The Smile Doctor
Quality Healthcare: with Medplus Lake Rd
Dr Gilbert Stehbens of Killarney Dental
Get that dazzling smile this summer
Lize Strauss, mother and psychologist at Medplus, shares some insights into busy lives and stress management.
Dr Gilbert Stehbens.
When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Is it time spent at the beach, picnics and barbecues, nights of fun with friends and end of year celebrations? With summer fast approaching, gleaming white teeth and a wide smile convey an air of confidence and is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. With all that in mind, foods such as coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks, chocolate and dessert – perfect for social occasions, also perfect for staining teeth. While some courageous souls might sacrifice their morning caffeine fix, most Kiwis aren't so brave. If you're part of the majority the following tips will help you minimize staining throughout the festive season. Brushing: Regular brushing keeps the teeth clean and clear of surface stains. Brush your teeth twice daily with toothpaste for at least two minutes. While brushing make sure you brush your tongue. This will freshen your breath and clean your mouth removing bacteria. Flossing: It doesn’t matter how much you brush, a tooth brush cannot get rid of all leftover food and plaque in between the teeth. Regular flossing keeps gums well maintained removing plaque, red wine stains and bad breath. Snack on crunchy fruits and veggies: Mildly abrasive fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots or celery not only provide the body with essential nutrients, but also act as a natural toothbrush by gently scrubbing off small bits of plaque that have gathered on the teeth and gums. Lipstick with a hint of blue: Blue tones around the mouth can make teeth appear whiter, so when shopping for new makeup, consider red lipstick with blue undertones. This will make your smile appear brighter by offsetting any yellow coloration on the teeth. Avoid coral and orange-based lipsticks that can make the teeth appear more yellow. Avoid smoking: Smoking and nicotine will leave unsightly brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure causing discoloration. Dental hygienist: Regular, six monthly visits to your dental hygienist will ensure that your gums are in optimal condition as well as removing tarter build up, ensuring that flossing and brushing is effective. Remember that only your dentist or hygienist can remove tartar and it’s essential for optimal oral health. Regular dental checkups: Having a dental check up will ensure teeth are healthy and free from decay, old discolored fillings and fractured teeth. Stained, yellow teeth can often cause awkwardness. No wonder teeth whitening procedures are getting so popular. Teeth whitening can be extremely effective at lightening your existing tooth colour. Other options are available if you have dentures, crowns or veneers. A sparkling white smile can be more achievable than you think. If it's got to the point you are too embarrassed to smile, that's when you need a full assessment provided by an experienced dentist who is a practitioner of appearance dentistry. By obtaining the best advice you can avoid any possible disappointing outcomes. At Killarney Dental we'll help you get your dazzle on by putting your best smile forward this summer. As the poet John Donne says "No spring, nor summer beauty hath such grace!" If you have other questions, or are interested in making an appointment to talk with Dr. Gilbert Stehbens at Killarney Dental, you can contact his office. Dr Gilbert Stehbens has a passion for general and cosmetic dentistry. For and enquiries or a consultation he can be contacted on 09 488 9050, at Killarney Dental 62A Killarney Street, Takapuna.
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Lize Strauss
What a tangled
web we weave “Hurry, hurry, hurry. Pick up that lunch box. Looooove, have you packed your gym bag? Quick, quick quick eat up. Do you have your togs? I have yoga. You have art. Did we really just come back from a holiday?” Do you tie yourself in knots trying to get everything done that everybody else seems to do with ease? Living can be exhausting. More so when we place ourselves under pressure to live according to unwritten rules imposed on us by the community that we identify with. This could be attending every mommy and baby activity on offer, three gym classes a day, mediation retreats, enrichment courses or committee work. It could be never saying “no” because it isn’t nice and ignoring that little voice inside that says “stop”. Losing yourself in what you think you should be doing to lead a fulfilled life. When life feels like a hamster wheel and all those things you do to balance your life become part of the imbalance then it is time to stop and take stock. It’s time to reflect on what it is that is important to you and your family. Go to your favourite café and spend a while drawing up a list of things that are important in your life, really important. A list that reflects who you are rather than who you think you should be. If health is important to you, but you hate the gym and love the beach then cancel your gym membership and get a dog. If you loathe ‘baby and me’ groups then form an alternative group of like-minded people. With a bit of creativity and honesty you can create a life that's fulfilling and meaningful without losing yourself. There are some aspects of life that may be a bit trickier. If your musings over coffee have led you to question issues such as your relationship, your career and your ability to find happiness and balance then you may need a bit more help to untangle yourself. At times our life becomes so tangled up that the process of unpicking the knots seems too daunting and we go on living in a painful status quo. Often confiding in a loving partner, family member or friend can be enough to address some thorny issues. Unfortunately sometimes this discomfort can manifest in a mental illness such as depression, anxiety or any number of other illnesses. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, discuss this with your GP who can refer you to the appropriate professional or agency. In the therapy process you will be able to explore the emotions and thought patterns that are keeping you stuck and develop strategies to challenge them. Learn to untangle yourself from meaningless parts of your life and focus your energy on those aspects that are enriching and filled with meaning for you.
327 Lake Road, Hauraki Corner • Open 7 Days • Phone 489 2011 Medplus Pharmacy 488-6664 • Medplus Physio 489 1020
www.medplus.co.nz www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 27 - NOVEMBER 2012