Newsletter - April 2015

We know that a visit to the dentist is probably not at the top of your list of favorite things to do... but it’s definitely not something to avoid. Thousands of people all over the world suffer from some degree of dental phobia or anxiety. One of the most common reasons for this fear is the spreading of dental myths and horror stories by family, friends or colleagues. Belief in these myths can prevent people from visiting the dentist and /or getting the treatment they need.

Here are 5 of the most common myths I routinely come across. Which of these myths do you believe?

MYTH: If there is no visible problem with my teeth, I don't have to see a dentist or go for my regular check-ups”.
FACT: Regular check-ups are extremely important. You may think that your teeth are fine because you have no pain and visually you don’t notice anything, but a visit to the dentist to make sure is strongly advised. Often times cavities, gum disease and other oral disease don’t cause pain until they become severe. Prevention is paramount. Visits twice a year allow your dentist to catch and treat any issues early to keep you healthy.

MYTH: “I don’t need x-rays; they aren’t important. Take one only if you see a problem”
FACT: The reason for taking X-rays is that they show things we cannot see visually. They have a tremendous value in early detection. The earlier a problem is detected - such as a cavity - the simpler, less costly and more conservative the filling to repair it will be. At CDLO we take digital radiographs which have 70-90% less radiation exposure than the traditional dental film X-rays. We are not cavalier about exposing our patients to even this small amount of radiation, but the benefits are definitely worth it.

MYTH: “It isn't really important to take care of my child's baby teeth or fix any cavities because they are going to fall out anyway.”
FACT: Baby teeth play a significant role in your child’s oral development. Neglecting to take proper care of their baby teeth can cause problems with normal speech development, in their bit and chewing function. Baby teeth hold the space for the permanent teeth. Without adequate guidance and space, adult teeth can erupt in the wrong place. Take care of your child’s baby teeth – they set the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.

MYTH: I’m pregnant so I can’t have any dental treatment or go to the dentist.
FACT: The hormonal changes which occur during pregnancy affect oral health making the gums red and swollen. As such, it is strongly recommended that expectant mothers see the dentist for their dental check-up and cleaning early in their pregnancy, and maintain excellent dental care thereafter. Any other type of dental treatment should be carried out only during the second trimester.

MYTH: “Root canal treatment is very painful and Mrs. Smith down the street ended taking her tooth out anyways.”
FACT: Root canal treatment doesn't cause pain, it relieves it! Nowadays with the latest technologies, anaesthetics, and advanced techniques, root canal treatment has a very high success rate and is virtually painless. A root canal treated tooth can last you years - even a lifetime - if you take good care of it.

Don’t let dental myths prevent you or your loved ones from having the beautiful confident smile you desire. Discussing your fears with your dentist is the best way to put an end to common misconceptions and move forward with safe and effective treatment.

A big bowl of pasta makes great comfort food. Who can resist rich pasta topped with a thick and creamy sauce? And despite how delicious this recipe is, there's no reason to be afraid of carbs and calories. This whole wheat penne with asparagus and chorizo is complete comfort without the guilt!

WHOLE WHEAT PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHORIZO INGREDIENTS 3/4 lb (375 g) whole wheat penne 6 oz (170 g) chorizo sausage, sliced (mild or spicy) 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil 1 lb (454 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces 1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth 1/4 cup (60 ml) oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped walnuts, toasted 1/2 cup (125 ml) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Salt and pepper.

PREPARATION

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and lightly oil. Set aside.

In the same pot or large skillet, brown the sausage and onion in the oil. Add the asparagus and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes uncovered or until the asparagus are tender.

Add the tomatoes and pasta and cook, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a serving dish. Sprinkle with the nuts and cheese.

VEAL CUTLETS WITH PLUMSAUCE INGREDIENTS 2 to 3 ripe but firm plums, pitted and cut into thin wedges 1/4 cup (60 ml) butter 1/2 cup (125 ml) port wine 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey 1 star anise 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour 4 large veal cutlets Salt and pepper

PREPARATION

In a skillet, sauté the plums in half the butter. Deglaze with the port wine and vinegar. Add the broth, honey, and star anise. Simmer until the sauce is syrupy. Remove the anise and adjust the seasoning. Keep warm.

In a plate, flour the cutlets and shake to remove any excess. Set aside.

In a large skillet, brown the cutlets, two at a time, over high heat in the remaining butter, about 1 minute per side. Add more butter, if necessary. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the cutlets with the sauce, buttered noodles, and a green vegetable of your choice.

Both these delicious recipes are courtesy of chef Ricardo [ricardocuisine.com]
Enjoy!