DEC 2019
The Undisputed Tooth
610-868-7601 | www.drpetrillo.com
Because TheyMean Everything to Us We Give Our All for Our Patients
On days that I visit the office, I find myself in constant gratitude. I had been practicing dentistry for a long time before my disability, and still, my team never ceases to amaze me with their dedication, work ethic, and enthusiasm within the office. Time and time again, I see how much our team at Lehigh Valley Smile Designs cares for the practice and, most importantly, our patients. Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, where it’s not enough for a doctor to decide whether or not they’re going to bring a certain service into the office. The team has to understand, believe, and see the benefits of what that treatment will give the patients. Until every member of the team is on board, patient care doesn’t advance. Everyone, no matter how long they’ve been with us, is committed to providing the best services to our patients by staying current with the latest treatments and technology. Many of our team members have traveled from coast to coast to participate in training programs all across the country, ensuring our patients will be taken care of once we return home.
We are excited to announce 20 years of excellent service by Kim, Chrissy, Sharon, and Leah. They have dedicated a lot of their time toward advancing patient care. We will be honoring them in the spring for their respective 20-year anniversaries as they are the best of the best! Dr. Patrick Petrillo and Dr. Bernhard Kabitzke are lifelong learners as they are always looking to perfect techniques, thus enhancing patient care. These benefits are key for the team because everything we do here is for our patients — everything is about our patients. Every piece of equipment and every course our team completes is all in the interest of benefiting patients. Our aim is to help our patients live longer, healthier lives for as long as they can. The team here is an essential part of our goals, beliefs, and the benefits our patients experience by coming to us when they need help. While I am so grateful for my team and their efforts to help each and every patient, I am also thankful for every patient who walks through our doors. I like to consider our patients every much as part of the team here as all of our dentists and team members. Without the support of the people who come to us, talk to us about their day, and continue to support us, Lehigh Valley Smile Designs wouldn’t be the same. We would not have reached the point where we’re at right now if it weren’t for both our team members and our patients.
We opened the mail last week and, to our surprise, were notified that our office won the category for BEST COSMETIC DENTIST in the “Who’s Who in Business” survey conducted by Lehigh Valley Style. We could only win this because we have the best dental team and the best dental patients. We are so excited to win this contest! Thank you, all, for everything you’ve done for us over the years, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Dr. Mike Petrillo
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How This Emotion Is Doing You Harm
Anger is a common emotion. It’s natural, and it’s a part of how you
including cortisol and norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for triggering the “fight or flight” response. When these hormones enter the bloodstream, your heart rate increases and arteries constrict. This helps to more effectively pump blood to the arms and legs for a fight or a flight. The problem is that when a person is constantly angry or upset, these hormones course through the body more frequently, stressing the arteries and internal organs. As a person ages, this stress can become more damaging. One study that appeared in the Psychology and Aging Journal looked into this phenomenon. Researchers found that there is a link between frequently experiencing anger and increased inflammation and chronic illness for people ages 80 and older. This equated to more instances of heart disease and dementia.
The study also looked at other emotions, including sadness, which has also been linked to heart disease and other inflammatory diseases. Through a number of tests involving 200 participants ages 59–93, the researchers concluded anger was far more detrimental to a person’s health than sadness. Ultimately, if you regularly experience rage and frustration, properly dealing with your anger is one of the best things you can do for your health. Every person’s situation is different, and it comes down to getting to the bottom of what makes you angry so you can work through it, whether you work through it alone or with a mental health professional. Take the steps to prioritize your mental and physical health, and your efforts will pay off tenfold in the long run.
respond to certain circumstances in your environment. It’s how you express extreme displeasure. However, new research suggests chronic anger can be detrimental to your health. Essentially, it comes down to this: If you are stressed, tense, easily irritable, angry, and “snippy” all the time, you may be doing serious harm to your well-being. Studies have already shown a link between anger and the heart. People who showed signs of feeling anger on a regular basis experienced higher rates of heart disease. The first studies on the impact of anger came out in the 1950s and have since been confirmed: Chronic anger physically harms the heart. Why? When you get angry or upset, your brain triggers the release of specific hormones,
Our office is getting busier and busier as the end of the year comes closer. People are eager to schedule their dental appointments to ensure they have a perfect smile for family photos, as well as to greet the new year. While it’s important to have a smile you’re proud of, it’s equally crucial to use any dental benefits you may have before 2019 closes out. Every year, dental plans reset on Jan. 1 — that includes the coverage and services people work so hard to receive throughout the year. This means that any unused benefits from the previous year are lost. With your dental plan, like many others, you are expected to pay a premium every month that goes toward your dental benefits. Whether that benefit is a biannual cleaning or to fix something a little more serious, this money is there for you when you need it most. When these benefits aren’t used, the money you worked for and put aside goes to waste. Any benefits that you don’t take advantage of this year will not be carried into the next. Lehigh Valley Smile Designs can provide you with the dental services you need for the holidays, and we will help you get the most out of your dental benefits. Call our offices to set up an appointment today! DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR Get the Most From Your Dental Benefits
CONGRATULATIONS! WINNER!
Rachel S. She was the winner of our New Patient Referral Contest! Be sure to check in with us during your next visit to find out about our upcoming contests!
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TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: JESSICA Celebrating 2 Years of Steadfast Service
For this newsletter edition, we want to introduce our wonderful front desk and financial coordinator, Jessica! On Dec. 5, Jessica is celebrating her two-year anniversary as part of the Lehigh Valley Smile Designs team. Before she joined us, Jessica was working in a doctor’s office, where she spent her time doing what she loved. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people, interacting with patients, and providing excellent customer service people can rely on,” Jessica says proudly. “Being able to help people better themselves and help them toward living healthier lives means a lot to me.” In addition to this, Jessica also delights in giving tours of the office to new patients, getting to know everyone she meets, and ensuring they receive the best care. The medical and dental fields have always been a source of interest for Jessica. “Moving from a doctor’s office to a dental practice was something completely different. Dr. Petrillo and the rest of our team have helped me learn so much in the years I’ve spent here,
and it’s all so fascinating. I can’t imagine myself being anywhere else. Everyone here gets along really well, like a big family, and everyone on the team is extremely knowledgeable. It’s undeniable that the team here really cares about people.” When Jessica finds some free time outside of the office, she enjoys spending time and traveling with her family. “I love going to Boston to spend a few days there with the family and watching movies. We’re really into settling down and watching a few good movies for family time.” Lehigh Valley Smile Designs is proud to have someone so kind and enthusiastic on our team. We want to congratulate Jessica for being on our team these past two years, and we are all looking forward to many more!
SUDOKU
SPICY, CREAMY SWEET POTATOES
Inspired by The New York Times
INGREDIENTS
• • •
1 tbsp kosher salt
• • •
5 lbs sweet potatoes
1/2 cup dark brown sugar 4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup canned coconut milk 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375 F. On a large sheet pan, bake potatoes until very soft, approximately 75 minutes. 2. Let potatoes cool until they are safe to handle, then peel and mash. 3. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine coconut milk and curry paste until well mixed. 4. Add the coconut milk-curry mixture, salt, half the sugar, and half the butter to potatoes. 5. About 30 minutes before serving, heat oven to 425 F. Spread potatoes in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. 6. Uncover potatoes, and dot with remaining butter and sugar. Broil until brown, crusty, and delicious. Serve hot.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
610-868-7601 www.drpetrillo.com
2019 Industrial Drive Bethlehem, PA 18017
Dr. Mike Petrillo, DMD
Dr. Bernhard E. Kabitzke, DMD
Dr. Patrick A. Petrillo, DDS
Inside This Issue
The Dedication of a Team
PAGE 1
Anger May Be Harming Your Heart
PAGE 2
Preparing Your Teeth for 2020
PAGE 2
Getting to Know the Face of our Office
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Spicy, Creamy Sweet Potatoes
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Maintaining a Beautiful Smile
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WHAT IS CAUSING YOUR TEETH TO STAIN?
Avoiding Discoloration and Keeping Your Teeth White
SIMPLE METHODS TO KEEP TEETH BRIGHT Using whitening products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, are a great way to whiten your teeth at home. Both of these options not only remove surface stains on the enamel but also prevent cavities, fight off gum disease, and freshen breath. You can also use whitening strips at home, which are quick, easy, and cost-efficient. To keep your teeth pearly white, you don’t have to give up foods that are more likely to stain your teeth. By practicing and maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits, your teeth can remain as white as ever!
Everyone enjoys having a bright, white smile, but it can be difficult to maintain. Foods and drinks can affect the color of your teeth, even with regular brushing and whitening. Knowing what stains your teeth will help you take steps to avoid or prevent future discoloration.
WHY FOODS STAIN TEETH Three main substances alter the color of teeth: chromogens, tannins, and acids. Chromogens are strong pigments that cling to tooth enamel and often create more stubborn stains if they mix with other stain-enhancing factors like tannins, which are chemicals commonly found in black teas. Acidic foods or drinks, such as berries and soft drinks, soften and erode enamel, making it easier for the tooth to stain.
HOW TO AVOID STAINING YOUR TEETH One of the easiest ways to prevent liquids from staining teeth is to drink from a straw. This ensures coffee, tea, soda, or alcohol will have less contact with teeth. Another good habit is to drink water or brush your teeth directly after a meal so staining substances aren’t left on your teeth unchecked for the rest of the day. Biannual dental visits are also a great way to remove or prevent stains. When dentists polish the surface of teeth, they can fill in rough parts or fine cracks that make staining more likely.
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