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WRIGLEYVILLEDENTAL.COM | 773-975-6666 | JULY/AUGUST 2024
SUMMER STAFF SWAPS Gains And Losses — All a Part of Life
To me, the epitome of summer in Chicago is July and August. The hot summer days, the birds chirping early in the morning, warm evenings, and street fests all over town. But there are variations between the years, too. Some summers have cooler days, while others have record-breaking highs. In our office, we’re transforming and growing this summer too. Dr. Kolencherry has added a new member to her family with the birth of her son, Oliver. They are both healthy and getting acquainted, and she is enjoying her time as a mom.
neck pain. We are now pleased to offer patients another option in TMJ, headache, and migraine pain relief as we work on correcting the patient’s source of their problem. As part of her training, Dr. Gandhi learned esthetic Botox techniques, injecting lips to correct a crooked or gummy smile, smoothing forehead wrinkles, and everything in between. Dr. Gandhi is also versed in implant restorations, extractions, and practically all general dental procedures. With her easygoing personality, I’m sure you’ll love her! We also added a new patient insurance coordinator, Denisse, to help our patients file their insurance and receive reimbursements. She also helps Ola with all front office duties, so if you call us, there’s a good chance you’ll speak with Denisse. She has 13 years of dental administrative office experience and is a fountain of knowledge. Amanda has been our dental assistant for over five years. At the end of June, she decided to move back to her hometown of Detroit, Michigan, to be closer to her large and loving family. She is looking forward to welcoming her sister’s baby into the family this summer and spending more time with her 96-year-old grandmother. We will miss her greatly. As our staff move from their careers at Wrigleyville Dental elsewhere, we’ll miss them. However, new staff come in with a fresh eye for positive change that comes with their professional experiences. And with this change, we flourish as an office. I say this as it applies to the operations of a dental office, but it applies to life itself. In May, I received the shocking news that my 72-year-old father’s heart failed him, and he was no longer physically with us. The void that my dad leaves behind in me is one that very much involves this office. He was my biggest cheerleader at Wrigleyville Dental. He was with me as I purchased the practice, and I shared my biggest business struggles, setbacks, achievements, and proud moments with him. He helped guide various business decisions and loved being involved.
Dr. K and her family
Dr. Pratiti Gandhi
We also welcomed Dr. Pratiti Gandhi into our practice. Her caring demeanor and wealth of dental knowledge have been an asset to our team. Dr. Gandhi is originally from Alabama. She earned her dental degree from Midwestern University in Downer’s Grove six years ago and decided to stay in Chicago with her husband. One of her passions is cosmetic dentistry and helping patients attain great smiles. This isn’t just inside the mouth, but also using PRF, Botox, and fillers to create a healthy-looking smile from the outside as well. Although the use of Botox in holistic dentistry is controversial, there are medical benefits to Botox that some people may wish to consider. For example, it can help with TMJ pain, migraines, headaches, and
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773-975-6666
Garden Guardians SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT LADYBUGS species of ladybugs worldwide and more than 450 in North America alone! Interestingly, in addition to red, ladybugs also come in yellow,
Rather than a backyard pest, ladybugs are a backyard best. These spotted creatures are adored worldwide for their innate cuteness and vibrant color and their role as a natural form of pest control. However, ladybugs are more fascinating than you may realize, so prepare to admire them even more. DON’T BUG ME Despite their popularity, ladybugs are also misunderstood. For one thing, ladybugs aren’t bugs — they are beetles! Unlike bugs, beetles are omnivores that enjoy munching on plants and insects. Ladybugs’ favorite food is the aphid, a tiny insect that wreaks havoc on crops and gardens. This makes them one of the few creatures helpful enough that people intentionally introduce them to their gardens. Their pest-control properties have long given them the reputation as miracle workers — so much so that their namesake is likely the Virgin Mary, sometimes depicted in paintings as wearing a red cloak. COLORFUL CRITTERS While many think of ladybugs as small red critters with black spots, they are more varied than you might realize. There are 5,000
brown, orange, and even pink, with some sporting zebra-like stripes instead of spots.
MIGHTY MATRIARCH Their colorful exoskeletons — formed from a protein similar to the one that forms our fingernails — are for more than just show. While they are harmless to humans, their appearance dissuades potential predators. When found in nature, vibrant colors indicate that an animal may be toxic and foul-tasting. Ladybugs can release a nauseatingly foul-smelling chemical to repel predators if a threat gets too close. Beloved by all for their colorful exteriors, ladybugs’ handy habit of preying on pests makes them a welcome addition to the garden and a vital part of a healthy backyard ecosystem. These spectacular beetles are a fixture the world over, and the more you learn about them, the more they will amaze you!
SNACK YOUR WAY TO A BRIGHTER SMILE
CRUNCHY FRUITS AND VEGGIES You’re in luck if you like a little crunch with your snacks. Foods like apples, celery, and carrots give your gums a workout
Are you looking for a reason to smile? The path to sparkling pearly whites might be as close as your refrigerator! What you eat can significantly impact how white your teeth are — if you choose the correct snacks, your taste buds and teeth will thank you. From carrots to apples, here’s the scoop on the best foods to keep your smile bright. STRAWBERRIES Strawberries have more in common with your toothpaste than you may realize. These berries contain a high concentration of
production and contains a high amount of water to wash away food gunk from the surface of the teeth.
KIWIS Kiwis are loaded with vitamin C. Diets deficient in vitamin C can cause the critical collagen in your gums to erode, increasing your risk of periodontal disease, which
and strengthen them. They also act like a toothbrush,
scrubbing away plaque and bacteria to reveal whiter teeth. These veggies and fruits contain healthy vitamins and minerals, which help with overall oral health and the appearance of your teeth. CAULIFLOWER Food that requires a lot of chewing can be great for your chompers because the motion increases saliva production. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser and whitener for your teeth. Raw cauliflower is a perfect example of a veggie that prompts saliva
can affect the overall color of your teeth. Kiwis also contain citric acid, which can dissolve stains on your teeth and improve their appearance. According to the old maxim, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and it turns out it will also keep your dentist happy! So, the next time you stock your kitchen, remember that what’s on your plate could also whiten your smile!
malic acid, often found in certain variations of toothpaste. This acid is a natural astringent and can aid in removing stains and whitening your teeth. Strawberries also contain vitamin C, which can help eliminate plaque. Ergo, fewer plaque and stains on your pearly whites will produce a brighter, shinier smile.
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WRIGLEYVILLEDENTAL.COM
Is Kombucha Safe for Teeth? The Answer Might Surprise You!
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? Weakened enamel exposes the sensitive nerves inside your teeth to more air, food, and beverages, making them more susceptible to cavities. Additionally, increased exposure to the elements can make those pearly whites super sensitive, leading to heat, cold, or sweet- related pain. Once gone, enamel cannot be regrown, so it’s essential to protect it by making your acidic beverages an occasional treat, using straws whenever possible to limit contact, and using remineralizing products with hydroxyapatite such as Bliss Energetics, Dr. Jen’s and SalivaMax. Taking a holistic approach to care requires zooming out and looking at the whole picture. Instead of saying, “This is good for gut health, I better drink it!” step back and consider the side effects. Although kombucha may have some health benefits, check the sugar content. Not all kombucha is created equal. Also split up the bottle and drink only half or a third, and rinse your mouth with water after. The goal is to find balance in the body’s ecosystem.
Soft drinks are notorious for their health- damaging side effects, prompting many people to switch to kombucha as a healthy alternative. This fermented tea drink is rich in probiotics, which promote gut health. Additionally, it offers numerous reported benefits, such as providing antioxidants, aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and lowering blood sugar levels. Before you rush out and fill your fridge with kombucha, though, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing! For example: Is kombucha good for your teeth? Let’s find out. LET’S CRUNCH THE NUMBERS. The pH scale measures a substance’s acidity. Kombucha has a pH between 2.5 and 3.2. By comparison, sodas are in the 2.3 to 2.9 range. That means kombucha is nearly as acidic as soda — and can erode your enamel just as quickly. This fact is alarming as enamel deteriorates and cavity-causing bacteria emerge at a pH of 5.5 or below. In other words, this “healthy alternative” can still erode enamel and cause cavities.
HOMEMADE VEGAN DOLE WHIP The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert.
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He enjoyed coming with me when I was shopping for new dental equipment like chairs (as they are the price of a car), and he even came with me to several of my dental conferences. For him, learning never stopped, and he loved seeing the expansion of our practice. Losing a parent rattles one’s existence and individual place in the world. It provides perspective of what is important and what’s less important. It is a sorrow we will all feel at one point. But it has made me slow down and reassess my priorities. What else do I want to accomplish? What and who is important? How am I doing taking care of myself? These are some questions that I’ve been exploring on my journey. I share this to ignite your interest in exploring these topics in yourself. I find it helps bring more purpose and love into life. I hope you have a beautiful summer! –Dr. Bernice Teplitsky
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup non-dairy vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
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Inside
Welcoming and Wishing the Best to New and Departing Staff
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Amazing Ladybug Facts
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Eat Fresh, Smile Fresh
Is Kombucha Safe for Teeth? A Holistic Dentist Weighs In
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Homemade Vegan Dole Whip
Better Produce for Cheap (and Other Benefits of Shopping Seasonally)
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LET’S GET SEASONAL! How to Get the Most From Your Produce
BETTER QUALITY, BETTER TASTE, LOWER PRICE
Do you eat seasonally? This lifestyle involves only shopping for produce in season instead of grabbing your favorites and calling it a day. Eating fresh produce in its peak growing period has many health benefits that pack a punch — let’s take a look.
You know that moment when you bite an apple, and its flavor or texture is slightly off? When shopping for in-season
produce, you’re not just getting highly nutritious foods but improved quality, so those disappointing-bite moments are far less likely to happen. An even better benefit? When produce is in season, they’re usually at a surplus — meaning stores are desperate to move their inventory and are likely to sell their goods at a discounted price. SUPPORT MOTHER NATURE Year-round farming practices that don’t align with the crop’s natural seasons often utilize far more resources than seasonal farming. For example, winter months might not have enough sunlight, so large grow lamps on indoor greenhouses are used, raising electricity consumption. Plants that require a lot of water need to be hydrated during dry months, so water is trucked or pumped in from a well. By shopping seasonally, you support agricultural practices that help our planet stay healthy. With the range of benefits associated with eating your produce according to the seasons, it’s no wonder this lifestyle has been gaining popularity in the last few years. We hope you feel inspired to adopt this habit and let your creativity loose in the kitchen all season.
VEG OUT! GET MORE VARIETY We bet most people have a handful of go-to
vegetables that they rotate through, but variety is the spice of life. Eating what’s in season means that there’s a new option to taste every couple of months, keeping boredom at bay and improving your cooking skills.
POWER BOOST! MORE VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Thanks to the year-round demand for popular produce, certain crops have been specifically bred to grow in bulk, stripping away some of our needed vitamins and minerals. Farming fruit and vegetables in their ideal conditions and seasons mean they’ll thrive, leading to optimal nutrition.
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