Brushing your teeth regularly is essential for a healthy smile — it helps to remove bacteria, leftover food particles, and plaque, but overbrushing or brushing too aggressively can lead to potential problems! Let’s take a look! LOSS OF TOOTH ENAMEL When you brush your teeth too hard or too often, you run the risk of wearing down the strong protective outer layer of your teeth known as the enamel. This means the next layer, dentin, becomes exposed. Not only can your teeth then become extremely sensitive to heat and cold, but also staining and decay are much more likely. RECEDING GUMS The delicate tissues of your gums can potentially bleed if they are brushed too often or too aggressively, but even more alarming, they run the risk of receding, too! If they recede too far, the roots of your teeth can then become exposed, opening up the risk of infection, gum disease, or even loose or missing teeth. BRUSHING TIPS Remember that it isn’t about how hard you scrub or how long you brush, but rather it’s about consistency, care, and accuracy. When brushing, use a soft-bristled or medium-bristled brush, and be sure you cover all surfaces of each tooth with short strokes. Take care to use moderate pressure and brush twice a day for about two minutes each time. A good indicator that you are brushing your teeth too vigorously is if your toothbrush begins to show signs of damage or fraying before you’ve completed three months of use with that toothbrush. Lastly, if you experience any pain or bleeding while brushing, this is an indication something isn’t right and an adjustment needs to be made to your brushing habits. If you or a loved one has concerns that aggressive brushing habits have led to potential enamel erosion or gum damage, come see us today! We offer a variety of treatments to safeguard and help restore your smile! The Underlying Dangers of Overbrushing Too Much of a Good Thing
SMOKY SPICY BROCCOLI FRITTERS
Inspired by VeganRicha.com
• 2 1/2 cups chopped broccoli • 1/4 cup chopped onion • 1/4 cup packed cilantro • 1 tsp oil, plus more for frying • 1/3 tsp salt INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp smoked or regular paprika • 1 tsp chipotle pepper powder • 1 tbsp barbecue sauce • 3/4 cup chickpea flour
DIRECTIONS
1. In a food processor, add broccoli, onion, cilantro, and 1 tsp oil and process until uniform. Transfer to a bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well to distribute. 2. Let mixture sit for 2 minutes for the broccoli to leak enough moisture so you can form patties. If mixture is too wet, add more chickpea flour. If mixture is too dry and does not stick well, wait another few minutes or sprinkle some water and mix. 3. Shape into 5–6 patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and spread it in the pan. 4. Pan-fry the patties for 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Serve with Sriracha, ketchup, barbecue sauce, marinara, or a cooling ranch as desired.
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