BRUSHING UP ON DENTAL CARE Tips for Better Oral Hygiene
A study conducted by the University of Adelaide recently found that orthodontic care has no direct impact on a person’s long-term dental health. In other words, just because you had braces or some other form of orthodontic treatment does not mean you can be lax about dental hygiene or regular checkups and still avoid tooth decay. Braces may leave your smile looking picturesque, but the fight for healthy teeth is fought daily. Here are a few tips for practicing proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Aim the brush at an angle to reach the area where the teeth and gums connect. Brush with short, back-and-forth strokes across the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Brushes with soft bristles that can get between your molars are ideal. You should try to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or whenever the bristles start to fray. Store your toothbrush in a dry place where it can remain upright until your next use. When you floss, use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap the ends around each of your middle fingers. Pinch the remaining string between your pointer fingers and thumbs. Run the floss back and
forth and up and down between two teeth at a time and be gentle around your gums. Use a different part of the floss every couple of teeth to avoid spreading bacteria.
In addition to proper brushing and flossing techniques, there are other
ways you can protect your teeth. Adding mouthwash to your plaque- fighting arsenal can remove more hard-to-reach bacteria. You should also try to avoid snacking (without brushing after) before going to bed since this will give bacteria time to feed and multiply overnight. Avoid all tobacco products and, of course, remember to schedule a dental cleaning and exam twice a year.
A lot of this might seem like common sense, but not everyone knows best practices when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy.
Patient Appreciation Event We are renting the zoo after hours. The new exhibits will be open. We will be enjoying a baked potato bar for dinner. Tickets are limited, so please call the office at 208-375-8720 to RSVP ASAP!
SHRIMP SAUSAGE
Skewers
Inspired by PaleoLeap.com
Ingredients • 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1/2 pound cooked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Creole Seasoning Ingredients • 2 tablespoons paprika • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder • 1/2 tablespoon cayenne or chili powder • 1/4 tablespoon dried oregano • 1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
Directions 1. Heat your grill to medium-high. 2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients for creole seasoning. 3. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, zucchini pieces, and sausage pieces, and cover them with the olive oil. 4. Add creole seasoning and mix well until all ingredients are covered. 5. Load up skewers with alternating pieces of shrimp, sausage, and zucchini until they’re full. 6. Grill skewers until shrimp are well-cooked (6–8 minutes).
208-286-4582 • 3
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