Kenneth Woo DDS July 2019

WOO’S NEWS JULY 2019 mybestdentalcare.com

Continuing a Legacy

DR. EDMOND WOO FOLLOWS IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

When my sister and I were younger, we had a very unique

playground. My mom would pick up my sister and I from school each day and bring us to our dad’s dental practice, where she would be manning the front desk. Away from the patients and tucked into an unused treatment room, we would climb around, examine the tools, and ride up and down on the automatic chair. (Don’t worry — Dad is very hygienic, and this area was always cleaned!) To this day, there are still some patients who recognize me as I walk through the office with a very different prerogative than the one I had as a kid. I graduated from messing around with my dad’s tools to helping him around the office when I was in high school. Even then I wasn’t sure if dentistry was the field I wanted to pursue, but when it came time to choose a career, I realized it would be a good fit. For

17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 240.683.3833 3704 Perry Ave Kensington, MD 20895 301.933.1833 2 Locations

and help when we need it, but ultimately, he gives us our independence.

To that note, I wasn’t even sure if a partnership was the right path when I graduated from dental school in 2010. I had been helping around the office on the weekends during dental school, so taking over the reins of the business from my dad seemed like the natural progression. But with the competition from corporate dental offices and the ways in which the field has evolved, we decided to extend this partnership to Dr. Wang. He has been a tremendous benefit to our practice, and partnering with him has been crucial to our practice’s growth. It’s reassuring to know that we have a team member who is practicing with the same treatment philosophies we believe. Without this partnership, I believe I would be too bogged down with work to even enjoy any semblance of a personal life, including the wonderful renaissance the Washington, D.C. area is experiencing. (I grew up in this area, so it’s so cool to see the transformation and booming arts scene.) It’s always amazing when I look at a patient’s chart and see they have been coming to my dad’s practice since he began in 1982. Seeing that makes me appreciate the trust our patients have in us, and I value that responsibility. I’m proud to say that our patients are more like our family. Granted, it helps that some of you have known me since I was a little kid!

me, the blend of arts and sciences was the big draw to dentistry. I’ve always enjoyed creating and admiring model cars, and the delicate nature and dexterity a model car hobby takes is what made me gravitate toward dentistry. Dad was happy to hear that I chose dentistry as a career, but he never pressured me down this path. In fact, my sister knew from a young age that dentistry was not her calling, and that was perfectly fine with my parents. They were both very encouraging of whatever endeavors my sister and I

wanted to do. When I eventually entered into a partnership with my father and Dr. Wang, this encouragement continued. It was a very smooth transition. Dad is more than happy to offer his support

–Dr. Edmond Woo

mybestdentalcare.com •

1 240.683.3833

Summertime Entertainment for Kids of All Ages Bored?

Take a Class Together

Summer is here. The kids are out of school, and it’s right about now that you’re probably losing your mind trying to keep them entertained. As the days get longer

Even if you still have to work during the summer, you can find fun and constructive ways to spend time with your children. One of the easiest ways to do this is to find a class you can take together. This doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate, but it can spark a new connection between you and your child. Swimming classes can be a fun, easy way to cool down, and they teach your kids valuable lessons. Dance, karate, pottery, and music lessons are just a few other things you can master with your child, as well. Check your local community center or YMCA for various options. Depending on the age of your child, giving them some extra responsibility can teach them about earning and saving money, help them acquire useful life skills, and even make them feel important due to your added trust. You can make this fun, too! Help them set up their own lawn-mowing business or send them to visit their grandparents farm for a month. Granted, this option is best-suited for children over the age of 10, but it’s never too early to get your kids more involved and learning valuable lessons. Put Them to Work

and hotter, you may start to realize that there are only so many days you can spend lounging by the pool or getting ice cream. Fight summer boredom by trying these activities.

Create a Group

If you’re scrambling to find ways for your kids to have a constructive summer, you’re probably not alone. Ask around your neighborhood, within your family, at your church, or at your children’s school, and you are bound to find a group of parents in need of summertime solutions. Combine forces and create a summer book club or play-date group. You could go on group hikes, create crafts, or get together for big summer barbecues. Regardless of what you choose to do, anything is better when you can do it with friends.

For Your Next Road Trip LIMBERING UP

Even though road trips offer you a break from the monotony of your office, the stiffness in your muscles and joints that comes from sitting in one position for too long can follow you onto the road if you’re not careful. Whether in front of a laptop or behind the wheel, taking the opportunity to stretch and exercise on your summer road trip is a great way to prevent the soreness from following you back to the office. Here are a few stretches to keep in mind for the next rest stop. For the Neck Reach your left arm over the top of your head and touch your right ear. Then, gently pull your head to the left and hold it there for 15 seconds. Repeat this process with your right arm. For the Chest Stand in front of a door frame with one hand pressed on either side and your elbows at 90-degree angles, then lean forward. This will cause your chest muscles to open up. Hold this position for 15 seconds. You can do a similar stretch by bending downward while keeping your hands on your car door in front of you, stretching your entire upper body. For the Hips While you’re driving, a good way to prevent sore hips is by making sure your knees are slightly elevated above them in your seat. Once

you have the opportunity to stop, try

doing some hip flexors. Kneel on one knee, slowly push your pelvis forward, squeeze your shoulders back,

and open your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds, then repeat while kneeling on the other knee.

For the Legs To stretch out your hamstrings, place your right heel on a small step. Extend your arms upward, and then lean your upper body forward. You’ll feel a pull in the back of your upper leg. Once you’ve done this for about 15–30 seconds, repeat the process with your left heel. The road may be long, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel it in your muscles. If you stop every couple of hours and take some time to limber up, your body will thank you.

2 mybestdentalcare.com

Q: What did the tooth say to the departing dentist? A: Fill me in when you get back!

Don’t Shy Away!

3 WAYS TO CALM YOUR DENTAL ANXIETY

G oing to

the dentist can be one of the smartest moves you make

for your health. Not only will you sport a healthier smile, but the connections between your oral health and overall well- being are staggering.

Unfortunately, too many Americans let fear keep them from these vital regular cleanings. According to the American Dental Association, the top reason people avoid going to the dentist is due to anxiety or fear, and studies have even shown that between 9% and 20% of Americans fear the dentist. If the thought of the dentist makes you sweat and your heart race, try these tips to help you calm down. Let Us Know If you’re afraid of us, we want to know! As dental experts, it can be easy for us to forget that some of our tools or procedures can be intimidating to someone who isn’t in the field. We can explain our procedures, develop a care plan that would make you more comfortable, and be extra cautious during your examination. In addition, we can offer guidance and support, which just might diminish the anxiety you are feeling. Be Smart Set yourself up for success before you even sit in the chair. For example, if you are not a morning person, don’t schedule a 9 a.m. appointment. You already don’t want to be awake, so you won’t be in the right frame of mind to face your fears. In addition, studies have shown that caffeine can make your anxiety worse, so lay off the coffee until after your appointment. (Avoiding coffee has dental benefits, too!) The Comforts of Home We all have comforts that calm us down when we are anxious or nervous. Little kids may cling to their stuffed animals when they are scared, while music might help you relax. We encourage our patients to wear comfortable clothes or bring something that may soothe their jitters. Wrapping up in a heavy blanket, listening to your favorite podcast, or bringing a friend along for support can be great ways to help you remain calm during your appointment.

Watermelon Cucumber Skewers

Inspired by CookingLight.com

Skewers are a Fourth of July favorite, but these are not your classic kebabs. They’re a fresh, light, and

fun way to start a barbecue. Oh, and they don’t require any actual cooking.

Ingredients

• • • • •

1 medium-sized watermelon, cubed 2 cucumbers, cut into 1/4-inch rounds

1 block feta cheese, cubed 1 bunch fresh mint leaves

Salt, to taste

Equipment •

1 packet of bamboo skewers

At Woo Wang Dental, your comfort is our main focus. To learn more about our treatment options visit

Directions

MyBestDentalCare.com, or schedule your appointment by calling 301.993.1833 or 240.683.3833.

1. Assemble skewers by placing one

watermelon cube, one cucumber round, one feta cube, and one mint leaf on skewer in that order. Repeat until skewer is full. 2. Lightly season with salt and chill in fridge until right before serving.

3 mybestdentalcare.com

17 Firstfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20878 mybestdentalcare.com 240.683.3833

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Continuing a Family Legacy 1 WHAT'S INSIDE? Keep Your Kids Entertained All Summer Long 4 Stretches for Staying Limber on the Road 2 Simple Ways to Get Over Your Dental Fear Watermelon Cucumber Skewers 3

4 Tips for Perfect Phone Etiquette 4

Practicing Phone Etiquette

NATIONAL CELLPHONE COURTESY MONTH

Silencing your phone during dinner, a party, or quality time with family is the polite thing to do. During National Cellphone Courtesy Month, it’s a good idea to reexamine cellphone etiquette and discover a few ways you can be more courteous to others. Keep It Quiet Whenever you find yourself in a place of worship, talking with others, or enjoying an event, silencing your cellphone is the most courteous thing you can do. A phone that is frequently ringing can be distracting for you and those around you. If you’re expecting an important call you don’t want to miss, turn on vibrate mode. Stop Checking Don’t continuously glance at your phone during meetings, dinner dates, or any time you’re with others.

This action shows your disinterest in what they’re saying and in what’s going on around you. Keeping your phone in your back pocket, in your purse, at your desk, or in your car will help you focus on what’s in front of you. Practice Self-Awareness If you receive a call while in public, be aware of the volume of your phone and voice. Move yourself to a less crowded area to speak freely, especially if you know the conversation might get heated. When you take a call, it's good practice to leave some space between you and others. You don’t want to distract anyone with raised voices or gestures while you’re on your call. Politely Excuse Yourself If you must take a call, answer a text, or send an email, be sure to excuse yourself to the people around you and check your phone in a more private area. Simply saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to take this. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” gives everyone a sense of what’s going on while remaining respectful.

By following these four tips, you’ll be prepared for the next time you’re on a date, in a business meeting, or watching a movie in a sold-out theater.

mybestdentalcare.com •

240.683.3833

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker