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September/October 2023
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
While dentists tend to get most of the glory, dental hygienists are the backbone of our work. They are patients’ primary point of contact and generally see their hygienist far more than they see Andrea or me. This team does much more than most people realize and is crucial to our patient care level. A dental cleaning sounds simple to many people, but cleanings are the first building block of every patient relationship. Firstly, cleanings are not optional! It only takes 90 days for plaque to build back up on the tooth surface, so we encourage patients to visit at least twice a year. Cleaning appointments prevent more extensive and expensive conditions from taking hold. While few people enjoy cleanings, they almost always appreciate root canals less. THE EXCEPTIONAL HYGIENISTS WHO MAKE YOUR SMILE SHINE Unsung Heroes We want to celebrate all the patients who take time to stay healthy by attending regular cleaning appointments. We will enter all patients who attend a cleaning appointment in September or October into a drawing with a chance to win a FREE in-office Zoom whitening service. We will draw two winners on Nov. 1. WIN FREE ZOOM WHITENING!
Cleanings also allow our hygienists to build rapport and trust so we can provide the best possible care. Hygienists do more than scrape and polish — they look for changes in diet, sleep, and health history, learn about each patient’s brushing and flossing habits, and check for cracks or irregular wear patterns. All these factors are crucial pieces to the patient’s oral health puzzle. These appointments are also opportunities for us to understand a patient’s dental value system and get answers to questions about what’s important to them, what issues they want to address and why, and what external stressors might be contributing to their oral health problems. Such conversations can help us intervene in bad habits to create a healthier patient long term. At Exceptional Smiles, we’re fortunate to have an incredible set of hygienists who always go above and beyond in their work. For those of you who may not be familiar with them all, I want to take a moment to introduce all three.
Taylor has worked with me for nine years, which is her entire dental career! We met before she began her hygiene schooling, which she completed six
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years ago. Away from work, she enjoys spending time in the kitchen and the great outdoors. Her biggest loves are her rescue pets: a goldendoodle named Phoebe and a cat named Finnegan. Janae has been in dentistry for 11 years and reports that she still gets great joy from helping patients feel confident in their smiles. Her husband, Steve, runs an auto body shop, and their three kids ensure the family is always on the go. They have Mac (7), Drew (5), and Violet (3), who just began her first year of preschool! Lauren has been in dentistry for 15 years and began working with me shortly after receiving her associate’s degree 10 years ago. She and Janae attended expanded functions dental assistant (EFDA) school together in 2016. Lauren
is also the proud mom of Walter, who was born in January! The baby keeps her busy, but she still loves spending time with her two dogs and can often be found exploring the aisles at Costco. I’ve frequently heard feedback from new patients that they’re not always used to seeing the same hygienist. At their previous dental practice, the person performing their cleaning was anyone’s guess. But I think it’s essential for our patients to know whom they’re seeing and build comfort and consistency. Of course, things happen, so you may occasionally see a different hygienist than usual. But the longevity of each hygienist on our staff ensures they know each other well. If they have a sick kid at home, they can feel confident leaving their patients in someone else’s care. Each hygienist also understands how the others work so they can provide continuity during every visit. Meanwhile, Taylor, Janae, and Lauren’s level of dedication consistently impresses me. All hygienists must take continuing education courses to stay on top of their game, but these three do far more than the bare minimum. While they could take the easiest classes, they constantly seek out challenges and attend more seminars than their peers at other offices. It’s a testament to their dedication and professionalism; they all understand that the more they know, the better they can help their patients. Dental hygienists are an invaluable part of our team, and we literally couldn’t do this work without them. So, when you come in for your next routine appointment, I hope you know you’re getting more than “just” a cleaning. The person who makes your teeth feel clean and fresh is one of the most crucial factors in your oral health.
-Dr. Jason Schermer
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Everyone treats you with friendliness and professionalism, and makes you feel very comfortable being there. They are also up to date with technology to provide you the most effective and best dental care possible. Two thumbs up!” -Mario de Caris — “Wonderful experience. Incredibly professional and efficient. Cutting edge technology and spotless office. This is the only dentist I will be going to moving forward.” -Leslie Farinacci — “They were phenomenal!! They scheduled my appointment in less than 24 hours for an emergency. Dr. Schermer is now my NEW dentist.” -Tanya Sims
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(440) 483-1003
SAY GOODBYE TO DISCOMFORT MEET THE GENTLE AND PRECISE EMS AIRFLOW
No matter how well our hygienists do their work, traditional dental cleaning methods are bound to cause some discomfort. Picking and scraping at teeth has long been necessary, but times are changing. Exceptional Smiles recently began using EMS AIRFLOW, and the tool has already made an enormous difference in our work and patient experience. The EMS AIRFLOW is a bit like a pressure washer for your teeth, but its fine stream of warm water is far more precise and gentle than the hulking machine you’d use on your home. The pressure washes dental biofilm, or plaque, away from the teeth without the usual picking and scraping. It’s like a spa experience for your mouth! Hygienists begin dental cleanings the same way they always have, with an examination and assessment of the mouth. They will then add a colored dye to the teeth, which reveals additional plaque buildup that may be invisible to the naked eye. With this extra step, hygienists can clean your teeth more thoroughly. They can also better assess your oral health habits to provide recommendations for improvement. Instead of using the metal tools you’re accustomed to, the hygienist will begin cleaning biofilm from your teeth using the EMS AIRFLOW. The water should not hurt and is lukewarm to reduce sensitivity. While the tool eliminates plaque, it simultaneously removes discoloration and polishes teeth. Many patients report a smoother and cleaner feeling compared to traditional cleanings, and virtually all consider the AIRFLOW more comfortable and less invasive. LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
After completing work with the AIRFLOW, your hygienist may need metal instruments to remove the last remaining buildup on your teeth. Still, the use of these tools should be minimal, and people with misaligned teeth will note a particular reduction in scraping. Patients now receive a more thorough cleaning and brighter teeth with much less pain. We’re very excited about the EMS AIRFLOW and can’t wait for you to experience the benefits yourself. We look forward to showing you everything this new tool can do during your next cleaning and will gladly answer any questions during your appointment.
Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com
This salad makes a unique side dish and healthy next-day lunch!
Ingredients •
Q: What do you call a pile of kittens? A: A Meowtain
1/2 cup walnuts
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Chopped fresh Italian parsley, to taste
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2 lbs ripe heirloom tomatoes
Kosher salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste
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3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar 1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/4 cup smoked blue cheese, thinly sliced
Q: What is a snakes favorite subject in school?
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1 tbsp fresh dill
A: Hisssssssstory
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. On a baking sheet, toast the walnuts in the oven for 12–14 minutes. 2. Wash and slice the tomatoes. Place slices on a platter, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 3. Scatter toasted walnuts and blue cheese on top, followed by dill and preferred amount of parsley. 4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, wine or vinegar, and garlic to make the dressing. 5. Spoon dressing evenly over salad and serve.
Q: Who invented fractions?
A: Henry the 1/4th!
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
exceptionalsmiles.com
(440) 483-1003
INSIDE 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
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Lasting Relationships, One Cleaning at a Time
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What People Are Saying About Us
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Discover the Comfort of EMS AIRFLOW Cleanings
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Walnut and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad
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Eat Your Way to a Healthy Heart
STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART WITH THESE FOODS
Your cholesterol levels directly impact your heart health, and with heart disease being the leading cause of death in the U.S., we should all be working toward improving our cholesterol levels. Your LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” type that can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. The best way to control our LDL cholesterol is through the foods we eat. If you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check and your heart healthy, add more of these foods to your diet. OATMEAL Oats contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, which decreases cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Start the day right with warm oatmeal, overnight oats, or Cheerios, which are surprisingly made with oats, not wheat! Add fruit on top to boost your fiber intake even more. NUTS Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are rich in monounsaturated and other heart-healthy
fats, but minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium are also crammed in these crunchy snacks. Nuts have shown significant heart- healthy benefits in numerous studies, including one which proved that just 2 ounces of nuts per day can decrease your LDL cholesterol. GREENS Not every green is a health-boosting superfood, but dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and bok choy all contain lutein and carotenoids, antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease. These greens help compact the bile acids in your body and remove cholesterol from your system. BERRIES Delicious and versatile, berries are filled with fiber to help lower cholesterol. Berries also contain numerous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can benefit your body in countless ways. All fruit is excellent for your health, but berries pack the punch needed to support healthy cholesterol levels.
LEGUMES If you’re seeing a common trait here, you realize that soluble fiber is the key to making these foods beneficial for your health! Legumes, which include beans, peas, and lentils, all contain a significant amount of soluble fiber, protein, and minerals. While these foods are incredible for your body, those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels should speak with their doctor first to discover the best course of action for protecting their heart.
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