December 2015: Tips, eNews and More! Please note our holiday hours below. Regular office hours resume on January 4th, 2016. Dec 21 11am to 6pm Dec 22 9:30am to 6pm Dec 23 9:30am to 3pm Dec 28 9:30am to 5:30pm Dec 29 9:30am to 5:30pm Dec 30 9:30pm to 3pm Where did the time go? The holiday season is almost here! With the year quickly coming to a close, it's easy to lose track of time and find yourself scrambling at the last minute to make plans with friends and family and buy gifts for the holidays. To help you avoid making the same mistakes as last year, follow these tips for a stress-free holiday season. Plan your holiday shopping early: Whether the gifts are big or small and the holiday dinner ham or turkey, it's never too early to plan ahead. Outline a budget and make note of everything you will need to purchase early to avoid that last minute holiday rush and dinner disaster. Make a list and check it twice: Write down the names of all the people you need to remember this holiday season. Whether they're receiving a gift, a card, or a dinner invitation, you don't want to forget anyone during the holidays. Have a plan B: While November was unseasonably warm, don't assume that this will be a continued trend in December. Be prepared for snow storms and whatever else Mother Nature might have in store for us. With road closures and flight cancellations being common during this time of year, it is always smart to budget extra travel time and make alternate travel plans. Be mindful of your oral health: It is okay to indulge in all the holiday treats and feasts, but don't forget about your teeth! Although travelling can disrupt your regular brushing and flossing routine, we want you to welcome the New Year with a healthy smile! Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours We would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to you, our valued patients, for a wonderful 2015. We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Time for Your Cleaning Is it time for a cleaning or to have unfinished dental work completed? If your dental benefits are based on the calendar year, your maximums may not roll over into the new year. Our calendar fills up quickly this time of year, so we encourage you to call today if you need an appointment before the new year. Have a safe and healthy month, The Team at Dr. Anthony Bastone Dentistry Missing a Tooth? All too often an individual missing a tooth in the back of their mouth will have an out of sight, out of mind attitude. However a missing tooth is more than just an aesthetic concern. It can have harsh consequences! It is more appropriate to think of a missing tooth as a space where a tooth used to be. Beyond aesthetics, a tooth's purpose is to: Help keep all your teeth in place Act as a chewing surface Maintain bone structure where it was rooted As well as many other structural and preventative roles. Click here to learn more about dental implants. Cranberry Orange Bread Shortbread cookies, chocolate macaroons, gingerbread men- we all know what treats to expect during the holiday season. This year, stand out from the crowd at your family get-together or your office holiday potluck by bringing something new to the dessert table. This fruity snack is great for after dinner or with your morning coffee. That's real dessert versatility! Click here for the full recipe!