THIS BAD ADVICE WILL RUIN YOUR TEETH
or freshens breath. In fact, alcohol in mouthwash has been known to cause dry mouth, which can make your breath smell worse and lead to more germs. Studies from BioMed Research International found alcohol-free mouthwash may have a better effect on the gloss, color, and hardness of your teeth. Bad Advice: Don’t brush bleeding gums; give them time to heal. Bleeding gums are often a symptom of gum disease or a warning that gum disease is on the horizon. When plaque is allowed to build, it hardens into tartar. This calcified material irritates your gums and can potentially wear them down. The only way to remove the damaging plaque buildup is to brush your gums regularly. Not brushing due to bleeding will only lead to further problems. However, it’s important to determine the cause of bleeding, as it may also have something to do with your toothbrush or diet. If your gums are bleeding regularly, let your dentist know. When we give advice, we certainly mean well, but the best of intentions don’t make up for bad results. Let’s stick to what we know and leave the dental advice to the experts. ROASTED PARMESAN Pesto Potatoes It only takes 3 ingredients to make these crispy, flavorful potatoes. They’re the perfect side dish for any meal.
Most people like to be helpful. If someone is having a hard time, we’ll happily offer some advice. However, even the most well-intended advice can have damaging consequences. When it comes to our teeth, there is a lot of misinformation going around. Here are some common bits of “wisdom” you can ignore. Bad Advice: Use activated charcoal to whiten your teeth. Activated charcoal, which is not the same as the bricks in your barbecue, is the latest beauty craze, thanks to its ability to absorb chemicals and toxins. Walk down the health and beauty aisle, and you’ll find charcoal in soap, face masks, shampoo, moisturizer, and deodorant. However, before you use charcoal to whiten your teeth, remember most stains are beneath the surface, where the charcoal can’t reach. Furthermore, scrubbing the gritty, abrasive substance across your teeth is likely to erode your enamel and damage your gums, leading to more dental problems. Bad Advice: The best kind of mouthwash has alcohol. If your mouthwash burns, it likely contains alcohol. Some insist the burning means the mouthwash is working, but alcohol isn’t necessary for mouthwash to be effective. Alcohol just stabilizes the formula. It isn’t what kills germs
COVER CONTINUED
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Ingredients • 2 pounds red potatoes, quartered • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• Salt and pepper, to taste • 3 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
We all have so much for which to be grateful. I am thankful for the country I live in and the freedom I enjoy, as well as my family, friends, and the fantastic team we have at Lake Oconee Dentistry. And I’m thankful for you, our patient! The confidence and loyalty you continue to place in our team is the highest compliment we receive. Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! –Dr. Patti
2. In large bowl, combine potatoes and pesto. Toss to coat. Transfer potatoes to large baking sheet or shallow roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast 20 minutes and remove from oven. 3. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over potatoes and put pan back in the oven. Roast for additional 10–15 minutes or until potatoes are tender and crispy. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Recipe courtesy of TwoPeasAndTheirPod.com.
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