Exceptional Smiles - September/October 2024

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September/October 2024

THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald

(440) 483-1003

5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

Healthy Teeth, Happy Halloween

ENJOYING AUTUMN WITH A GLOWING SMILE

As autumn settles in, hay bales, corn stalks, and pumpkins start to appear on every corner — stirring up memories of past Halloweens. I adore the festive spirit of this season, from the creativity of costumes to the joy in kids’ eyes as they collect their candy treasures. However, amidst all the fun, parents must watch their children’s dental health, especially with Halloween’s sugary temptations and the high- calorie holidays just around the corner. This month, I wanted to share some of my favorite memories of fall and tips to keep your family’s smiles bright while they enjoy the season’s treats. I’ve always enjoyed the fall, from the high school football games to the cornfields I could see right from my house growing up in Iowa. It’s always been a special time in my heart. The air gets crisp, and you can smell apples and pumpkin spice coffee, signaling the changing season. Halloween has always been an exciting time for my family. When our kids were younger, I would chaperone them, walking them around while my wife passed out candy at the house. As they got older, they made it very clear my role was to stand back at a kid-approved distance while they got their candy. My standard rate for running security was an Almond Joy. Thankfully, only our youngest daughter ever developed a taste for them, so I had to share my earnings with her the last few times. As a dentist, I often get asked if I’ll hand out toothbrushes and floss to the trick-or- treaters; no, we pass out candy. It’s important to remember that sugar isn’t inherently bad;

we just need to take care of our teeth daily to ensure they are healthy enough to enjoy those occasional indulgences. Milk or dark chocolate is one of the best sugary snacks. Opt for sweets that dissolve quickly so it doesn’t stick to your children’s teeth. I love caramel corn, but it’s responsible for many calls this time of year, so try to limit the crunchier, sticky treats that can get caught on teeth and braces.

allow them to have treats after a meal so they only have a few pieces instead of a pound of sugar. Have them drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, rinse away residual sugars, and always brush and floss. Even before Halloween begins, the best way to prepare for a healthy, worry-free holiday season is to take care of any underlying issues with your oral care. If there’s a cavity, loose filling, or cleaning you’ve been meaning to get to, ensure you take care of it before this busy time starts. The last thing you want to deal with is a medical or dental emergency during the festivities. We’re here to help you and your family stay as healthy as possible so you can enjoy the season. You should enjoy them; just remember to take care of yourself and use moderation during the holidays ahead, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. If there’s dental care you want to get done, start planning for it now so you can pick the most convenient time for you and your family. But remember, if an emergency does happen, we are here for you. As you soak in the crisp air and indulge in the festivities, remember it’s OK to indulge as long as you give your teeth the proper care. Bring unopened bags to the office if you have too much candy, and we will buy them to donate to a good cause. Embrace the season, enjoy the candy, and don’t forget to brush and floss! -Dr. Jason Schermer

When your little ones bring their loot home, divide it out and see if they can swap out some of the candy for healthier options. Ensure their haul is stored somewhere other than their room so they don’t feel tempted to snack on it throughout the day. It’s a good idea to

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INVISALIGN TRANSFORMS SMILES BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS Transform Your Bite Without the Fright

As Halloween and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to more than just candy — give your smile a spooky-good transformation with Invisalign aligners! Before you don your scary costume or take a bite out of a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s essential to get your teeth as healthy as possible to enjoy all the festivities without any worries. Invisalign offers a discreet and comfortable way to achieve the perfect alignment. So, grab your favorite holiday treat because we’re exploring why Invisalign can transform your bite without the fright! SCARE DENTAL PROBLEMS AWAY. Removable Invisalign aligners address crooked teeth and reduce gum inflammation, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath. If you are trying to resolve an overbite or underbite, these aligners can scare away those issues and their associated problems, like gum infections. FEAST ON THE FESTIVITIES. While we recommend starting Invisalign before the holiday season kicks off, one of their benefits is that you can easily remove them to enjoy your

favorite treats. Traditional braces limit the foods and drinks you can consume because they can get caught in the wires. With Invisalign, you can keep bobbing for apples and enjoying a little caramel corn. Just remember to always brush and rinse your teeth before putting your aligners back in so food debris doesn’t get inside them. SPEND MORE TIME AT THE DINNER TABLE THAN THE DENTIST CHAIR. Traditional braces can take up to two or more years to correct alignment issues and require regular visits to the dentist. One of the perks of Invisalign is that it typically takes only a year to notice the changes. While you’ll still need to see your dentist regularly, Invisalign will allow you to spend more time passing out candy, enjoying a meal with family, or making snow angels this season! Don’t let your teeth be your holiday horror story! Contact us today to learn how Invisalign can transform your smile in time for the festive season. Visit our website or call us to schedule a consultation and scare away dental woes with Invisalign!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “I had an amazing experience! Dr. Schermer greeted me with a warm smile and small talk before my appointment. He made me feel comfortable immediately! They gave me a gift and a tour of the office. They explained their process and gave me new options for my dental care. I have never been treated like royalty at the dentist office! I have found my new dental home! Thank you for being so EXCEPTIONAL!” -Lynda — “This is my first visit. The office atmosphere there is EXCEPTIONAL! I was warmly greeted at the front desk by the dental technicians and the dentist. My referral to see Dr. Jason Schermer was a welcoming experience. Everyone was kind and respectful and ensured I was comfortable during my visit and appointment. He thoroughly explained everything to me and answered ALL of my questions. I will definitely return from now on.” -Pam

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(440) 483-1003

FALL FUN AWAITS MUST-VISIT EVENTS IN MAYFIELD HEIGHTS AND BEYOND

As the crisp autumn air sweeps through Ohio, the region becomes a vibrant playground of fall festivities. Whether you’re a pumpkin patch explorer or a fan of spooky season haunts, this season has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. From apple picking to haunted tours, we’re sharing some of our favorite ways to embrace the fun of fall in the Mayfield Heights area. PATTERSON FRUIT FARM FAMILY FUN FEST 8765 Mulberry Rd. in Chesterland Sept. 14 – Oct. 27 440-729-7144 pattersonfarm.com/familyfunfest Some of fall’s iconic activities, such as wagon rides, apple picking, and corn mazes, can all be enjoyed at Patterson Fruit Farm’s Family Fun Fest. This beloved annual event highlights all the fun of growing up on a family farm with outdoor activities like pony rides and pumpkin painting. We love that this festival harkens to a simpler

time and allows kids to experience the beautiful autumn weather and the joys of plucking fresh apples right from the branch. 10TH ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW 18100 Royalton Rd. in Strongsville Oct. 12 216-222-2223 thisiscleveland.com/events/event-calendar/10th- annual-fall-bazaar-craft-vendor-show Get all your holiday shopping done early and support some incredible local artists at one of the area’s many craft fairs. The 10th Annual Fall Bazaar Craft and Vendor Show in Strongsville features the delicious smells of autumn bath and body products and candles, beautiful art, homemade crafts, pet items, and tasty treats. Whether you’re looking for the perfect decorations for your autumn display or just window shopping, this craft show is a great way to spend an afternoon.

PARANORMAL PROGRAMS AT MANSFIELD REFORMATORY 100 Reformatory Rd. in Mansfield (419) 522-2644 mrps.org/paranormal-programs

For the braver people in your family, look no further than the infamous Ohio State Reformatory, one of America’s most haunted places. This historic prison has a long history of paranormal activities and is a regular stop for ghost hunters. They offer several bone-chilling, haunted tours like public ghost hunts, private group paranormal investigations, and mini ghost walks. Whether savoring fresh-picked apples, shopping for unique crafts, or daring to explore haunted grounds, the season offers endless opportunities for adventure and memory-making. So, bundle up, gather your loved ones, and dive into the vibrant tapestry of fall festivities that await you.

LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH

Delicious Chickpea Curry

Q: What’s the best type of joke to tell to an oak tree in October? A: Acorn-y joke. Q: Why do truckers like October 4th the most? A: Because it is 10/4, good buddy. Q: What is a clinical trial done in October called? A: A trick or treatment.

Packed with protein and fiber, this chickpea curry is a flavorful, plant-based option perfect for any diet.

Ingredients •

2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced

• •

1 tsp ground turmeric 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• • • •

2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tsp ground cumin

• • •

1 14-oz can diced tomatoes 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions 1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil.

2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric and stir to combine. 4. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. 5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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 Dental Tips for a Sweet Holiday Season

2 Unwrap a Straighter Smile This Season

What People Are Saying About Us

3 Autumn Adventures for the Whole Family

Delicious Chickpea Curry

4 Simplify Your Supplement Routine

THE ESSENTIAL TRIO FOR ANY LIFESTYLE VITAMINS MADE EASY

It’s daunting to determine which vitamins and supplements to take when every doctor, dietitian, and online health guru has a different list of must- haves — and they’re usually pretty long. Looking for somewhere to get started? Here are three supplements almost everyone can benefit from! A MULTIVITAMIN Stress, health changes, and even prescription medications in our everyday lives can sap our energy and deplete crucial vitamins. Generally, the best way to replenish what we’ve lost is through various fruits and vegetables. Still, with busy schedules, diminished appetites, or other obstacles, that’s not always possible. A multivitamin is a great starter supplement, as it can help fill various nutritional gaps. OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS These specific types of fat are found most abundantly in fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. They facilitate cellular function and are essential for the heart, brain, and eyes. Unfortunately, our bodies

can’t produce enough fatty acids independently, so we must add more through our diets or supplements. Benefits include a lowered risk of developing heart disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, age-related macular degeneration, and more. VITAMIN D Everyone knows you need calcium for strong and healthy bones — but without vitamin D, you’re missing out on critical benefits. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body, so many milk brands fortify their products with vitamin D. It’s essential to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, vitamin D is critical for cell growth and reducing inflammation, and it’s easy to obtain from sunlight. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in this one. Why? Our modern lives keep many of us indoors. If you’re looking to start a vitamin regimen but all the different health advice on the web overwhelms you, take a step back and start simply. Remember,

you can always add more later. Keeping it simple initially will increase your likelihood of sticking to your plan! Try starting with these three supplements, see how they make you feel, and then take it from there. *Make sure to check with your physician prior to changing any medications and/or supplements. Not intended as medical advice, general info only.

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