NIP IT IN THE BUD
A Renewed Look at Preventative Oral Care
We are all familiar with the adage “Prevention is the best medicine,” and dentists, doctors, and medical professionals in every field stress this with their patients. When it comes to oral health, and health in general, preventative care can make all the difference. Not only can preventative care lead to better overall health, it can lower health care-related costs in the future. When it comes to oral care, the results of preventative care are impressive. A seven-year study spearheaded by the University of Sydney in Australia confirmed the aforementioned truism. Originally published in December, 2015, the study examined 1,000 patients at 22 dental practices around Australia. Researchers compared two groups of patients: those who had “drill and fill” treatment (they had two or more cavities per year, plus fillings) and those who took preventative measures. The preventative patients received high-concentration fluoride varnish treatments from their dentists, regularly brushed and flossed, and limited their intake of sugary foods and beverages. The results of the study weren’t surprising. The group of patients who focused on preventative oral care saw their risk of developing tooth decay fall by 30–50 percent. In addition, patients who were considered
at high risk for developing tooth decay, but who had improved their oral care, saw their risk drop by a staggering 80 percent!
The lead researcher of the study, Professor Wendell Evans, concluded that, in many cases, tooth decay had the potential to be stopped and reversed, if not outright prevented. When early signs of tooth decay are spotted, it can be targeted. Extra effort can be placed on controlling the decay, ensuring it doesn’t progress to the point where a filling becomes necessary. All it takes is a deliberate approach to care, treatment, and lifestyle. This study is great news for people who hate the idea of getting a filling, whether that antipathy stems from the procedure itself or the resulting medical costs. It also confirms what many dentists have long reminded patients: You can’t beat prevention when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile.
CHICKEN APPLE CIDER
SUDOKU
Grid n°2116 easy
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Ingredients:
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• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 tablespoons butter • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored
and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 teaspoons dried thyme • 2 bay leaves • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 11/2 cups apple cider
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Instructions:
1. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside. 3. Add remaining butter, onion, apple, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Sauté until apple begins to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add flour and stir for 2–3 minutes. 4. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes. (Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com.)
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