September 2013: Tips, eNews and More! Back to School! Believe it or not, the first day of autumn is quickly approaching. Autumn is a wonderful season which offers many outdoor and indoor activities to keep you active. It also means the kids are back in school! Are You in Autumn Mode? Perhaps it's the shorter days or maybe the self-imposed routine, but everyone seems to be on a mission to get... somewhere. For many of us, autumn feels more demanding than summer. Real or imagined, the added pressure can contribute to stress. While the immediate links may not be obvious, stress and oral health are related. Stress has been linked to bruxism (grinding and clenching), canker sores and even gum disease. Relax. Breathe. Start your day off with breakfast. Think positively about the day while you brush your teeth and floss in the morning. These two to five minutes can help you to reduce stress as well as ward off some of the effects of on your oral health. 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 Replace Missing Teeth with a Dental Bridge Are you happy with your smile or is there room for improvement? Many people have a missing tooth in the back of their mouth. Since it's not visible to others, they often feel that this is not a problem but that is not entirely true. While you may not be able to see the missing tooth, you do run the risk of having the surrounding teeth drift out of position. Missing teeth also cause teeth and gums to become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. One of the solutions we offer to our patients with missing teeth is a dental bridge. What is a dental bridge? A dental bridge is a false tooth, known as a pontic. It can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. Bridges can do many things, including reducing your risk of gum disease, help to correct minor bite issues, and can even improve your speech. To learn more about dental bridges click here. Breakfast in a Pinch Are you looking for a breakfast/snack idea that you can make once and reach for in a pinch? Granola is the answer! Homemade granola is a tasty and healthy treat that can compliment your breakfast or work as a snack on its own. Making granola at home allows you to control the ingredients and create it to taste, rather than store bought creations that may contain preservatives and fillers that you don't want or need in your diet. Click here for some quick tips and a recipe to get you started!