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