Blog Posts - Wall Family Dentistry

Valentine's Day Recipe!

2/11/2015

Would you like to impress your special guests at you Valentine's Dinner? This is an easy recipe that you can take you from good to GREAT!
Strawberry Brownie Kabobs Yield: 24 kabobs

Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix
2 16-oz packages of large strawberries
1 bag marshmallows
2 squares of Baker's melting chocolate
Wooden skewers, cut in half

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray mini muffin tins with non-stick spray. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package's instructions and divide batter among muffin tins. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Clean, dry, and cut the strawberries so both ends are flat (I just liked the look of them this way). Layer the strawberries, brownies, and marshmallows on the skewers and lay them out on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals until completely melted. Transfer to a piping bag or ziploc bag with the corner snipped off and drizzle each kabob. Transfer to the fridge to allow the chocolate to set and until ready to serve.

Visit http://www.ericasweettooth.com/2013/07/strawberry-brownie-kabobs.html
For more Recipes and fun :)

Love Wall Family Dentistry!

Bet You didn't know, Valentine's Day Edition

2/6/2015

Awww It's that time of again, February has finally come at last here is your history and education on Valentine's Day
:) Enjoy ....

Getting sick this season? what you may not have known

1/28/2015

Colds, Coughs… and Cavities?
You’re probably aware that candy leads to cavities and sugary drinks can also cause decay. But cough syrup and Cough drops? Unfortunately, it’s true – certain syrupy medications can cause tooth troubles, especially if they’re consistently taken over a long period of time. For example if you pop a lozenge in while working, that continual rinsing of medicine is accumulating on your teeth.

The antihistamine syrups you can buy over-the-counter to help you and your kids combat the flu or allergies often have high acidity and low pH levels. These medications can also contain sugar to help with the taste. Combined, those factors are like a one-two punch for teeth, working together to dissolve tooth enamel and cause erosion.

Don’t worry – we’re not suggesting you suffer through seasonal ailments without any relief. Just follow these four tips to make sure the medicine doesn’t do more harm than good.

Avoid taking syrup medication right before bed. Since saliva flow naturally decreases at night, the residue won’t rinse away like it would during the day.
If there’s no way around a bedtime dose, make sure to rinse with water afterward.
Try to take medications with meals. Chewing increases saliva flow, which helps wash away sugars and acids.
Talk to your child’s dentist about a topical fluoride, which helps keep decay at bay.

With the proper precautions and good oral health habits, you’ll be able to keep colds, coughs and cavities away this season!
Stay Healthy From Wall Family Dentistry

Resolutions Aren't only for Adults anymore :)

1/8/2015

Now that it's a new year, kids are getting older and they either need their first check up, or first check up of the year.

Here is an easy resolution for your kiddos, visit the dentist for healthy teeth.
This kid friendly video from the ADA will help get them ready to come enjoy a visit with our dental team :)

We see kids of all ages, and kids who have lost all their baby teeth no longer need to visit a pediatric dentist. Just their grown up dentist for grown up teeth.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENT :D
Wall Family dentistry

Healthy 2015! Things you didn't know!

1/6/2015

Happy New Year from all of us at Wall Family Dentistry! It is officially 2015, and we hope that you are as excited as we are. With everyone around you make resolutions for a healthier body, we hope that you have considered how you might make your smile healthier this year. 2015 can be the year of your healthier smile! Take a look below for some tips to give you a healthier smile in 2015!

Yellow teeth can be a sign of aging along with crooked teeth can make you look older than you are. So this year’s New Year’s resolution is simple: regain your youth!

If you have deep stains or want to achieve a brighter smile quickly, having your teeth whitened by your dental care provider is the best way to go. Professional-grade whitening products can whiten your smile by 10 to 12 shades in a very short amount of time. Setting up an appointment is the best way to find out which method is best for you.
If you have intrinsic staining or a sufficient amount of dental restorations, teeth whitening may not work. Talk to your dental provider about alternatives like porcelain veneers or cosmetic crowns. Whatever the case may be, achieving and maintaining a brighter, whiter smile in 2015 is the perfect way to start the new year off feeling rejuvenated and looking your best.

Invisalign (Invisible Braces)- If you have always wanted straight teeth but didn't want the hassle of braces, at our office we do clear braces so no one will know your wearing them. And as you take them off to eat you don't have the awkwardness of picking food out of your teeth you just take them out and then replace them when finished. Call and schedule a free consultation with us!

Also this year......
Be an Intentional Scheduler – A common problem we see is patients who have busy schedules. When you wait to schedule your appointment until you need an appointment, it is difficult to fit the cleaning on your calendar (if you remember to do it at all). The best way to get your routine cleanings is to schedule your appointments at least six months in advance. This ensures that your appointment is already on your calendar no matter what else comes along!

Skip the Sugary Beverages – One of our greatest oral health faults is the way we choose to hydrate throughout the day at work or around the house. We should be reaching for refreshing water throughout the day, but we tend to keep sugary soda, coffee, or sports drinks instead. The consequences are much more decay and bad breath!

Avoid Starchy Snacks – Not only do we hydrate poorly, but we also struggle with our snack choices. We tend to lean towards things like crackers, chips, and pretzels, but the result is a lot of sticky debris left on your teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a much better choice because the texture of the snack will actually scrub your teeth and boost your vitamin intake!

With a few simple changes to your habits and routines, you can greatly improve the health of your smile. Take some time this new year to figure out where you can make improvements. We would love to help you with this process! Contact Us today to get started, and let us know what questions you have. We can’t wait for 2015 to be the healthiest year of your smile!

Christmas Cookies Recipe anyone?

12/22/2014

Leaving out any cookies for Santa, OR making some for yourself? A famous tradition at our house is making the cookies the night of Christmas eve and then either saving some for a white bearded man or pouring some milk and enjoying family stories while eating them.

Here are some great recipes you will want to make again and again and make your own traditions with.
http://www.food.com/recipe/andes-peppermint-crunch-chunkies-200947
http://www.barbarabakes.com/2012/11/chocolate-peppermint-crunch-cookies/

Wall Family Dentistry wants to wish everyone a very safe and cozy Christmas Love Our Staff! :)

Awesome Lights in SLC, Utah

12/16/2014

Do you have any family traditions? Going to see the lights is one of ours, and listed are sites that give lists on where you can see Christmas lights that are worth seeing! So get the kids in the car....Get hot chocolate at you friendly neighborhood 7eleven or suggested locations by
KSL.com And get to those lights :)

My Personal Favorite! that I have seen every year without fail... Christmas Street!
in Taylorsville Utah.
To get there: Drive down 3200 West in Taylorsville. When you are close to 5400 South, you are going to want to watch for Royalwood Drive (5350 South). It is on the West side of 3200 West. Turn Westbound down Royalwood Drive (5350 South) and watch for Christmas Street on your left hand side. Christmas Street is 3310 West.

Locations for lights:
http://www.24saltlake.com/entertainment/christmas-holiday-lights-utah/

http://saltlakecity.about.com/od/arts/tp/SLC-Holiday-Light-Displays.htm

http://evermorepark.com/news/?page_id=586

Too Many Toys? what you can get your kids that aren't toys!

12/2/2014

That Holiday season is here again! WooT!
We all have fun planning surprises and getting each other gifts to show how much we love and appreciate each other. But do you have too much stuff? Many to many toys? While researching this I found a blog from The Huffington Post addressing this exact thing... It says for your kids but I think it could really apply to anyone :) Hope you enjoy

18 Excellent Gifts for Kids That Aren't Even Toys
Posted: 11/06/2014 12:10 pm EST Updated: 11/13/2014 5:59 pm EST
All of us who have children have too many toys scattered throughout the house. No matter how diligent we are about keeping them at bay, it seems to be a constant fight. It's especially hard when special days come and we want to give gifts to our children, or grandparents want to give gifts.

Gifts are good things!

But, too much of anything isn't good.

A great way to combat having too many toys is to shift all the gifts to non-toy items.

18 Non-Toy Gifts for Children

1. Classes. Music, dance, riding, drawing -- classes are a great way to encourage children in their interests and let them know that you pay attention to them and what they enjoy.

2. Memberships. Zoo, science museum, children's museum, YMCA membership, etc. These are particularly great for family gifts! Many young families want to enjoy day outings, but affording them can be a challenge, so give them the gift of a yearly membership.

3. Subscriptions. Kids enjoy getting things in the mail. Why not encourage their reading by getting them a magazine subscription for something they are interested in!

4. Events. Movie tickets, or tickets to a play, concert or sports event are really exciting! Having an event to look forward to makes the rest of life more enjoyable.

5. Activities. Mini golf, bowling, skating rink. These are so much fun! And a big part of the fun is going together. Children love spending time with the adults in their lives; they want to see you enjoying your time as well as enjoying them.

6. Recipe and Ingredients. Kids love cooking with their parents. Baking something special or cooking dinner is an ideal time to spend together and learn life skills. Print out a recipe, purchase all the ingredients and set a date for cooking together.

7. Crafting Date. Our daughter loves making crafts. I do, too; I really do enjoy the creative aspect. But I rarely take time out to do it with her. These crafting dates mean the world to our creative little girl. Keep a basket of craft supplies and get out a book for inspiration. We like Sneaky Art: Crafty Surprises to Hide in Plain Sight, by Marthe Jocelyn.

8. Arts and Crafts supplies. If your craft box is running low, stock up a little on things you need. Add in something fun the kids haven't used before. A gift of arts and crafts supplies often brings on the imagination, and kids can't wait to get to work!

9. Coupons. An envelope of coupons that they can "spend" at any time: I'll do one chore -- no questions asked; movie and popcorn night, you pick the movie!; 1:1 game of cards or basketball (whatever the child's interest is in); sit and read a book with me; stay up 1/2 hour past bedtime.

10. Restaurant Gift Card. Dinner, ice cream, coffee, cupcake -- whatever suits their fancy! Give them the freedom of inviting whomever they wish: it may be mom or dad; it may be a grandparent, aunt or even teacher they would like to spend more time with.

11. Dress-Up Clothes. These do need to be limited, but two dresses and a couple play silks can get hours and hours of play!

12. Books. We get a lot of books from the library, but there are some that I just can't find there, or it takes us longer to read through. We have read through the entire Little House series, Narnia, and are working our way through Shel Silverstein's books. Be sure to pass the books on when you are done, so they don't clutter up your home.

13. Clothes. When kids only have a certain amount of clothes, they often enjoy getting clothes. Make it a point to get something that fits their style. That may mean Western clothes, superhero, fancy dresses, etc.

14. Snacks. If your child is a foodie, they will love this! Some homemade granola or cookies made just for them is a special treat!

15. Outdoor Supplies. If you are an outdoorsy family, giving kids their own fishing tackle or gardening equipment can be a big deal. It's also something that gets left on the shelf in the garage, so you always know right where to find it.

16. Telling Time. Many children these days don't know how to read analog, or find it takes too long to think about it, so they search for a digital watch. Getting them a cool watch makes them want to be able to tell time on it. Boys, girls, and even teenagers can be excited about this.

17. Games and Puzzles. Games and puzzles are great activities for when kids have to be indoors. It's a good practice to have individual quiet times during the day, and having a puzzle to sit and work on by themselves helps brain development and problem solving skills. Games teach a lot, too! My kids talk about how they passed geography, just because we played Risk when they were little. Monopoly and Payday have been popular and help cement math skills. Memory games are great for younger children.

18. Calendar. Many children like to know what is going on, what day it is, how many days until ____. These kids are the ones who want to know what the plan is for the day, the order in which things will happen, what time friends are expected over, etc. They struggle with spur-of-the-moment and can be frustrating if you are a spontaneous parent. But celebrate it! These children have many strengths, and make our world run more smoothly. :-) Embrace their inner schedule and get them their own calendar. They can write down their own classes, appointments, playdates, etc. And if they ask you, send them to their calendar so they can get used to being in control of their own schedule. You can even schedule "spontaneous days," so they know that something different will happen that day. Trust me, it will help them enjoy the spontaneous outings!

Rachel Jones is a blogger and mother of six. She runs and writes for nourishingminimalism.com, where this piece first appeared.

Thanksgiving crafts and cooking anyone?

11/21/2014

If you are looking for fun ways to Thanksgiving up your house, decorate the dinner table, or get kids involved this site has tons of crafts to keep you busy :)
http://99crafting.org/thanksgiving-crafts/

Need a battle plan for the holiday cooking? www.countryliving.com has 14 time-saving short cuts to make you holiday run a little smoother .... Enjoy!
http://www.countryliving.com/cooking/about-food/blogger-thanksgiving-tips#slide-1

Things to be grateful for

11/14/2014

Well it's getting to be about that time again, when we all get to share in a good meal, friends and family gather, and most important we get to reflect on the many things we are grateful for. Here is an article on lifehack.org listing 47 things that we might be grateful for this year...

Sometimes it’s easier to focus on what we don’t have, rather than what we do have. It’s important to take time out and remember all of the things to be thankful for that many of us take for granted.

1. Good Health- Even if you’re health isn’t great, it could be worse and you likely still have some working parts to be thankful for.

2. Money in the Bank- Having just a few coins makes you richer than most people on Earth.

3. Good Friends- Often, it’s the quality of friendships, not the quantity.

4. Freedom of Religion- Being able to worship whomever and however you want is something many people don’t ever experience.

5. Your Parents- for providing for you in many times of your life

6. Weekends- There’s something magical about weekends.

7. Freedom to Vote- Being able to have a say in the laws should never be taken for granted.

8. Pets- Pets offer one of the best examples of unconditional love.

9. Vaccines-Many of us wouldn’t be alive without today’s vaccinations.

10. Opportunity to Get an Education- The opportunity to attend school is something many people don’t have.

11. Having a Home- Whether you live in an apartment, a mansion, or a tent, having a place to call home is something to be thankful for.

12. An Ability to Read- Many people don’t get to experience reading a book, or taught to read at all.

13. Breathing Fresh Air- Being able to step outside to breathe in fresh air is a good reminder how many little things we should be thankful for.

14. A Bed to Sleep- A bed is one of those things that’s easy to take for granted, until you don’t have one.

15. Laughter- Without laughter, the world would be a sad place.

16. Safety and Security- Being able to wake up without immense fear.

17. Cars- Without cars, it would take a lot longer to get our activities done.

18. Sunshine- The sun’s warmth can brighten any day.

19. Time- Although we often don’t think there’s enough of it, time is something we shouldn’t take for granted.

20. Clean Water- Many people on earth lack access to clean water.

21. Cell Phones- Cell phones make talking to loved ones easy.

22. Love- The world sure would be a different place if we lacked the ability to love.

23. Books- Books provide an opportunity to enter another world all from the comfort of your own home.

24. Kindness of Strangers- Never take the kindness of a stranger for granted.

25. Campfires- The simplicity of a campfire creates lifelong memories.

26. Pain- Without pain, it would be difficulty to appreciate life’s joys.

27. Art- The world would be less beautiful if art didn’t exist.

28. Holidays- Any reason to celebrate is something we should be thankful for.

29. Freedom of Speech- Being able to express your thoughts and feelings, being mindful of others

30. Rainbows- The beauty of a rainbow is unmatched.

31. Tears- Sometimes when there are no words to say, tears express how we feel for us.

32. Waking up Today- Simply waking up today means you have things to be thankful for.

33. Indoor Plumbing- Indoor plumbing not only provides convenience, it spares us from disease.

34. Wisdom that Comes with Age- Thankfully, we grow smarter over time.

35. Mountains- Mountains provide us with beauty and recreation.

36. Eyesight- Being able to see allows us to view the world’s beauty.

37. Grocery Stores- Grocery stores mean we don’t have to spend all of our time getting our own food.

38. Sunsets- Sunsets are a reminder that we should enjoy the simple things in life.

39. Good Health Care- So we can be free from pain, and avoid sickness

40. Your Mind- Being able to think, remember, and solve problems sure makes life easier.

41. Employment- Even if you don’t like your job, being employed means someone thought you were special enough to hire.

42. Diversity- The world would be a boring place without diversity.

43. Armed Forces- Our lives would likely be very different if we didn’t have protection from the armed forces.

44. Electricity- Being able to take advantage of time through the darkness

45. Air Conditioning- Staying cool on a hot day is something people wouldn’t have dreamed about in past centuries.

46. Hearing- Being able to hear your loved one’s voice is something that not everyone gets to do.

47. Children- Watching children laugh, grow, and dream can keep things in perspective.

Hello November

11/11/2014

Are you freezing yet? Here in Utah it's starting to get pretty cold so here are some good tips to start the winter prep :)
http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/winter-preparedness-checklist

Winter Preparedness Checklist By Cynthia Ewer, Author of
Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Organized When wintry weather blows, will your family be prepared?

Winter brings special seasonal challenges to an organized home.

Winter storms can make navigating roads and walkways hazardous; power outages and snow days highlight any family's readiness for cold weather.

Take time now to review your family's emergency preparedness with this Winter Preparedness Checklist. It'll help you prepare your home and automobile for cold-weather hazards.

Out and About Will your home welcome winter visitors safely? Get ready for snow, ice or rain on walks and driveways by stocking up on these cold-weather basics.

Snow shovel
De-icing compound
Waterproof floor mats

The Inside Story Household emergency supplies should include enough food, water and supplies to last four days without power or help. Check your home emergency kit against this basic checklist.

Food that doesn't require heating or refrigeration, such as canned meats, soups and stews, cereal, and energy bars
Manual can opener
Paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
1 gallon of water per person per day (allow enough for four days)
Flashlights and batteries
Battery-powered radio
Battery-powered clock
Cellular phone
First-aid kit (printable first-aid kit checklist)
Four-day supply of prescription medicines
Blanket and cold-weather clothing for each family member
Pet food and additional water for household pets

On The Road: Winter transportation can mean coping with ice, snow, and hazardous roads. Road conditions can change in an instant. Before traveling, give cars a winter preparedness exam.

Check antifreeze
Check and replace older batteries
Remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid freezing water in the fuel line
Check tires and spare tire for proper inflation

Make sure automobiles contain the following emergency supplies to handle winter road hazards.

Bag of sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter. The bag's extra weight means better traction, and the contents can be spread under slipping tires.
Ice scraper
Jumper cables
Small shovel (to dig snow away from wheels, or scatter sand on roadway)
Tire chains (every driver should practice putting them on)
Flares or reflective triangle to warn other motorists if you break down
Blanket
Flashlight and batteries
Gallon jug of drinking water
First aid kit

When traveling by car, include emergency food and clothing for each traveler.

Pack supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency backpack in case you need to abandon your car.

Your emergency backpack should include these preparedness items.

Jacket, hat, gloves and sturdy, snow-proof boots for each traveler
Nonperishable food
Bottled water
Cellular phone
Money

#brushflossrinsechew2014 Tips From The ADHA

10/31/2014

Happy Halloween!

In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, the American Dental Hygiene Association brings you oral health tips for October!

Don't forget to make #brushflossrinsechew2014 a part of your daily ritual to maintain good oral health!

Oral Health Tip #1: You may have heard that drinking a glass of red wine with your dinner can be good for your heart and overall health; however, frequent wine drinkers may know that red wine has extrinsic staining qualities. Drinking large amounts of red wine can also cause dry mouth, stripping your mouth of saliva which is necessary for healthy gums and teeth. Be sure to drink in moderation, and to brush afterwards to avoid the staining that can occur with consumption.

Oral Health Tip #2: Were you aware that chewing sugar-free gum after meals could have a positive impact on your oral health? Research shows that when you can’t brush or floss while you’re on the go, chewing sugar-free gum is a great alternative to help fight tooth decay because it stimulates saliva production. Increased saliva helps fight cavities, neutralizes acids found in plaque, strengthens teeth, and washes away food from your last meal

Oral Health Tip #3: White teeth don’t always mean healthy teeth. Your oral health and overall wellness should be your first priority — meaning healthy gum tissues and teeth. If you’re interested in whitening, speak with your dental hygienist, who can evaluate whether you’re a suitable candidate for either at-home or in-office whitening. He or she can then help determine the best options for you based on your specific needs

Oral HealthTip #4: You are probably aware of the negative effects that smoking has on your health, but did you know your dental hygienist can help provide the support needed to quit? Tobacco products can stain and destroy your teeth and gums, or serve as a cause of oral and other cancers. Talk with your dental hygienist about recommended tobacco-cessation programs, utilizing their support and expertise.

Oral Health Tip #5: Did you know that proper nutrition benefits your oral health as well as your overall health? Getting the right amount of vegetables and fruits in your diet is key to healthy teeth and gums. Also, be conscious of the high amounts of sugar in sports and energy drinks, which can have a negative effect on your teeth. Set up an appointment with your dental hygienist to discuss how you can make lifestyle changes to create a healthier mouth.

Oral Health Tip #6: If you’re pregnant, you can schedule a prenatal appointment with your dental hygienist to check up on your oral health, discuss care and nutrition plans, and learn how to care for your child’s teeth when they start coming in. Your dental hygienist can provide information on best practices, as well as provide advice for children that are susceptible to cavities, such as supplemental fluoride, and prevention at home

Oral Health Tip#7: Remember that as you celebrate Halloween and enjoy lots of sweets, be conscious of all the sticky candies out there. Chewy, sticky candies coat and get in between your teeth, adhering to the surfaces, covering them in sugar — and causing potential damage to your teeth. Parents should make sure their kids “Brush. Floss. Rinse. Chew.” after eating these sticky treats as a way to prevent cavities in the future — and do so themselves as well!