March 2014: Tips, eNews and More! Do you deserve a break? It has been an especially cold winter and while the days are getting a little longer and warmer every day, the cold can take its toll on everybody. As spring approaches, take time to relax. We hope you have the opportunity to take a few days off and enjoy some fun spring activities! It is also a good time to get ahead of your dental care before summer really starts. What better time than now to make an appointment for the whole family? March is a great time to start getting fit for the summer, so it is appropriate that March is National Nutrition Month and this year, the theme is 'Simply Cook and Enjoy!' Proper nutrition is integral to overall health and vitality. The foods you choose to eat also impact your oral health from the moment you put them in your mouth. Click here to learn more about Nutrition Month. As always, we encourage you to learn more about your health, and remember that the kitchen is a great place to experiment with new ingredients. Let us know what you think of this month's healthy recipe. Have a fun and safe month, The Team at Dr. Anthony Bastone Dentistry What Are the Causes of Periodontal Disease? We are told from an early age that daily brushing and flossing is important, but why? Having a daily regimen helps combat oral health issues like periodontal disease. Infrequent oral hygiene and improper brushing can exacerbate these issues, making it easy for gum infection to occur. What is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal disease is caused by the same strain of bacterial infection commonly associated with plaque. Once there is plaque on your teeth or gums, it can potentially harden into tartar, further contributing to tooth decay by attacking below the gum line. Click here to learn more about the causes of periodontal disease. Guilt-Free Comfort Food 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 Brown Rice Pesto Pasta is complete comfort without the guilt! Pesto is a fun, easy sauce to make. It is full of chlorophyll and protein. The miso and pinenuts give it a "cheesy" flavour. Pesto tastes great on anything from brown rice pasta and quinoa, to homemade pizza crust, on wraps or simply as a dip for veggies. If beans are added to this recipe it will give your pasta a hearty boost of protein and fiber and make each bowl of pasta more filling! Click here for the full recipe!