Creating a Holiday Masterpiece
How to Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro
One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel.” Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really kick-butt for the holidays! Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! WHY EARLY ORAL CANCER DETECTION MATTERS And How the VELscope Can Help
Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop. M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute, little accents all over the house and yard. Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt!
Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!
About 50,000 oral cancers are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. While most oral cancers are very treatable if caught early, many are only detected once they’ve reached advanced stages. That’s why your dentist will always conduct an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular dental exam. Oral cancer can affect the tongue, lips, sinuses, throat, or any interior portion of the mouth. Men over 50 are at the highest risk, and men generally carry about twice the risk of oral cancer as women. Other risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and a history of human papillomavirus (HPV). While tobacco and alcohol use are the largest controllable risk factors, about 25% of oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and only use alcohol occasionally. Some oral cancers will have no symptoms, but you should always schedule a visit with Dr. Stuckey as soon as possible if you experience changes inside your mouth. Concerning oral changes include swelling, lumps, or bumps, unexplained bleeding, pain or numbness, and persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth. During your visit to Briarfield Dental Care, Dr. Stuckey will perform a visual inspection for cancer and feel for any lumps or tissue changes. He’ll also use a tool called the VELscope, which helps detect abnormalities in the mouth that are invisible to the naked eye. The VELscope is a handheld tool that emits blue light into the mouth. The blue light causes the molecules in the mucus membrane to release their own light in shades of green, yellow, or red. While the VELscope can’t diagnose oral cancer, an abnormal fluorescence pattern can indicate that further investigation or testing is needed. Oral cancer screenings are just one of several reasons why you should make at least two dental visits per year. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the greater chance a patient will have of making a full recovery. If you notice any changes in your mouth, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit — when it comes to detecting cancer, you’re better safe than sorry.
2 · www.briarfielddentalcare.com · 419-866-6985
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