Greek Zoodle Salad

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini
• 1/4 English cucumber, chopped
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved, or more to taste
• 10 pitted kalamata olives, halved, or more to taste
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 ounces crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cut zucchini into noodle-shaped strands using a spiralizing tool. Place "zoodles" in a large bowl and top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; pour over "zoodle" mixture and toss to coat. Marinate salad in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.

Kaycha
Dental Assistant

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

TEETH WHITENING... THE PROS AND CONS!

People typically have their teeth whitened to improve their appearance. Whiter teeth are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle. When people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious.

Tooth discolorations can be caused by many factors. From smoking to not brushing to certain medications.

There are two types of tooth discolorations:

1. Intrinsic - Tooth discoloration caused by trauma or medications. (inside the tooth stain)
2. Extrinsic- caused by smoking, wine and other foods and beverages such as coffee that can easily stain the teeth over time. (surface tooth stains)

Based on the type of stain you have will determine the outcome and type of whitening you will need. Here at Dr. Grays we offer two types of whitening:

1. Kor whitening system
2. Day/ Night white system

Both systems are a take home method with trays, the difference between the two is the composition of the gel and Kor offers a one hour in office whitening visit after the at home is completed to boost and blend the shade.

If you are considering whitening! Ask your dental hygienist which option is the best for you and your type of stain. Bleaching should be done only under a dentist's care. Tooth bleaching under controlled dental office conditions present better end and long term results as well as techniques to help minimize sensitivity and tissue irritation.

PROS:

• Whiter smile
• More esthetically pleasing
• Youthful appearance
• Confidence
• Easy maintenance
• GIVES YOU THE WANT TO SMILE MORE

CONS:

• Short term tooth sensitivity to cold
• Short term soreness of gum and tissue surfaces that come in contact with the gel

Yet the effects of long term tooth bleaching are unknown, studies so far have shown no permanent long term effects or damage to enamel structure.


-Terri Dean, RDH

Why Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

Proper oral hygiene is important not only for your appearance, but also for your overall health. Improper oral hygiene may lead to infection, gum disease, bone and tooth loss, circulation and cardiovascular disease, and even strokes.

Why is cleaning part of good oral hygiene?

Oral Cancer
As part of the cleaning, you are also screened for oral cancer, which is curable if diagnosed and treated early.

Gum Disease
If gum disease is diagnosed early, it can be reversed through treatment. Gum disease is caused by infection in the gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings – and check ups – help to prevent gum disease.

Your Teeth
Regular dental cleanings, along with check ups, brushing, and flossing, are important to let you keep your own teeth for as long as possible, and therefore maintain your normal chewing function and overall good health.

Good Physical Health
Heart attacks and strokes have recently been linked to gum disease, which in turn is often a result of poor oral hygiene. Periodic dental cleanings help to maintain healthy gums and teeth, and may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Good Oral Health
During dental cleanings, the hygienist can let you know if you're maintaining good oral health, and make appropriate suggestions if you're not.

Early Detection of Dental Problems
Any possible problems can be detected during dental cleanings, allowing for proper and timely treatment. Minor problems such as cavities or early gum disease can be treated and do not have to become major problems.

Appearance
Most tobacco, coffee, and tea stains can be removed during cleanings. Your teeth are also polished and shined. The end result is a whiter, brighter smile – and a brighter you!

As you can see, having your teeth examined and cleaned on a regular schedule is important for both your health and your appearance. If we haven't seen your smile in while, give us a call. We'd be happy to have you in our office to ensure that your smile is healthy and living up to its full potential!

Kids Corner .......February 2016

Try this fun creative Valentine’s Day craft with your kids. CELERY ART!

What you will need:

• Poster paint (red or pink and green)
• Paper or card stock
• A pie plate
• A celery bunch
• Rubber bands
• A paint brush

Step 1

Wrap the rubber bands around the celery stock and cut the bunch in two approximately 4 inches from the base. This gives you 2 rose “stamps” to work with.

Step 2

Use the brush and green paint to make stems and leaves as you wish. Let dry and you have some beautiful roses for your Valentine.

Kim Thompson
Practice Manager

A Message From Dr. Ian Gray: Happy New Year and Staff Changes

With the start to the New Year I wanted to take a moment to update you on some of our team members. Our staff past and present had a lot of positive changes at the end of 2015.

Adriana, our front desk lady, went back to school in the fall to study fitness and nutrition in New York. She is now living in Brooklyn, enjoying the life and opportunities the big city has to offer.

Sara, is very much enjoying her time at home with baby Zoe, who is now three months old. We are looking forward to her return in October 2016.

Annie, as many of you may know, accepted a position back in October with public health here in York region. She is really enjoying her new role and finding it very rewarding, working in the community and being able to reach out to those less fortunate and offer dental care though Ontario’s Healthy Smile Program.

Ruth, who has been my assistant for the past two and a half years, has also recently made a change. After moving to Barrie back in the summer, come the winter weather she began to dread the drive and the “early” mornings. We wish her all the best in her new position up in Barrie, where she can drive less and sleep more!

We have some new faces around the office; I have been able to find some great new staff, well experienced in dentistry. I would like to thank all of you, our patients for their adaptability and understanding at this time of transition. Your feedback as always welcomed and appreciated.

Hope your 2016 is shaping up to be a great one, full of positive changes as well.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ian Gray

Facts and Tips to Help You Quit Tobacco Use!

Adverse Effects of Tobacco Use:

Systemic Effects:

• Cancer
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Hypertension, Stroke
• Respiratory Disease
• Reproductive Problems
• Ulcers
• Osteoporosis
• Facial Wrinkling
• Nicotine Addiction

Oral Effects:

• Cancer (mouth, larynx, pharynx esophagus and lips)
• Tooth Stain
• Tartar Build-up
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Impaired taste and smell
• Delayed wound healing
• Hairy/coated tongue
• Pre-cancerous lesions
• Periodontal disease (gum/tooth disease)
• Tooth loss
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

FACT: Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients that allow gums to stay healthy, and leaving them vulnerable to bacterial infection.

FACT: Current smokers were about four times more likely to have periodontitis (gum/tooth disease) than people who had never smoked.

Tips to help you get started at quitting:

• Start with figuring out why and when you smoke.
• Pick a date to quit (a low stress time is best)
• Nicotine patches or gum may be helpful. Contact your physician for more information.
• Don’t be discouraged! It takes on average about five attempts to successfully stop smoking. Each relapse brings you one step closer to quitting for good.

Use “The Four D’s to help with your journey:

1. Drink Water – Water with crushed ice helps flush nicotine out of your system faster and helps satisfy oral cravings.
2. Deep Breathing – Take a “deep breath break” instead of a cigarette break – Take 10 deep breaths and hold the last one while lighting a match. Exhale slowly, and blow out the match.
3. Delay – Each day, delay lighting your first cigarette by one hour. When you have your next craving, delay for another 15 or 30 minutes. Now YOU will be in control!
4. Do Something Different – When you have a craving, change your activity. Get out of the situation that makes you want to smoke. (*Adapted from “Tips To Help You Quit” – The Lung Association)

FACT: Quitting will have a great impact on your overall health and oral health. Ex-smokers have a decreased risk of heart disease, respiratory illnesses, strokes and cancers. Quitting smoking will reduce the rate of gum disease, oral cancers and bone and tooth loss; keeping teeth whiter; and allowing sores to heal and disappear.

Websites to help you Quit Smoking:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca

www.smokershelpline.ca

www.quitnow.ca

www.on.lung.ca/journey

Nothing is impossible, the word it self says, “I’m possible” – Audrey Hepburn

Kristine
Dental Hygienist

Triple Berry Chia Seed Pudding Recipe

Prep time: 5 mins
Total time: 8 hours 5 mins
Yield: 2 SERVINGS
Ingredients

• 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond, rice, or soy)
• 4 tablespoons chia seeds, black or white
• 1 1/2 tablespoons organic pure cane sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• mixed berries of choice

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Sprinkle on the chia seeds and stir them in thoroughly.
2. Pour mixture into a pint jar and refrigerate overnight, or until it reaches the desired thickness, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve pudding with mixed berries sprinkled on top.

Kaycha
Dental Assistant