January 2010 - Happy New Year!
We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are now relaxed, rested and ready to face 2010 head on. January 17 to 23 is National Non-Smoking Week. If you have been trying to quit now is a great time! Ask us how we may be able to help. Remember all tobacco use affects your overall health as well as your teeth and smile. If you need some help quitting be sure to visit the smoker's helpline for tips and support. The 2010 Winter Olympics are just around the corner. If you have been looking for a new sport to add to your winter fun the Olympics should provide you with ample ideas. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a beginner at your sport of choice, remember to stretch and ease back into any activity slowly. Avoiding injuries will help you enjoy the sport throughout the season. If your sport of choice involves contact, remember to ask us about a properly fitted mouth guard. Until next month, The team @ Southcommon Dental

News and Events
The Holiday Season @ Southcommon Dental Office We just had our office x-mas party at Alioli Restaurant and the staff surprised us with a beautiful new addition to the waiting room with an electric fireplace which should take the chill out the waiting room and add some charm. The party was very festive with the 18 people in attendance. The staff all exchanged gifts and truly looked fabulous out of their uniforms and primped for the party. Click here for some pictures from the party!

Why Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
Proper oral hygiene is important not only for your appearance, but also for your overall health. Improper oral hygiene may lead to infection, gum disease, bone and tooth loss, circulation and cardiovascular disease, and even strokes. Why is cleaning part of good oral hygiene? Oral Cancer As part of the cleaning, you are also screened for oral cancer, which is curable if diagnosed and treated early. Gum Disease If gum disease is diagnosed early, it can be reversed through treatment. Gum disease is caused by infection in the gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular dental cleanings – and check ups – help to prevent gum disease. Click here to learn more about the importance of regular dental visits!

New Age Minestrone! This recipe is made with butternut squash and sweet potatoes as the base. These two combined provide a sweet, delicate broth that is alkalizing and delicious. This winter squash is also a great source of natural sugars, carbohydrates and beta carotene. It provides vitamin A and C, potassium iron, riboflavin and magnesium and very low in sodium. So as you can see, a bowl of this squashy soup is very nourishing and of course delicious. Just like traditional minestrone this soup is chalked full of veggies, bulked up with kidney beans and brown rice macaroni noodles. At this particular time of the year, there is nothing better than a hearty bowl of soup. Squashes are also in season now. Take advantage and make yourself a bowl of yummy minestrone soup! Ingredients 1 Spanish onion, cut into large dice 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoon, sea salt 1 tablespoon dried oregano 4-6 cups filtered water or stock 1 bay leaf 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into medium dice (or roast half squash in oven on 350F for 45 minutes) - then peel flesh away from skin and place in pot 1 sweet potato cut into large dice 3 ribs celery cut into large dice 1 large zucchini or two small zucchini, cut into small chunks 1 bunch of chard, cut into bit size pieces 1 cup soaked and cooked kidney beans (optional) 1/2 cup cooked macaroni brown rice noodles (optional) Click here for the rest of recipe! This recipe was sourced from Delicious Knowledge.