What Kind of an Example Do You Set?

Monkey see, monkey do is a common expression when explaining the sometimes age-inappropriate actions taken by small children. As parents we know little ones are watching our every move. While most of the time we take this to mean they are watching our bad behavior, the truth is they are also watching our mundane, every day behavior. 

 

This realization can be somewhat terrifying. 

 

Imagine having your life filmed and then having the opportunity to watch it back. How many things would you cringe at or wish you could change? While there is no way we can ensure prefect behavior (in us or our kids) it is important to remember that their brains and eyes are always engaged and soaking everything in. 

 

Experts believe that by 15 months, children have both the fine motor skills and mental capacity to imitate many adult behaviors. It is important to use this impressionable age to teach your children life skills, such as good oral health with includes diligent brushing and regular flossing. Promote successful smiles in your house by being the good example. The experts in Dr. Ku’s office have given you a few examples below to get started with! 

 

Brush and floss daily 

 

Let’s start out with an easy one: Let your children watch you brush your teeth every morning and night. Even if it means it elongates the process—and a little extra brushing never hurts – let them be part of the routine. For the younger set let them brush a few of your teeth or turn the water on in the sink. For older kids consider brushing your teeth together. This added accountability will ensure the two minutes twice a day happens no matter what. 

 

Since flossing can still be difficult for many children, let them try to floss their teeth while you do yours. Then help them out to ensure all the space between the teeth is cleaned out. Who knew tooth brushing could be a form of bonding? 

 

Take them with you to the dentist  

 

We understand that no one really looks forward to going to the dentist, but it is important to not let that anxiety rub off on your children. At your next annual appointment bring your children along to show how easy and painless the appointments really are. Just like with adults, the anxiety and fear of the unknown is many times worse than the actual appointment for the child. Here at Dr. Ku’s we can help talk the child through your appointment so they know what will happen when they visit. Who knows, we may inspire a career or two along the way! 

 

Have an open dialogue  

 

Discussing normal bodily changes can be both awkward for the parent and the child so many shy away from the discussion until it is too late. Thankfully, discussing oral health is easier than many topics, so consider it your training ground for the teenage years. Begin at an early age talking about the benefits of good oral health and how to determine when there is a problem. This will lay the foundation for your child to come to you in the future if they sense something in their mouth is off or they are experiencing pain.  

 

Heap on the praise  

 

Don’t forget to praise your child for regular flossing and brushing. From potty training to showering to everything in between, parents are accustomed to praising most things that occur in the bathroom. The establishment of a good oral health routine should be no different. Positive reinforcement can do wonders when creating a good routine.   

 

While dentists are great at providing pointers and tips parents are the at-home example that ensures all the pieces fall into place. This holiday season give the gift of setting a good example of excellent oral health. Committing to a being a good example is also a great New Year’s Resolution. Do you have any unique ways that you incorporate your child into your routine to set the best example? Let us know by leaving us a comment!

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Clever Gifts—At Every Price

Choosing gifts for a variety of people at just as many price points can be stressful. The secret Santa or a long-distance friend can be even more difficult to buy for when you don’t spend time with them regularly on top of it. 

 

Gift cards seem impersonal, but when it comes time to make a decision, it can be difficult to find something that balances unique interests while staying on a budget. So, we’ve made gift shopping easy, affordable, and quick for you this holiday season! 

 

Gifts under $10 

 

Skip the coffee cup or coffee shop gift card to get something more memorable. Don’t assume cheap has to mean it’s a waste. 

 

Funny socks: This option is great for the office secret Santa! It’s useful without crossing any work boundaries or creating an awkward situation, and stretchy fabric can allow you to just eyeball rough shoe sizes. 

 

Funky pencils: Forget the orange, number two pencil you remember from your school days. Pencils that feature tops of woodland creatures or interesting patters can be stuffed in any stocking, and can actually be put to good use. 

 

Small succulents: For the wanna-be gardener who hasn’t quite cultivated their green thumb, succulents require little work and are small enough to be placed on a desk or windowsill.  

 

Gifts under $25 

 

This price point is perfect for distant family or friends you don’t see often. Gifts under $25 are also great to stock in a closet in case someone drops by unexpectedly with a gift, and you feel the need to reciprocate on the spot (you know that’s happened to you at some point). 

 

Digital wine bottle thermometer: Giving the gift of wine is always appreciated, but it lacks creativity. However, for the wine lover, this unique gadget is perfect to ensure their pinot is always chilled to the right temperature. 

 

Wood coasters: For the nature lover, bring the outdoors in with wood coasters. In addition to being visually pleasing, your furniture will thank you for protecting it against drinking glass rings.  

 

Tea towels: Pick holiday-specific dish towels that can be displayed in the kitchen. These towels are easy to store, and can be packed away as a last-minute gift. 

 

Gifts under $50  

 

These gifts are most likely for close friends and family. Therefore, it’s expected that you put some thought and effort into their procurement…and this expectation only adds to the pressure.  

 

Water-resistant Bluetooth speaker: If you have a niece or nephew who is music lover, a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker is great for summers spent at the pool. They won’t have to worry about ruining a speaker with splashing, and can keep their music source safely away from the pool. 

 

Three–month box subscription: Give the gift that keeps giving. Many subscription services will allow short-term signups: from chocolate to make-up, you can tailor any gift for those who are hardest to shop for. 

 

Portable iPhone photography kit: The current cameras in smart phones today are better than many DSLR cameras on the market. Give additional lenses and a tripod suited specifically for phones to allow the recipient to take professional-quality photos with their cell! 

 

Gifts under $100 

 

For those that are closest, you want to be able to give them something that they will love, and that shows that you take notice of the small things they like.  

 

Neon sign for a table: We all have that friend that has impeccable style, and is nearly impossible to shop for. Tabletop neon signs featuring inspiring words or phrases light up any space, and are edgy with a hint of nostalgia.  

 

Instax Mini 90: Move over, old-school polaroid camera that’s both bulky and heavy! This camera is perfect for creating instant images, and has a hip, streamlined exterior that everyone will love. 

 

Monogrammed cheese board: This is great for people who love to cook, and those who love to eat! The personalization could take a week or more, so get to ordering! 

 

This gift guide is only the beginning. If you see any great gifts exchanged this year, let us know by commenting below and we will update our gift giving guide!

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Travel Hacks for Winter Getaways

Traveling can be hard, much though we’re excited to do it. With kids’ stuff and the right clothing for the right location, combined with ensuring all things taken through the TSA checkpoint at the airport comply with regulations, it’s no surprise that most Americans choose to stay at their house for the holiday season. However, if you’ve chosen to travel in the coming weeks, those of us here at Dr. Ku’s office want to make it easy and enjoyable. 

 

Plus, gritting your teeth in frustration isn’t great for your jaw or pearly whites. Consider this your go-to travel guide on the “dos” and “don’ts” of packing and hitting the airport! Now, if only little elves would show up and help you finish everything on your to-do list… 

 

DO: Lay out everything you are taking before it goes in the suitcase 

 

Prior to jamming in all the presents and Christmas sweaters, lay out everything you think you want to take. Your bed should be ample space to eyeball it. Then, start consolidating. A week away doesn’t require seven pairs of pants. If you are going to your family’s house, consider doing laundry while you’re there to limit the amount of clothing you’re forced to take. If laundry isn’t an option, layer your clothes. You can wear your outer layers multiple times. Whatever you think you need, you can probably get away with at least 20% less. 

 

DON’T: Bring the full–size toiletries—instead, opt for travel sized varieties 

 

First, if you plan to carry on your bag, remember the 3-1-1 rule that prohibits you from taking more than 3 ounces of liquid in a carry-on through the airport. Use this opportunity to experiment with new products from the travel size aisle at the store. If you hate the new shampoo, good news, it was only a small sampling. If you are checking a bag, still opt for the travel-sized options. First, it weighs less and takes up less space in your bag. And second, if it does leak, there is less to ooze all over the contents of your bag. 

 

DO: Lock your bag and add something to the handle for easy identification 

 

While we never like to think theft will happen, it is always a possibility, especially around the holidays when suitcases are stuffed with gifts. Purchase a TSA-approved lock to ensure your belongs are safe while they are out of your sight. Also, if you have a suitcase that looks like everyone else’s, add a bright ribbon or luggage tag to the handle. This will help you pick it out quickly when it comes off the plane and will prevent others from accidentally taking your luggage. 

 

DON’T: Forget a travel kit for toiletries 

 

Consider carrying on your travel kit of toiletries with all needed medications, your tooth brush and toothpaste, and any other essential items should your bags not make it to your final destination. Traveling up north at this time of year can result in delays due to snow and ice, or cancellations that leave you stranded at the airport. Having these items with you can make your first days on vacation a little less miserable if your bags don’t make it. 

 

DO: Bring patience and a good attitude 

 

The lines are long and we’re all exhausted, schlepping all of our belongings through the airport. While rolling your eyes at the people who forget to take off their shoes in security, or making comments at those moving slowly, try to have a little patience this holiday season. We all want to get to our final destination, and doing it without any drama is the best way—hands down. 

 

Those of us at Dr. Ku’s office hope you and your family have safe travels and a very happy holiday season. Leave us a comment if you have any other tips or tricks for travel!

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Holiday Success: Clever Recipes for All Ages

Throughout the holiday season, dinner tables are comprised of families and friends that span generations. And as one generation grows old and another cycles round the table, times change, and does the food on the table. 

 

While baby boomers might have grown up with a Jello mold as the centerpiece, many millennials might scoff at the jiggly treat. In additional to satisfying a range of palates, most meals also have to include kid-friendly dishes and something for even the pickiest (or most allergy-ridden) of eaters. 

 

Viewing a table full of food for a large, multi-generational group is like a time capsule. In order to please everyone in the family, we at Dr. Ku’s office have compiled a list of the best dishes that remind grandma of her childhood while providing a modern twist to please the foodies.  

 

Wartime veggie turnovers 

 

For those who had grandparents or parents who lived through World War II, they remember the popular dishes that came about from wartime food rationing. Since meat was not as readily available, those in the kitchen had to get creative with using the food they had. 

 

A common meal was the wartime vegetable turnover that was comprised of cooked vegetables in a pastry crust. To modernize this meal, consider putting fresh vegetables, cheeses and meats inside of a flaky bread (somewhat like a calzone). This is a great snack option for between meals, and offers the tooth-healthy nutritional benefits of vegetables and added calcium from the cheese. Consider adding fibrous vegetables such as celery for an added oral health benefit for this grandparent-friendly food! Everyone’s bellies will thank you for it in the end after a good-sized holiday binge. 

 

Fondue 

 

Fondue at the table was a staple of holiday meals in the 70s, and has been memorialized by pop culture and restaurants today. The best part of fondue is that the dipping possibilities are literally endless. From veggies to bread and meat to marshmallows, this dish is something that will be adored by the whole family. 

 

Start with healthier options such as vegetables and lean meats before moving on to the sweet stuff. The protein in both the meat and cheese is a component of good oral health and builds stronger teeth. Just remember, after you’re done dipping the marshmallows in chocolate, go brush your teeth! 

 

Green bean casserole  

 

Creamy soup, canned green beans and fried onions seem to make an odd combination, but this recipe created by Campbell’s more than 60 years ago is a long-standing holiday favorite. While delicious, this dish is also filled with lots of sodium and fat. 

 

This year, opt for fresh green beans at your table. Chewing fibrous foods like green beans help to naturally clean your mouth and dislodge any harmful bacteria lodged at the gum line. 

 

Macaroni and cheese 

 

There isn’t a more kid-friendly food than macaroni and cheese. All generations love this ooey, gooey pasta dish. While no one would classify mac and cheese as a healthy dish, make it at home (instead of opting for a box) to pack in some extra nutritional benefit. Most recipes call for both milk and cheese, which are packed full of calcium and can help strengthen your teeth. Just remember to eat a sensible sized portion and brush your teeth 30-60 minutes after due to the starches in the pasta. 

 

 

Planning a dinner for guests of ages that span seventy or more years can seem daunting. Don’t feel pressured to provide everyone’s favorite meal. One of the best parts of the holidays is experimenting with new foods and giving old favorites a modern twist. Surprise the older generations in your family this year by incorporating modern twists on their childhood favorites. If you’re lucky, it may even prompt them to tell some stories and reign the new year in with full-bellied nostalgia! 

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Coffee Teeth

Holiday parties, gift shopping and traveling to see family can leave you exhausted. When there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day, we tend to lean on coffee and other caffeine infused beverages to sustain us until our head can hit the pillow again. And while the holiday-inspired flavors might hit the spot in the moment, are they doing long term damage to our teeth?  

 

Giving up your morning nectar may not be in the equation, so how can you ensure what you’re drinking isn’t doing harm to your mouth and teeth? No worries—we at Dr. Ku’s office have outlined the best and the worst options when you hit the coffee shop this holiday season! 

 

Develop Healthy Coffee Habits 

 

Studies have shown that coffee in moderation can have nutritional benefits. Antioxidant properties have been proven to be good for the liver and reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, these same properties have been shown to be good for your teeth, too! But…don’t let this good news prompt you to drink coffee with abandon. Follow these dos and don’ts for maximum health benefits in your coffee consumption: 

 

• DO choose organic coffee to ensure the beans have not been previously sprayed with pesticides. 

 

• DO grind your own beans at home to protect the antioxidants in the coffee. Coffee grounds exposed to oxygen quickly lose these properties. 

 

• DO drink coffee with a meal to stabilize insulin levels. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can increase sugar cravings. And excess sugar leads to costly and painful periodontal diseases. 

 

• DON’T load up your coffee with sugar or sugary creamers. Excess sugar can linger in the cracks of your teeth and on your gum line, causing cavities and tooth decay. 

 

Coffee Shop Choices 

 

If you find yourself crashing while Christmas shopping and hit your local coffee shop, don’t let the huge menu filled with holiday-inspired concoctions distract you. These drinks are loaded with excess sugar that will leave you on a sugar-high, and could damage your teeth. If you do choose to indulge, brush your teeth within 30 minutes of drinking or, at minimum, wash your mouth out with water. Below are the worst offenders by sugar content this holiday season: 

 

• Eggnog Latte: 52 grams of sugar which is equal to 16 mini candy canes. 
• Peppermint Mocha: 54 grams of sugar which is also equal to 16 mini candy canes. 
• Holiday Spice Flat White: 30 grams of sugar which is equal to 9 mini candy canes. 
• Caramel Brûlée Latte: 54 grams of sugar which is equal to 16 mini candy canes. 
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: 61 grams of sugar which is equal to 20 mini candy canes.  

 

Protect Your Teeth  

 

Aside from coffee breath, coffee can have other harmful effects on your teeth. But to ensure you are not deprived of your daily cup of Joe, we have compiled a list of ways to prevent tooth decay AND stains to accompany your daily cup: 

 

• Drink more water: Coffee can make your mouth dry and sticky. And a dry mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can invade your gum line. After you’re done with your coffee, up your water intake to prevent dry mouth (and coffee breath)! 
• Use a straw: Prevent coffee stains by drinking coffee through a straw. This eliminates the direct contact between the acidic coffee and your teeth. 
• Maintain good oral health: This includes washing your mouth out with water after drinking coffee, as well as brushing and flossing your teeth. Coffee is just like any other food, don’t ignore good oral hygiene. 

 

Ensuring healthy teeth doesn’t mean you have to give you your daily cup of Joe. Just like with other indulgences, make sure to practice moderation. Excellent oral care will also help prevent any negative effects of your favorite cup of coffee. Leave us a comment with your favorite Fort Worth coffee shops; we are always looking for great new places!

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