Taste and Tell...for December

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. + chilling MAKES: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cups crushed chocolate wafers
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
FILLING:
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
TOPPING:
• 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted candies and chocolate syrup

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, walnuts and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of an ungreased 10-in. springform pan. Freeze for 15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Combine milk and lemon juice; add to cream cheese mixture just until blended.
3. Pour into crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until center is almost set.
4. Combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla; carefully spread over cheesecake. Bake 10 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with candies and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings

Kaycha
Dental Assistant

Welcome Kristine!

Kristine is the newest edition to Dr. Gray’s office! She started her dental career as a Dental Assistant, but from a young age she had a dream of becoming a Dental Hygienist. She returned to school to achieve that dream and graduated from Durham College in 2010 as a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Kristine is passionate about her profession and enjoys helping patients achieve optimum oral health. Her main focus is helping patients feel comfortable and educating them in all aspects of oral hygiene and preventive dentistry. She is a strong believer in ongoing education and likes take courses to expand her knowledge and stay current.

Aside from Dental Hygiene, Kristine enjoy spending time with her family and friends, curling up with a good book, going bike riding or being in the kitchen, baking!

She is looking forward to meeting all our patients and a long career working alongside Dr. Gray and the rest of the staff.

Kids Korner: Build a DIY Snow Globe!

Try a DIY Snow Globe, they make great decorations or gifts and the possibilities are endless!



What you will need:

• a mason jar
• craft glue or hot glue
• water (boiled and cooled or distilled)
• glitter
• an ornament for the inside

Ideas:

• Small toys, or ornaments work well
• try one larger item or group to make a scene
• try the dollar or craft store for inspiration

Steps:

1. Arrange your items on the lid of the jar once you are happy glue firmly to the lid and let dry
2. Fill Jar with water about one inch from the top, add glitter
3. Screw lid on tightly
4. Turn over and let it “snow”

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

How To Treat Dry Mouth

Saliva helps us digest our food and cleanse our teeth by washing away food particles. When our body isn’t producing enough saliva a condition called dry mouth occurs (also called xerostomia).

What Causes Dry Mouth:

• The most common cause of dry mouth is a side effect from medication.
• Chemotherapy drugs can change the nature of saliva and the amount produced.
• Head/neck injury or surgery that caused nerve damage.
• Certain health conditions can cause dry mouth; autoimmune diseases or stroke.
• Snoring and breathing with your mouth open.
• Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase dry mouth symptoms.
• Methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth.

Symptoms from dry mouth:

• Soreness in the mouth and/or throat
• Cracking at the corners of the mouth
• Inside the mouth looking red and parched
• Food just not tasting like it used to
• Difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing.
• A tendency to wake up more often during the night
• Bad breath

Side effects from dry mouth:

• Mouth sores
• Increased plaque
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease (gingivitis)
• Mouth infections.

What can be done to help with dry mouth?

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist.
• Take frequent sips of water if you’re mouth is feeling dry.
• Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and use a fluoridated mouth rinse.
• Use a humidifier in your home to help bring moisture into the air.
• Avoid any products that can make symptoms worse: caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugary/acidic/spicy or salty foods
• Saliva substitute products are available over the counter at the pharmacy (mouth spray, gels and rinse)
• Ask your dental hygienist for more tips.

Kristine
Dental Hygienist

Meet Zoe!

As Fall often brings change, it has certainly brought about change here at the office, as a few of our staff move on to new exciting chapters in their lives. We are committed to continuing to provide excellent care to all of our patients.

Congratulations Sara!

Welcoming Baby Zoe! Zoe was born Oct 21st at 3:53pm, weighing 5 pounds and 3 ounces. Mom and baby are both doing well and resting at home.

Kids Korner: Make Peanut Inspired Craft

You can use paint, wool, acorns, wire, markers etc. to decorate your peanut people. Use your imagination and have fun! You can use these guys to decorate the tree.

Fun Fall Activities for October

Go apple picking Go to corn maze Play a game of touch football Go for a hike in the woods Go on a hayride Collect colorful leaves Plant bulbs for spring Jump in a pile of leaves Make candy apples Carve pumpkins Check out a haunted house Watch a scary or not so scary movie Watch the geese fly south Make a list of what you as a family are thankful for Use paint and leaves to make some colorful artwork! Need supplies: Leaves Craft paint in fall colors, reds, yellows, oranges and browns. Paper Brushes Scotch tape Step 1 Collect fallen leaves, varying shapes and sizes will add interest. Step 2 Paint on the leaf, the press the leaf paint side down to make a print. Repeat as many times as you like to create the any design you wish. Step 3 Try (if you like) to make a negative leaf. Use a rolled up piece of scotched tape to hold the leaf in place then dap your brush in one or more color, place it on the leaf and pull towards the edge. Repeat until you get around the outside of the leaf. Step 4 Let dry and display your beautiful artwork! Kim Thompson Practice Manager

Thumb sucking and its effects on the oral environment

How Can Thumbsucking Affect My Child's Teeth?

After permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the bone structure on the roof of the mouth.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs, but it is often an easier habit to break. You can take away a soother...not a thumb!

The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result and how extensive the malformations could be. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouth, they are less likely to have problems kicking the habit than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may develop problems with their baby (primary) teeth and how they erupt as well.

When Do Children Stop Sucking Their Thumbs?

There is no "set" age as to when children stop, but usually children are encouraged to stop sucking between the ages of two and four years of age or before their permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, or are concerned about your child’s thumbsucking habit, consult with Dr. Gray or your hygienist for proper approaches and techniques to stop or correct the effects.

How Can I Help My Child Stop Thumbsucking?

• Praise your child for not sucking.
• Help remind them when caught sucking.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping or helpful substituted like sugar free gum etc.
• Us here at the dental office can also offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.

If these tips don’t work there are other methods with bitter nail polish, socks over the hand they usually suck on at night, or a special appliance called a crib can be custom fabricated by Dr. Gray to ensure they can’t suck their thumbs or fingers (and is very successful).

Sara Haire
Dental Hygienist

What are Power Toothbrushes?

What is a power toothbrush?

It is a toothbrush, which once powered, the head of the toothbrush moves allowing brushing to be much simpler. Many say plaque removal with a power brush is much more efficient which in turn gives you a long list of other benefits!

Who benefits from power toothbrushes?

People who have difficulty with their dexterity:

• Elderly
• Young children/toddlers
• case specific disabilities
• Those who have had hand/arm/finger trauma or have difficulty gripping and manipulating a regular brush. Power brushes are much thicker to hold, making gripping much more simple.

click here to learn about the two different types of power toothbrushes.

The Wonderful Tongue Scraper

Have you ever thought about what you do at home as your regular oral hygiene routine?

You’re always encouraged to brush two times a day, floss once a day, and incorporate a daily alcohol free mouth rinse. What seems to be missed is your tongue!

Here are a few reasons that tongue cleaning with a tongue scraper is a GREAT idea:

1. Contributes to halitosis (bad breath): Given that most bad breath comes from the bacteria at the back of the tongue (an area that's difficult to reach with a toothbrush), studies have shown that tongue scraping significantly reduces and removes oral bacteria from the crevices of all areas on the tongue when used correctly.
2. Boost your immunity: The tongue is part of the first line of defense in your immune system. Scraping your tongue prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into your body and boosts overall immune function.
3. Helps with general oral and dental health: This oral hygiene practice promotes general tooth and gum health and removes bacteria and toxins responsible for periodontal problems, plaque build-up, tooth decay, loss of teeth, gum infections.

Next time you are in for your dental hygiene visit; ask your hygienist for a tongue scraper.

Kids Corner September 2015

Try these fun bird seed ornaments and watch the birds feast :)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup or agave nectar
• 1 - 1/4 oz. packet unflavored gelatin
• 3/4 cup white flour
• 4 cups birdseed

Other Things You'll Need

• Twine
• Large Non-stick pan
• Large spatula or wooden spoon
• Cookie cutters
• Waxed paper
• Cookie sheet
• Cooling rack
• Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

1. To save some time later, cut about eight 10" pieces of twine and tie into a loop.
2. Spray inside the cookie cutters with non-stick cooking spray and place them on waxed paper on top of a cookie sheet. Set aside.
3. In a large non-stick pan, bring water and corn syrup or agave nectar to a gentle boil. You may not want to use your best pan as there may be stones or sticks mixed in with the bird seed that could damage it, although I didn't have this problem.
4. Remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin to dissolve.
5. Gradually whisk flour into water mixture. If the paste is thicker than a thick brownie batter, slowly add in a little hot water until you get to the right consistency.
6. Quickly stir in bird seed and mix well until all the "glue" is evenly distributed among the seeds.
7. While mixture is still warm, fill a cookie cutter halfway with the mixture, pressing firmly. Use the spoon handle to help press the seed mixture into the corners of the cookie cutter shapes, if needed. Lay the knotted end of a piece of twine at the top of the cookie cutter to create a loop for hanging and finish filling the cookie cutter with the seed mixture. Again, it's important to press the mixture firmly to create a hard block of seed. I've found the simpler the pattern of the cookie cutter, the easier it is.

8. Allow the mixture to cool and harden for about 3 hours. I sat the ornaments in front of a fan to help quicken the process.
9. After a few hours, push the ornaments out of the cookie cutters. If they fall apart, you either didn't wait long enough to harden or you more likely didn't press the mixture into the molds firmly enough.
10. Put the ornaments on a wire rack to finish drying for at least 24 hours. Using a fan will quicken the process.
11. Now the ornaments are ready to hang outside for the birds to enjoy

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

Chocolate Quinoa Cake Recipe

Looking for a gluten-free dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth?

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 4 whole eggs
• dash of Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Whipped Chocolate Coconut Cream Frosting

• 1 (13.5 ounce) can of Coconut Cream (not milk, I get mine from Trader Joes, works great)
• 4 ounces good quality Extra Dark Chocolate, chopped

Instructions

• To make cooked quinoa, add 3/4 cup quinoa and 2 cups of water to small pot. Bring to a boil, cover then turn to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let stand 5-10 minutes
• Place a metal bowl, or the bowl for a mixer into the freezer to chill
• Preheat the oven to 350°F and then line two round cake pans (or a 9×13” pan) with parchment paper.
• In a food processor or blender, combine the eggs, almond milk and vanilla extract and blend for to combine.
• Add the cooked quinoa along with the melted and cooled butter and coconut oil. Blend until completely smooth, about a minute.
• Sift together the dry ingredients in a large bowl (cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda.)
• Add the dry ingredients to the blender/food processor and pulse until completely mixed. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides.
• Divide the batter between the two pans and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool.
• To make Frosting: Melt the chopped chocolate + a tablespoon of coconut cream in small pot on low, stirring until melted completely. Take the chilled bowl from the freezer, and whip remaining coconut cream with hand-held blender or in stand-up mixer with whisk attachment. Once the chocolate is melted, add it into the coconut cream and continue to whip. It will firm up and become a coconuts-chocolate ganache like frosting.

Adriana Cipponeri
Administrative Assistant

Try Mouthwash with Essential Oils

Have you heard of biofilm?

Biofilm is a gooey substance that can form on any surface containing water and is exposed to bacteria. You can find biofilm on surfaces like sinks, countertops, cutting boards and yes, even inside your own mouth - Yuck!

Biofilm on your teeth can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease so it’s important to take the necessary preventative measures.

Luckily we can prevent biofilm from forming by practicing good oral care including the use of mouthwash. Mouthwash is a great way to leave your mouth feeling nice and clean while also combating cavities and gum disease. It can also help prevent plaque from building up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a type of yellowish biofilm that can form on the surface of your teeth and negatively affect your oral health.

What type of mouthwash is best for you?

A mouthwash with antibacterial ingredients can help but it’s important to choose the right one for you. At Dr. Ian Gray’s office we offer Tooth & Gums Tonic, a natural mouthwash that contains essential oils and herbs to form a truly effective solution in maintaining your oral health. This product is essential for those who want a natural treatment when it comes to oral care. Ingredients like peppermint, cinnamon, and thyme are also good for you and can be used to serve different purposes, like combating bad breath and even healing cold sores along with lessening gum inflammation and bleeding. It is also gentle enough to use for those undergoing a variety of dental procedures.

Benefits of Homemade Mouthwash

• Contains less irritants and harsh ingredients
• No alcohol
• Inexpensive
• Easy to make

While a tooth and gums tonic mouthwash can keep your breath smelling nice, it’s important to remember that these effects are short-lived. Mouthwash should never be used as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. It should always be performed in conjunction with your regular oral hygiene routine.

For more information about all natural mouthwash click here

Get Teeth in a Day!

Do you want to eat, speak and smile confidently? If you have lost some or all of your teeth, dentures are a great way to improve your smile and build confidence.

For a long time, structural support has been an issue when it comes to dentures. Loose or ill-fitting dentures can affect speech, self-confidence and even your diet. Having a good set of healthy teeth allows you to chew healthy foods like raw veggies so you can get the nutrients necessary for your body to thrive. If placed incorrectly eating can be very difficult and the dentures can cause pain or slurred speech.

For those who have lost most or all of their teeth due to injury, tooth decay, or age, immediate implant supported dentures are a great way to recreate a great functional smile quickly.

Click here to learn more about All on 4 immediate Implants and its benefits.

-Dr. Ian Gray, Newmarket Dentist

Tooth Education: Facts You May or May Not Know

As per the AAP or American Academy of Periodontology, about 50% of the general public say that the smile is the first characteristic they observe about other people.

Structure

Humans have 32 teeth. A person develops two sets of teeth within their whole life span. The first set is known as ‘baby teeth’ or ‘primary teeth’ which will begin to be lost by six or seven years old. By the time one reaches 18 years, they generally have their full set of ‘adult teeth’ or ‘permanent teeth’.

Types

Yours is Unique

No two people have identical sets of teeth—your teeth are as exclusive as your fingerprint. Teeth are sometimes very useful for forensics.

Communication with Brain

A structure called cementum is what wraps the root of the tooth and secures the tooth in the gum. Enamel wraps the part of the tooth above the gum. This highly-protected region is known as the pulp. The nerve endings inside the pulp is what communicates with the brain.

Precaution

Dentists generally advise to keep your toothbrush at least six feet away from your toilet to avoid airborne particles from getting on your toothbrush from flushing.

Saliva

In a life span, the normal person produces about 100,000 gallons of saliva. As people age, their salivary secretions reduce making them more vulnerable to dental diseases.

Some Don't Loose Baby Teeth

By age 3, the normal child has a full set of 20 primary or ‘baby’ teeth. These small chiclets loosen and ultimately fall out as the permanent or ‘adult’ teeth begin to erupt. If a person doesn’t have a replacement permanent or ‘adult’ tooth, that baby tooth will not loosen, it will stay put.

Teeth By Born

Approximately one in every 2,000 babies are born with teeth. Ouch!



Annie
Dental Hygienist

Kids Corner: Ways To Keep Cool

As the temperature rises across Canada again, we're looking for some of the best ideas to help you keep cool. Extensive exposure to heat can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These tips and tricks are inspired by kids for kids - or for the kid in you - to help you keep your cool!

1. Enjoy extra icy treats. I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! There is no tastier way to keep cool than enjoying cool summer treats like popsicles, ice cream, and freezies. The fluids will help rehydrate your body which will also help cool you down.
2. Visit local splash pads or pools. If your neighborhood has a pool, splash pad, or water park you can visit it to help cool off in the water for a little bit. Remember to avoid spending lots of time outside in the middle of the day as this is when the sun is the hottest! Check out this link to find local spots.
3. Look cool, be cool. A hat and sunglasses will not only help keep you cool, but it will also help keep you looking cool on hot days! Who says keeping safe in the heat has to be boring?
4. Drink lots of water. You can't survive on popsicles all day, so remember to drinks lots of water to help cool you down.
5. Hang out in the shade. Finding a shady spot under some trees is a great way to enjoy being outside while also keeping your cool. Since trees are alive, they try to keep cool just like we do - which means that they are always cooling themselves down. That's why the shade from a tree is cooler than the shade from a building!

Looking for local places to take the kids? Check out:

Brooks Farms in Mount Albert



Newmarket Library has great programs for kids.

Check out local deals here.



Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

Kiwi Berry Punch

Try this Kiwi Berry Punch for a healthy and tasty pick-me-up this summer!

Ingredients

• 2 Cups of fresh spinach
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup Mixed berries
• 1 banana
• 1 kiwi
• ½ avocado

Instructions

Blend spinach and water until smooth. Next add the remaining fruits and blend again.

*Use at least one frozen fruit to make the smoothie cold

Tips for Proper Toothbrush Hygiene

10 billion

That’s how many microbes can be living on your toothbrush at any given time. The types of bacteria can range anywhere from the bacteria in the mouth that causes tooth decay and gum disease, to strep bacteria to E. coli. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your mouth healthy:

1. Keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet from your toilet. Because most people store their brushes in the bathroom, it’s easy for them to become infested with fecal matter and other microbes you wouldn’t want in your mouth. Best idea is to keep it in an encloses cupboard.
2. Toothbrushes should be stored vertically and independently, this will prevent water and bacteria from accumulating. Also making sure no two toothbrush heads are touching, this prevents the spread and cross contamination of bacteria between family members.
3. Allow your tooth brush to air dry between uses. Keeping your toothbrush in an enclosed plastic case can create the perfect breeding ground for bacterial multiplication.
4. Replace your toothbrush about every 3 to 4 months (and yes that also means electric brush heads), when it shows signs of wear and when you have had a cold.
5. NO SHARING your toothbrush with ANYONE. Toothbrush sharing can transfer saliva and bacteria, even the kind that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Tooth decay is considered an infectious disease... one more reason not to share or borrow a toothbrush.

Sara Agnew
RDH

What You Don’t Know About E-Cigarettes

It has been estimated that within 10 years e-cigarettes will outsell tobacco products since they are considered safer and inexpensive compared to smoking traditional cigarettes. But that doesn't mean e-cigarettes aren't hazardous for your health. There has also been concern that e-cigarettes are quickly becoming a gateway drug for nonsmokers and teens.

 But what exactly is an e-cigarette? 

 This device is made up of a cartridge with e-juice ( a mixture of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and liquid nicotine) and a heating element to produce vapor. Since vapor is produced rather than smoke, the amount of toxic chemicals emitted are significantly reduced. And so is the odor that normally accompanies smoking. Artificial flavors can also be added to produce pleasant scents like bubble gum and pop tarts. But is it safe?

 How Vaping Affects Your Oral Health 

 Unlike smoking a cigarette which can cause yellow teeth, plaque buildup, and lung cancer, the ingredients contained in e-cigarettes don’t contain harmful chemicals that can cause tooth discoloration. The mixture of distilled water, artificial flavor, and liquid mix of nicotine turns into a vapor that won’t contribute to tooth decay however, nicotine does reduce your saliva production which can lead to other side effects.

 Nicotine Can… 

 • Cause dry mouth or halitosis (bad breath)
 • Increase chance for tooth decay
• Make you more susceptible to cavities
 • Cause periodontal disease
 • Chronic cough
 • Inflammation of the gums and bleeding

 However it still remains unclear if vaping is safer than tobacco. It still contains nicotine which can cause irritability and anxiety for those who are in withdrawal. And it’s also debatable whether or not propylene glycol is safe for inhalation. It’s also important to remember that since e-cigarettes are still relatively new to the scene there aren’t many studies that can speak to its long term effects on our oral health.

While it’s a better alternative for smokers, non-smokers who are curious about vaping should keep in mind that this recreational activity that can contribute to some major health concerns and the effects of vapor exposure aren’t largely known.

 If you have any other questions about e-cigarettes please contact Dr. Gray and our team for additional information.

The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth

Prevention is the best remedy for your smile. It is true that fillings and crowns can prolong the life of your teeth, however it's better (and less pricey!) to avoid cavities in the first place. You can do this by proper brushing, flossing, and—unbeknownst—eating right. The foods we choose to eat play an important role in your dental health.

Luckily, foods like candy that don't always play nice with our teeth are generally harmless in moderation. It's when we excessively consume one habitual food/drink that it can become a problem.

CITRUS FRUIT:

• Citrus fruits and 100% juices are an excellent source of vitamin C and other nutrients. But while they are good for you in many ways, but not when it comes to your teeth. Grapefruit and lemon juice, in particular, are highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time.

CHEWY CANDY:

• The stickier the candy, the worse it tends to be for your teeth. Extra-chewy candies—like taffy or caramels stick to and between your teeth for a long time, allowing the bacteria in our mouths to feast leisurely on the deposited sugar, causing issues long term.

HARD CANDY:

• Hard candies such as Jolly Ranchers don't cling to your teeth as readily as chewy candy, but they have their own downside. Unlike, say, chocolate-based sweets, which are chewed quickly and wash away relatively easily, hard candy dissolves slowly and saturates your mouth for several minutes at a time, giving bacteria more time to produce harmful acid. To make matters worse, many varieties of hard candy are flavored with citric acid.

Besides, if you bite down wrong on some hard candies, they can chip your teeth—something no amount of brushing or flossing can repair. They don't call 'em jawbreakers for nothing!

PICKLES:

• Acid (typically provided by vinegar) is essential to the pickling process. It's what gives pickles their sour, salty, and delectable taste. It's also what makes them a potential hazard to tooth enamel with repetitive daily consumption.

POP:

• It's no secret that drinking too many sugary sodas can breed cavities. What's less well-known is that the acids found in carbonated soft drinks appear to harm teeth even more than the sugar. The upshot? Even sugar-free diet sodas like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi—which both contain citric and phosphoric acid—can erode enamel if consumed in large doses.

If you can't do without soda, your best bet is to drink it during a meal, rather than sipping it throughout the day. The food will help neutralize the acid.

SPORTS DRINKS

• If you're in the mood for something sweet or fizzy, sports drinks and energy drinks may seem like a good alternative to pop. But Gatorade or Red Bull won't do your teeth any favours. These beverages are acidic, potentially even more damaging to teeth than pop.

CRACKERS

• The refined carbohydrates found in saltines and many other types of crackers convert to sugar in the mouth very quickly, providing a perfect environment for cavity-forming bacteria.

• If you frequently binge on crackers you may have cause for concern, but eating them in moderation isn't likely to cause any long-term problems.

SUGARLESS GUM

• Sugar-free gum helps clean teeth by stimulating the production of saliva. Saliva is nature's way of washing away acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth, and it also bathes the teeth in bone-strengthening calcium and phosphate. In addition, many varieties of sugarless gum are sweetened with xylitol, an alcohol that reduces bacteria.

FIBER RICH FOODS

• Leafy vegetables and other high-fiber foods promote good digestion and healthy cholesterol levels, and they also do wonders for your teeth—mostly because they require a lot of chewing.

• Eating a bowl of spinach or beans is a bit like running your teeth through a car wash: All that chewing generates saliva, and the food itself physically scrubs your teeth as it's mashed up into little pieces.

Most information used from ADA and CDA articles



Annie Nelson
RDH

May 2015: Prevent Cavities with Healthy Eating!

What's New at the Office..... Introducing Our New Blog! Dear Patients: As you know Dr. Gray and the rest of our team strive to be as communicative as possible both in our office and online. That's why we have created our own blog! This allows us to share the latest dental news with you and keep you up to date about changes in the office. You can also leave comments on our blog as well so we are excited to hear from you. Click here to visit our blog! Thank You for Taking Our Survey! A big thank you to all of our patients who took the time to take our survey. Your feedback is invaluable and we hope this information will help us serve you even better. We would also like to congratulate our survey winner, Steve N, who walked away with a pair of movie tickets. Congrats Steve! Kim Thompson Practice Manager

---

A Message From Your Hygienists To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, be mindful of what you eat and how often you eat. Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars and carbohydrates from the foods you eat to acids, and it's the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the tooth decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more frequently you are exposing your teeth to the cycle of decay. Click here to read more about mouth healthy foods and drinks. Sara Agnew RDH

---

Taste and Tell..... for May Almond Peach Green Smoothie This smoothie is one of my favorites. It's a great way to kick start your morning and works well as a breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. Ingredients -2 cups spinach -2 cups Almond Milk -2 cups sliced peaches* -1 orange, peeled Directions Blend spinach and Almond milk until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy! *Any variety of peaches or nectarines is fine. Other stone fruits like apricots, plums, and cherries can also be used if peaches aren't available. *Use at least one frozen fruit to make it cold. *Makes Two servings It's important to eat right about also to keep moving, here's a list of fun physical activities for summer! Fun Outdoor Activities Try a ZUMBA class: I don't know if many have ever tried ZUMBA but it is a lot of fun and will most likely make you want to go back for more. Long Hikes on Trails: Some of my favourite spots are Scanlon Creek Bradford, Fairy Lake Newmarket, and Thornton Bales Newmarket Indoor Rock climbing: Toronto Climbing Academy Joining a team: Whether it's soccer, Baseball, Ball hockey , tennis or basketball, make sure to stay active! Rollerblading: Being near a waterfront just makes it that much more fun. Barrie, Toronto or Wasaga are great options. Get out there and start enjoying the nicer weather approaching us! Adriana Cipponeri Administrative Assistant

---

Fun Spring Activities Try these fun spring time activities with your kids: Go on a nature walk and play I-Spy. Read Mud Puddles by Robert Munsch and make mud pies. Make up a list of 10 things they can find in the yard and send them out on a Scavenger hunt or take them to the park and hunt together. Click here for more fun spring activity ideas! Kim Thompson Practice Manager