Great Teeth Mean Nothing Without Healthy Gums
When people think about visiting the dentist or improving their oral health, many believe it is entirely focused on teeth. You always hear people talk about wanting a straighter, healthier, or whiter smile, but it’s important to remember that your teeth are only one part of the dental equation. Your gums are an equally important part of your dental health and require some care and attention, too. Imagine that your mouth is a house. The teeth act as the exterior. It’s what people admire when they walk by, providing a warm welcome to everyone. You probably put a lot of work and effort into ensuring your house has curb appeal, just like your teeth. In this scenario, your gums would be equivalent to the foundation of the house. They
keep everything in place, but after years of abuse and neglect, the foundation can crumble, leaving the house lopsided if it’s even standing at all. If the foundation problems aren’t fixed, the structure (teeth) starts to suffer. Gum disease is a common problem in our country, with over 40% of Americans over the age of 30 experiencing some form of it. Common symptoms include persistent bad breath, pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, changes in your bite, or red, swollen, tender, bleeding, or receding gums. If you notice any of these symptoms, please schedule an immediate hygiene appointment.
proactive by brushing at least twice a day and flossing every day. It’s also vital that you receive your regularly scheduled cleanings from a hygienist, as this goes a bit deeper than your usual brushing, and they can catch warning signs before they become problems. If you don’t treat your teeth once they start to develop problems, you can likely assume that you’ll lose them at some point, but what about your gums? When gum disease becomes severe, it can cause tooth and jawbone loss, changes in facial structures, and put you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Don’t ignore your gums! It’s easy to put off flossing, but it will come back to haunt you!
The most effective treatment for gum disease is prevention. You need to be
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VODKA CREAM PASTA
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 shallots, minced • 1 cup vodka • 1 cup chicken stock
• 32-oz can crushed tomatoes • Coarse salt and pepper • 16 oz penne rigate pasta
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 20 basil leaves, torn
Directions
1. In a large skillet over moderate heat, sauté oil, butter, garlic, and shallots for 3–5 minutes. 2. Add vodka in a steady stream and heat for 2–3 minutes to reduce by half. 3. Add chicken stock and tomatoes, bring to a light boil, then reduce to a simmer. 4. Season with salt and pepper. 5. In a large pot, cook pasta to al dente in salted boiling water while sauce simmers. 6. Stir cream into sauce until it bubbles and remove from heat. 7. Drain pasta, toss with sauce and basil leaves, and serve with sides of your choosing.
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