Check out our latest newsletter!
July/August 2024
Preparing for Disaster LESSONS LEARNED FROM DR. MENON’S RECENT ARMY TRAINING
This spring, I had the privilege to attend mission training at Camp Atterbury in Indiana as part of my service in the United States Army Reserves. For 10 grueling nights, my team and 400 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers trained to respond to a potential nuclear explosion on U.S. soil. It was long and exhausting, but as strange as it may sound, I enjoyed every minute of it. The scenario of the training placed our group in Orlando, Florida, where we were told a nuclear attack had taken place. We had units deployed across the camp, some working with helicopters, and others in medical teams and hazmat suits. We had the opportunity to train for every possible situation should anything like this ever happen on U.S. soil. It was easy to get wrapped up in the severity of the scenario because it all felt very real. This made the training more applicable outside the 10 days we were there. I can still remember the adrenaline- pumping operations we practiced as a team and the useful skills we gained as a result. I am confident we could respond effectively and efficiently should anything like this ever happen. One of the highlights of the weekend included the expertise surrounding us. Our team was lucky to work with and train under many experienced emergency disaster experts. About 250 FEMA
experts had direct experience with these kinds of disasters, including those who had responded to Hawaiian volcano incidents and some who were present in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I’ve had the privilege of serving in the Army Reserves for seven years now, and it’s experiences like this one that remind me why I serve. Through these drills, you learn to rely on your fellow team members and find value in the skills every person brings with them. Trust is a necessary factor in the success of these missions. This translates well into civilian life, especially when running a dental practice. I have to trust the people I have on my team to take care of our patients and rely on the skills we all have to create a functioning, well-oiled machine for our clients. Everybody brings something to the table. And without each other, we can’t move forward. Finding someone’s unique talents and strengths can be vital to the success of an operation or team. Likewise, recognizing the weaknesses we each have can also impact our successes. It may sound strange to be this excited about training at a military camp, but the experience was invaluable. The Reserves has been part of my life for nearly a decade, and I’ve been honored to serve my country in this way.
Because of the time I have dedicated to the Army, I was recently awarded two recognitions for my service: a military coin and an Army achievement award. Neither of these honors could have been achieved without the support from my unit, family, friends, and the team at Newman Springs Dental Care. I love serving my country and continue to be committed to doing so, and the support of those around me makes it that much easier.
Bring on the next mission.
You can now book your appointments online via our website at BestLincroftDentist.com and on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/NewmanSpringsDental. It’s easy and convenient. You can even check availabilities to choose the date, time, and provider (Dr. Menon & Dr. Sayroo) that work with your schedule. Returning patients may also choose their dental hygienist (Laura, Pauline, or Kelly).
Call Us! 732-978-4522 • BestLincroftDentist.com • Newman Springs Dental Care • 1
Overcome Dental Anxiety With Sedation YOUR FAQS ANSWERED
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL SEDATION? Dental sedation is suitable for patients who experience anxiety or fear before or during dental visits. It’s also beneficial for those with a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still for long periods. IS DENTAL SEDATION SAFE? Yes, dental sedation is generally safe when administered by our trained professionals who undergo continual professional training. Before sedation, your dentist will review your medical history and any medications you’re taking to avoid potential complications. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF DENTAL SEDATION? Side effects are generally mild and temporary. They can include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, or nausea. We will provide post-procedure instructions to help minimize these effects and ensure a smooth recovery. For further information, questions, and concerns, we are here to help! Give our office a call today to set up an appointment or consultation to chat about your dental sedation options!
Do you fear the dentist or find that you have anxiety or worries surrounding your dental appointments? If so, dental sedation is a great option to help make your dental appointments more comfortable. If you’re considering dental sedation at Newman Springs Dental Care, you may have some questions — that’s why we’re sharing some frequently asked questions to clear the air! WHAT IS DENTAL SEDATION? Dental sedation uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although most forms of sedation don’t actually put you to sleep. Sedation can range from mild (relaxing you while you stay awake) to deep (putting you in a state of near-unconsciousness).
WHAT TYPES OF DENTAL SEDATION ARE AVAILABLE? In our office, we offer many types of dental sedation, including:
• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It helps you relax and wears off quickly after the procedure.
• Oral Sedation: This involves taking a pill, usually an hour before your appointment. The medication can make you drowsy, but you’ll stay awake.
• IV Sedation: This sedative kicks into action quickly and offers a deeper level of sedation. It’s administered through a vein and allows our dentists to adjust the level of sedation as needed.
comes to the color of your door and the surrounding trim, you have two options: Keep it uniform or have a purposeful accent differentiating the two. Otherwise, the paint job may come off as sloppy. Also, consider the finish — there is a big difference between a matte and glossy sheen of paint, so choose wisely. PREPPING TO PAINT While it’s possible to paint a door without first removing it from its hinges, it is much easier, cleaner, and more convenient to move it somewhere with ideal lighting and accessibility. Laying the door flat on the ground also makes sanding and clean-up a cinch! GATHERING TOOLS AND PRIMING First things first, you need a good primer. Priming the door will make your chosen paint adhere more easily. If you are an inexperienced painter, you may prefer a brush to a roller. While rollers can cover more space more quickly, they are not as easy to use as they first appear. Before diving in, get advice from your local paint store, including other helpful tools, like a paint tray, canvas drop cloth, and even painter’s tape. Once the paint dries and you rehang the door, enjoy your new look and that excellent first impression you’ll make. MAKE AN ENTRANCE How to Paint Your Door Like an Expert
HAVE A LAUGH!
Have you ever heard the expression, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression?” Well, your front door is the first and last thing you and your guests see when entering and exiting your home. So, when you approach painting your front door, you should be thoughtful and careful. Much goes into painting doors, from choosing the correct palette to ensuring adequate coverage. Here are three tips to help you tackle this tricky task. PERFECTING YOUR PALETTE Anyone who has searched through paint swatches at a hardware store knows the dilemma. A seemingly endless variety of colors confront you. For example, in addition to “White” paint, you see “Alabaster,” “Chantilly Lace,” and “Winter Snow.” Each variation may be only slightly different, but that difference becomes glaringly obvious when mismatched. When it
2 • Newman Springs Dental Care • BestLincroftDentist.com • Call Us! 732-978-4522
Just like going to the doctor, regular dental checkups are essential to help maintain both your oral health and overall well-being. The importance of these visits is often overlooked, but the benefits of regular dental checkups extend beyond a sparkling smile. Let’s explore several reasons why attending regular hygiene appointments is important. Early Detection Saves Smiles The Importance of Dental Hygiene Appointments PREVENTING TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE One of the most important reasons to visit us twice a year for hygiene checkups is to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. During these visits, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to assist in removing plaque and tartar that you might miss during regular brushing and flossing. Remember: Plaque buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease if not addressed. EARLY DETECTION OF ORAL HEALTH ISSUES Regular dental checkups help us detect oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer earlier. In many cases, we can spot problems before they become serious, which can save you from more extensive and costly treatments. For example, finding a small cavity early can prevent it from developing into a larger, more painful issue that might require a costly root canal or extraction. MAINTAINING OVERALL HEALTH Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being. Poor oral hygiene has been associated with several serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory infections. During a dental checkup, we can identify early signs of these conditions, which often manifest through oral symptoms, and potentially reduce your risk of developing worse conditions. PROFESSIONAL CLEANING AND ADVICE No matter how good your oral hygiene is at home, our dentists and hygienists use specialized tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. Additionally, we can also provide personalized advice on how to improve your oral care routine to keep your smile healthy and bright.
SUDOKU
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
QUINOA VEGGIE BOWL This recipe is packed with protein-rich quinoa and a colorful array of vegetables. It’s ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner!
Ingredients
•
2 tbsp olive oil
•
1 cup diced mushrooms
Don’t underestimate the importance of your six-month checkups — they are key to ensuring a healthy, happy smile for years to come!
•
1 red bell pepper, diced
•
1 tsp dried oregano
•
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
•
Salt and pepper, to taste
•
1 cup diced zucchini
•
2 cups cooked quinoa
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add oregano, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and mix thoroughly. 5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
Call Us! 732-978-4522 • BestLincroftDentist.com • Newman Springs Dental Care • 3
539 Newman Springs Road Lincroft, NJ 07738 732-978-4522
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
@NewmanSpringsDental
@NewmanSpringsDental
@DentistSedation
NewmanSpringsDental
INSIDE this issue
p.1
Dr. Menon Shares Lessons From Army Training Dental Sedation — Types, Safety, and Side Effects Tips for Masterful Door Painting Quinoa Veggie Bowl 6-Month Checkups — Your Key to Healthy, Happy Smiles
p.2
p.3
p.4
A Guide to Vitamin D-Rich Foods
FOOD FOR THOUGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF A VITAMIN D-RICH DIET
Vitamin D, best known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is uniquely both a nutrient we eat and a hormone our body makes when exposed
sources of vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna. While a 3.5-ounce serving of farmed salmon contains about 526 IU, a serving of wild-caught salmon may contain significantly more and may even exceed the daily recommendation. A 3.5-ounce serving of herring or sardines will net you around 200 IU, or about a third of your daily
to sunlight. While our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium, allowing us to build and fortify our bones, it does far more than that. The fat-soluble vitamin is also an anti-inflammatory and helps our brains and immune systems function. According to the Mayo Clinic, the daily recommendation for vitamin D intake for the vast majority of the population is around 600 international units or IU. However, unlike many other nutrients, not many foods naturally contain a large amount of vitamin D. Whether natural or fortified, here are the best foods to add to your diet to help you hit the recommended daily vitamin D intake.
recommended vitamin D. You can also obtain trace amounts of vitamin D from foods such as egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver.
ARTIFICIAL SOURCES OF VITAMIN D If you do not mind using artificial sources to hit your daily recommended dose of vitamin D, then your best bet is a supplement. A great source is cod liver oil, which contains 450 IU of vitamin D per teaspoon. For those who don’t enjoy seafood, fortified milk is a great way to hit your daily recommended intake.
No matter how you acquire your vitamin D, the benefits are worth the effort. From helping revitalize cell growth to keeping your bones strong and healthy, vitamin D is a nutrient you should consider incorporating more of into your diet.
NATURAL SOURCES OF VITAMIN D If you are searching for a natural vitamin D source, you will likely have to get your feet wet. Some of the best natural
4 • Newman Springs Dental Care • BestLincroftDentist.com • Call Us! 732-978-4522
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator