Jason A. Schermer's online newsletter for January 2018
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
January 2018
Jason A . Schermer , D . D . S & Noor Almuda l l a l , D .M. D COMPREHENS I VE RESTORAT I VE & ESTHET I C DENT I STRY
5825 Lande r b rook Dr i ve , Su i t e 124 May f i e l d He i gh t s , OH 44124
( 440 ) 483 - 1003
OUR RIGHT LEFT-HAND LADIES LEXI AND EMILY BRING LIGHT INTO THE OFFICE
I recently read an article that stated the most trusted person in a dental office isn’t the dentist; it’s the dental assistants. Well, I suppose I can be a little intimidating at times, and, at least at our office, we have the most amazing dental assistants. Lexi and Emily are always ready to assist in any lab case or restorative treatment we throw at them. They’re both friendly and have developed
years down in Texas. When I moved up to Ohio and needed a job, my sister happily informed me there was an opening at her office. I wasn’t sold on the idea of working with teeth, but I agreed to try it out. It wasn’t long before I realized I loved working in a dentist’s office! I’m currently attending Lakeland Community College and working toward becoming a dental hygienist.” I’m happy Lexi found working in the office so enjoyable that she has decided to make it her career. Though, between working in the office, going to school, owning her own boutique, and buying a new house with her boyfriend, dog, cat, and two hedgehogs, I can only imagine how busy she is! Our other dental assistant, Emily, also aspires to pursue a long-term career in dentistry. Emily was shadowing me at the office while she finished up college. She did so well during that time that I let her know if she ever found herself in Ohio after graduation, she’d have a job. To which she replied, “Ohio, here I come!” “I spent a lot of time shadowing in different dentist offices,” Emily will tell you, explaining her decision to make the move from her home in Michigan. “The environment here is truly one of a kind. Dr. Schermer is quite the jokester, and he really encourages the fun atmosphere. I
think it helps patients feel less nervous when they come in, which is awesome! I know it helps me look forward to coming in every day.” Emily is waiting to hear back from dental school, and she has big plans to become a pediatric dentist or orthodontist. Until then, she’s just as busy as Lexi, training to compete in a triathlon with her mother in July and visiting her boyfriend in Michigan on weekends. In all my years as a dentist, I’ve worked with a number of people. The team I have today is by far my favorite. When you have intelligent, dedicated individuals who are as passionate about helping patients as you are, then it does make the job easy. Lexi and Emily are fantastic dental assistants and I’m lucky to have them.
“When a person sits down in the chair, they’re happy to know Lexi and Emily will be on their left side.”
excellent relationships with patients. When a person sits down in the chair, they’re happy to know Lexi and Emily will be on their left side. “AKA, the side Dr. Schermer tells people to punch to,” Lexi will remind patients with a laugh. (To be fair, you don’t want to punch me while I have sharp objects in your mouth!) Lexi has been with us for a number of years, having joined the team at the recommendation of one of our dental hygienists, Taylor, who also happens to be Lexi’s sister. Lexi explains, “After high school, I worked as a cosmetologist for
–-Jason A. Schermer
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your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!
Trick Your Kids Into HEALTHY EATING
Do your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens.
So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with
TESTIMONIALS
Since my job requires frequent moves I am always frustrated by having to find new doctors and dentists wherever I go. What a pleasant surprise to find a great dental practice in Dr. Schermer and his great staff. They are kind and compassionate and patiently answered every question I had. Hopefully I will not have to move for quite a while, but
if I do, I will drive hours to continue to see my great dental team! –Brent C. Dr. Schermer and his staff are thorough, patient, and take time to explain their concerns and my options. Excellent care and service. I highly
recommend. –Rochelle P.
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(440) 483-1003
LIFE HACK OR BAD ADVICE?
Avo i d These Den t a l My t h - s t akes
Myth: The best mouthwash has alcohol.
How do we know when advice is bad? Usually, we can’t tell until we follow it to the disastrous conclusion. Luckily, listening to the experts can save us some serious trouble. Here are some common dental “tips” you can write off.
immediately so you can identify the cause and work to correct it.
If your mouthwash burns, it likely contains alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, the painful burn isn’t mandatory for an effective wash. Studies from BioMed Research International found alcohol-free mouthwash may have a better effect on the gloss, color, and hardness of your teeth.
Myth: Put aspirin directly on a tooth to relieve a toothache.
Myth: Whiten your teeth with activated charcoal.
Aspirin needs to be in your bloodstream to work. You wouldn’t rub an aspirin pill against your forehead to get rid of a headache, right? Furthermore, letting aspirin sit in your mouth for a long period of time can lead to a chemical burn. Now, in addition to a toothache, you have the pain of mouth sores to deal with. If you’re considering trying out the new dental hack you saw on Facebook, ask your dentist about it first. Remember, if it sounds like it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Activated charcoal — which is not the same kind as the bricks in your barbecue — can be found in almost any product, from face masks to deodorant. Some beauty bloggers even recommend using it to whiten your teeth, though this is where dental experts draw the line. Scrubbing the gritty, abrasive substance across your teeth is likely to erode your enamel and damage your gums, leading to more dental problems.
Myth: You shouldn’t brush bleeding gums; give them time to heal.
Often a symptom of gum disease, gums bleed when plaque is allowed to harden into tartar in the mouth. The only way to remove painful plaque is to brush your gums regularly. Not brushing, due to bleeding, will only make the problem worse. If your gums are bleeding regularly, talk to your dentist
LEFTOVER TURKEY RAMEN
Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month
Ingredients •
1 leftover turkey carcass
• •
4 ounces bacon
What time did the man go to the dentist?
• • • • •
6 scallions, divided
4 portions fresh, not instant, ramen noodles
8 slices ginger
6 dried shiitake mushrooms
•
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
16 cups water
4 eggs
TOOTH HURT-Y.
1. Remove most of the meat from the turkey carcass, shred, and set aside. Put carcass in a large stockpot, along with 3 scallions, ginger, mushrooms, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 hours. 2. Place eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then immediately remove pot from heat and let sit for 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool.
3. Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, chop, and set aside. Chop remaining scallions. 4. Once the broth is done
Dr. Almudallal accepts these insurances } Cigna, Guardian, Aetna, Delta Dental, Anthem, and GEHA Connection Dental.
simmering, prepare the fresh noodles according to package directions. Divide noodles among 4 bowls and cover with broth. Add shredded turkey, chopped scallions, chopped bacon, and an egg to each bowl.
jasonschermerdds.com
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Jason A . Schermer , D . D . S & Noor Almuda l l a l , D .M. D COMPREHENS I VE RESTORAT I VE & ESTHET I C DENT I STRY
jasonschermerdds.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(440) 483-1003
I N S I D E Dental Assistants You Can Trust 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 124 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
page 1
page 2
Getting Kids to Eat Healthier
Testimonials
page 3
Dental Myths You Probably Believe
Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month
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The Time Is Right for Nicaragua
ESCAPE TO NICARAGUA
After the hectic holiday season, many of us feel like we need another vacation just to unwind. Luckily, January and February are two of the best months to travel. Flight prices plummet and crowds thin out after the Christmas rush. If you’re looking to escape the dreary winter weather, there’s no better place to visit this season than Nicaragua, the “Central American country that has it all,” as Condé Nast Traveler puts it. Whether you’re looking to explore the rainforests surrounding the Río San Juan or get lost in the quirky-yet-beautiful architecture of Granada, there’s something for everyone in this tropical wonderland.
most active volcanoes in the region. It only takes about an hour to scale its smoking, black gravel surface, and the verdant forests surrounding the peak are a sight to behold. Adventurous travelers can board down the side, reaching ludicrous speeds as they teeter and try not to fall. In fact, it’s almost impossible to travel anywhere in the country without seeing an “I boarded a volcano” T-shirt. If relaxing on a pearlescent beach is more your speed, take a short boat trip out to the Corn Islands. There, you can amble around the small towns bordering the shockingly blue Pacific, visit a number of laid-back seafood restaurants, get scuba certified for a fraction of the price anywhere else in the world, or just read your book as you swing in a hammock by the waves.
You can also visit the gorgeous, alabaster Our Lady of Grace Cathedral in “new” Léon. The biggest church in all of Central America, this unique Baroque and neoclassicist structure was built in 1814. Visitors can climb onto its roof (as long as they don’t wear shoes) and bask in the view of surrounding volcanoes (including Cerro Negro). If you’re planning on heading to Nicaragua, it’s best to do it soon. Neighbor Costa Rica often overflows with tourists, and instead of wading through the crowds there, many travelers are catching on to what Nicaragua has to offer.
One must-see destination is the Cerro Negro volcano. Just a baby at 150 years old, it’s one of the
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