers are a primary source of capsaicin. Other foods, such as mustard, radish, horseradish, and wasabi, get their heat from a compound called allyl isothiocyanate. This compound does not usually stick around as long as capsaicin.
So, what can you do to beat the heat?
For heat brought on by chili peppers, you want a beverage that contains compounds capable of binding with the oiliness of capsaicin. The best compound? Fat. Whole milk will help, but here are some even better alternatives:
• • •
Half-and-half
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Sour cream Ice cream
Yogurt
When you pop something spicy into your mouth, it’s always good to have a cool beverage nearby. You never know when you’re going to need to put out a fire. But when your mouth feels like it’s going up in flames, some methods of cooling are better than others. Let’s get this out of the way first: Water and soda are two of the worst ways to cool off your mouth after eating something spicy. Water, soda, and even fruit juice will simply spread the heat around, meaning that fiery sensation will only last longer.
Kefir
And for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, soy milk and peanut butter can help too. The higher the fat content, the better!
What about those other foods, like mustard and wasabi? Unlike capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate is partially water-soluble. This means water and soda will help cool you down — but you still can’t beat dairy. The next time you eat a habanero pepper or put too much hot sauce on your eggs, having a glass of half-and-half on standby can be a lifesaver. It may sound a little weird, but your mouth will thank you. A+ Referrals We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients:
To combat the heat, it’s important to understand where that sensation comes from. Many spicy sauces and dishes get their heat from capsaicinoids,
“Everyone has been very nice and professional. The specialist and doctors are very friendly and good at what they do; the receptionists are always smiling and very nice.” –Bruce L. “They are always very friendly and accommodating here. The clinic is invitingly decorated as well!” –Lars K. TESTIMONIALS See What Others Are Saying
Julie A. Lauren C. Badr D. Simone D. Denise D.
Gabriella E. Amber F. Cecilia G. Maricela M John M.
Lily N. Joseph P. April R. Edith S. Tiffany S.
John S. Kevin S. Phillip V. David V. Walter W.
And the winner of August’s referral prize of $50 A+ Bucks is Name: Lauren C. Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE FREEDOM 3 Ways to Support Military Families
members ever year. Visit BlueStarFam.org to learn about how you can support military families in your community. Foster a Pet The Military Foster Program aims to keep service members from having to unwillingly surrender their pets to an animal shelter when they are deployed or sent to basic training. If you are interested in donating to this cause, or you are able to provide a beloved pet with a temporary home, visit PactForAnimals.org/pacts-work/ military-foster-program . Help Families Stay Connected Listening to a parent reading a bedtime story is a memory so many children cherish. United Through Reading strives to preserve these
Other than when we are preparing to light off fireworks on the Fourth of July, we don’t often spend time thinking about the freedoms we enjoy. There are many places in the world that do not enjoy the basic freedoms we take for granted, like freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the right to elect our leadership. Every day, American men and women fight to protect our freedoms. One of the best ways to celebrate our freedoms is by honoring the sacrifices of service members and their families. Here are a few impactful ways you can show your support. Volunteer With Blue Star Families In 2009, a group of military spouses formed a support group to help ease the burden that military families face. This cause has grown to a worldwide network, supporting 1.5 million military family
memories and ease the stress of separation through video recordings of deployed parents reading aloud to their children. You can find out more about this simple but powerful program at UnitedThroughReading.org . At our offices, over half our team members come from proud military families. We want to celebrate the strength and sacrifices of those who serve our country, as well as the loved ones who support them. Though the month of August, military families can take an extra 10 percent off* all of their treatments. Thank you for your service and for helping protect our freedoms.
*Offer valid Aug. 1-31, 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers.
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Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower doesn’t have to be boring! With a little Parmesan cheese and some seasoning, it can pack a punch of flavor that will please even your most vegetable-averse family members.
Ingredients
• • • •
1 head cauliflower
• •
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmigiano-Reggiano
4 sprigs thyme
4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
•
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. Cut cauliflower into florets. On a large baking sheet, toss cauliflower with onions, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Roast for 35–40 minutes, tossing occasionally.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and finish roasting, about 10 minutes longer. 5. Serve while hot.
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Does America Overmedicate Our Kids? Page 1 The Best Ways to Cool Your Mouth After a Kick of Heat Page 2 What Some of Our Patients Are Saying Page 2 Honoring Our Military Families Page 3 Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Page 3 Local Events Page 4 Inside This Issue Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105
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Looking for Fun? GREAT WAYS TO BEAT THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
fill and then check out the Discovery Zone, where families can try arts and crafts, kayaking, and paddleboard lessons. It’s a whole day of fun in the sun with your friends and family. BeachFront Cinema: ‘Coco’
Big Bear Renaissance Faire Where: Big Bear Renaissance Faire, Fawnskin When: Saturday Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 12; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: See website for pricing Website: BBVRSinc.com Journey to a land of myth and magic at the Big Bear Renaissance Faire! You’ll find a genuine(ish) Renaissance experience in the magical forest around Big Bear Lake. Watch live jousting, browse ye olde village shops, or share a drink of Chocolatada with Queen Isabel herself. This is your last weekend to visit the faire before it disappears back to the middle ages. HarborFest Where: Bayside Park, Chula Vista When: Saturday, Aug. 18; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: Free Website: CVHarborFest.com
Where: Huntington State Beach, Huntington Beach When: Saturday, Sept. 1; 5-10 p.m. Admission: Tickets start at $9.99 Website: BeachFrontCinema.com
Movie night done right. Grab your family and catch a showing of Pixar’s modern classic, “Coco,” right on the sands of Huntington Beach. On Día de los Muertos, a young boy named Miguel journeys to the colorful land of the dead to learn an important lesson about family and following your dreams. This movie is perfect for all ages. Be sure to arrive early for some fun and games before the show starts.
Prepare to chow down on the delicious tastes of summer. This free, all-ages event celebrates the region’s best tacos, spirits, and craft beers. Eat your
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