Jason A. Schermer D.D.S January 2018

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.

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