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5,395 Lives Changed Through Sedation 1,966 5-Star Reviews, and Counting 90 Years of Combined Experience
The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry
JULY 2023
MY TRIP TO TREAT SYRIAN REFUGEES
The Syrian people have suffered greatly between a devastating war and a catastrophic earthquake. Millions have been displaced, seeking shelter across the borders of safer nations. Many live in refugee camps, in desperate need of services. The Syrian American Medical Association (SAMS) is a group of doctors who aim to provide some relief, and I undertook a mission trip with them at the end of May. Our group of nine dentists spent 10 days in Lebanon, providing much-needed care to hundreds of people. General, surgical, and pediatric dentists all took part. We treated all conditions, from simple extractions to large tumor removals. Doctors also corrected several
cleft palates on children born in the camps, and countless children and cognitively disabled adults received comprehensive exams. The work was grueling — we worked 10–12 hour days, seeing as many as 32 patients. But the experience was also incredibly humbling. It was life-changing to gain perspective on how lucky we Americans are to live in safety and security. Until you see it firsthand, it’s difficult to understand how much other people struggle daily to have the essential resources necessary for life.
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Find the Perfect Beach Rental DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL SEASIDE RETREAT
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a
rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants.
THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a
Managing Dry Mouth: KEEP YOUR MOUTH HEALTHY AND FRESH
Everyone has a dry mouth from time to time, but frequent dryness isn’t normal. A dry mouth can occur when the salivary glands in your mouth aren’t producing enough saliva. It isn’t a serious medical condition, but it can be uncomfortable and lead to health problems, such as tooth decay or infections, if not treated properly. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Saliva plays a vital role in keeping your mouth healthy. If you are not producing enough saliva, you may notice these symptoms:
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New areas of decay that formed rapidly Sensitivity to spicy and acidic foods
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Using prescription strength toothpaste such as Fluoridex Using over-the-counter Biotene gel or spray Avoiding alcohol, smoking, and mouthwash that contains alcohol
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CAUSES OF DRY MOUTH There are several causes for dry mouth, including side effects of certain diseases and infections, radiation and chemotherapy, damage to salivary gland nerves from trauma or injury, or taking any of the 400 medicines that cause the salivary glands to produce less saliva. TREATING DRY MOUTH If you’ve noticed persistent dry mouth signs and symptoms, there are treatments to reduce the risks of long-term consequences, such as:
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Using a humidifier at night
Avoiding caffeine
Dry mouth usually goes away on its own, but we all need good saliva production to
moisten and cleanse our mouths against bacteria. Depending on the
cause, speak with your doctor or dentist, or call our office to book your next appointment for more details. –Therese Bleiweiss, RDH
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A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking A burning sensation in the mouth Cracked or dry lips and/or dry, rough tongue
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Changing medication/dosage if another option is available Increasing water intake and taking xylitol lozenges
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Mouth sores or infections
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... continued from Cover We also built powerful relationships during our mission. There’s something special about sharing time with people of the same mindset who have left their homes and businesses behind to support the greater good. It’s hard to believe how quickly we grew close, but extreme circumstances can create incredible bonds. It was an honor to work with such amazing people. This was my second mission trip, and I believe every medical professional should volunteer on such an undertaking. We can use our skills to help others, and we should take it. People who work outside medicine can also make a difference. Those cooking and passing out supplies were just as vital to the camps running as the medical staff was. I’ve committed myself to going on at least one mission trip every year in the future and have already planned for my next one in 2024. Ultimately, this decision is as much for my benefit as the refugees’. I needed the lessons of this trip as much as the patients I treated needed me. I’ve returned to the U.S. with a better appreciation for all I have and the energy to find more ways to help. –Dr. Issa Salameh
EASY CHIPOTLE PORTOBELLO TACOS Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST
INGREDIENTS • 2 large portobello mushrooms • 1 red bell pepper • 1/2 onion • Salt, to taste • 14-oz can refried black beans • Vegan crema (optional) • Avocados (optional) • 4 tortillas Chipotle Marinade • 1 tbsp oil • 2 tbsp sauce from canned chipotles in adobo • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp coriander
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice mushrooms and bell
pepper into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Then, cut onion into 1/2-inch- thick rings. On a parchment- lined sheet pan, place all sliced vegetables. 3. In a small bowl, whisk marinade ingredients together. 4. Brush both sides of mushrooms with a liberal amount of marinade. Then, lightly brush the bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle salt on the mushrooms. Roast vegetables for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.
5. Heat beans and prepare
additional toppings if desired.
6. Spread refried beans on
warm tortillas and top with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and any additional toppings.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
9519 State Route 14 Streetsboro, OH 44241 330-423-6779
Also Serving Elyria and Brunswick! Elyria, OH 44035 440-281-8031
The Home of Anxiety-Free Dentistry
Brunswick, OH 44212 330-460-6540
Inside
SignatureSmilesOH.com
Dr. Issa: A Man on a Mission
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Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss
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No More Dry Mouth
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Easy Chipotle Portobello Tacos
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Bad Breath Be Gone — Naturally!
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BOOST YOUR VITAMIN C LEVELS. Oranges aren’t just a healthy snack! The high levels of vitamin C found in oranges are believed to increase saliva production, which can help prevent dry mouth, bacteria, and halitosis. As another perk, bacteria do not like acidic environments, and oranges are highly acidic! RINSE WITH BAKING SODA AND WATER. Swishing water and readily available baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, in your mouth can effectively reduce and/or kill the bacteria contributing to bad breath. Bad breath is never welcome! If you are ever worried about the freshness of your breath, give one or two of these natural at-home remedies a try — what have you got to lose?
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by the interaction of oral bacteria with processed sugars and starches. This chemical process results in an unpleasant odor. Mouthwash, gum, mints, and sprays always have your back when it comes to freshening your breath, but there are many holistic and natural ways to cure chronic bad breath. DRINK YOUR WATER. Did you know that the most common cause of dry mouth is dehydration? Bacteria can accumulate when there is insufficient saliva to wash food particles and debris from your mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to keep halitosis under control! GIVE GREEN TEA A WHIRL. Green tea contains many beneficial antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is known to have a microbial effect on our gum tissues, which targets Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis), a bacteria that can lead to infection and bad breath. SNACK ON YOGURT. The probiotics within many yogurts can aid in reducing the harmful bacteria within your mouth, combating foul breath. While all types of yogurt contain probiotics, yogurt with active probiotic cultures will be the most effective for achieving the best results.
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