Everything You Didn’t Know About This Holiday Tradition Of the many seasonal traditions that sweep our nation, few are as creative, delicious, and satisfying as building your very own gingerbread house. Whether you’re looking to create a simple table decoration or bake a tasty treat to nibble on, everyone can enjoy this holiday activity! THE ORIGINS OF GINGERBREAD Ginger was first cultivated in ancient China, then traded into medieval Europe. There, Europeans incorporated it into culinary traditions and used it to bake cookies into elaborate shapes and works of art, including figures of animals and people. The gingerbread house first appeared in the early 19th century in Germany. Although historians don’t know an exact date, it’s speculated that it gained popularity around the same time that “Hansel and Gretel,” the popular fairy tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm, was published. THE LARGEST GINGERBREAD HOUSE In 2013, the world record for the largest gingerbread house in the world was broken. The house, topping out at 21 feet and covering 2,520 square feet, was built by Traditions Golf Club in Bryan, Texas, to raise money for a local Level II trauma center. To construct the house, builders created a recipe that required 1,800 pounds of butter, 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 7,200 eggs, 7,200 pounds of flour, 1,080 ounces of ground ginger, and a few additional ingredients. BUILD YOUR OWN! While you don’t have to challenge yourself to beat the Guinness World Record, you can still have fun creating your very own gingerbread village. Starting your gingerbread house from scratch can be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Give the kids a chance to mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and set out plenty of candies and frostings to use, and remember to have fun! If you’re looking for unique gingerbread house ideas, take a look at 20 gingerbread house ideas at TasteofHome.com/collection/ gingerbread-houses. THE JOY OF A GINGERBREAD HOUSE
DON’T FALL FOR THE COMEBACK TREND The Risks of Extra Sparkle Everyone wants a smile they can be proud of. A bright smile gives people the confidence they need for a job interview, a family portrait, or spending time with a group of friends. However, even with dazzling teeth, many people look for ways to give their smiles something a little extra, such as tooth gems. A tooth gem is a small rhinestone that is attached to one or more front teeth. This growing fad became popular in the ‘90s and, like many current trends, is making a fierce comeback among the younger generations. Celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Adwoa Aboah, Drake, and Katy Perry have been seen sporting one or more tooth gems, which has left many people clamoring for the same. While these small pieces of jewelry have become a desired commodity, they’re also risky. The ingredients in the adhesive used to attach the jewel can cause discoloration in the teeth and wear down the enamel. A tooth gem can also collect food debris and be an ideal spot for harmful bacteria to grow. The results of these problems can lead to much more worrisome issues, such as infection and tooth decay. These risks only increase when a person uses an at-home kit to apply a tooth gem. Inexperienced hands can damage teeth, and the adhesive used in these kits often lacks the strength required to keep the jewel in place. A tooth gem is more likely to fall off and be swallowed, and it can get stuck in the airways or stomach. Having a gem professionally installed can be rather expensive, but it significantly reduces these risks.
Ultimately, the best way to keep your smile bright and healthy is to not add anything to your teeth that your dentist advises against. By brushing, flossing, and
getting your teeth cleaned regularly, you’ll ensure your oral health never waivers.
2 | www.auburndentalcenter.com
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