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Magical Smiles & Motivational Thoughts April 30, 2007
In This Issue
In The News

In The News

Dr. Melisa Christian Joins
Dallas Laser Dentistry!
 
 
We're pleased to let  everyone know that we have added Dr. Melisa Christian to our staff.  Dr. Christian is a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, just like me.  Dr. Christian is a natural fit, as her practice philosophy mirrors what I've provided for the last 12 years.  She's also a Certified Invisalign Provider, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and an experienced general dentist as well.
 
If you read sports pages locally, you may have already heard of Dr. Christian.  A world class athlete who competes in triathalons, Dr. Christian has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the marathon, and was the female winner of a local major marathon race here in Dallas last fall.  The drive for perfection that has powered her performance in sports is also evident as she works with each patient to insure their oral health is where it should be, and that their smile becomes an asset, not a liability.
 
Dr. Christian is available to see patients Tuesday-Friday.  If you know anyone who is looking for an outstanding dentist, please have them call Melissa or Merritt to schedule either a general exam or a consultation for a smile makeover with  Dr. Christian.
 
Mary Swift, D.D.S. 
 
New Email & Newsletter System
 
Beginning tomorrow, we are turning on a new automated email contact and newsletter system that will enable you to more easily receive reminders to your preferred email accounts of scheduled appointments and be able to confirm simply by clicking a button.  And if you're overdue and haven't scheduled as yet, the system will gently remind you of that as well. 
 
For those of you receiving this who are not currently patients, this is just another way we continue to implement the latest technology into our practice to make the process easier on everyone.  It also helps us stay on time and be able to offer our guarantee that you'll never have to wait an excessive time to be seated for your appointment  - or if in the unlikely event that does occur, we credit your account $75.

Bad Breath, Begone!

Bad Breath, Begone! Do you use more mouthwash than you’d like? Are your pockets always rattling with boxes of breath mints? Instead of continuously trying to cover up bad breath, learn what causes it and how to avoid it.

Top 10 Vacation Spots

What are your Summer Plans? Will you travel? Will you relax? Here’s some reading that might get you motivated to start making plans!

Warm days, long nights, garden barbecues, and ice-cream cones on the boardwalk . . . For many of us, summer is the best season of all, when everything moves outdoors, cities come alive with festivals, and freshwater lakes and backyard pools beckon. Our list of top summer destinations highlights the best spots to be at the height of the season, from northern capitals that truly flourish from June through Labor Day, to cool seaside and lakefront retreats that refresh and rejuvenate. Of course, nothing is more quintessentially North American come summertime than a canoe and camping trip – don't worry, we've got you covered there, too.

While some of you like to travel far others want to stay close to home. In the following section you will be sure to find those far away  destinations that have been catching the eye of travelers for decades and places that are right around the block!

Chicago

Don't miss fireworks at the Navy Pier, the Chicago Gospel Festival or the Air and Water Show at North Avenue Beach.

Capri

Italy’s most glamorous getaway, the island of Capri is one of the most picturesque islands around.

Hampton's

Long stretches of sand, seaside villages, sprawling vineyards, and grand estates . . . the Atlantic-facing Hampton's are simply spectacular come summer and the perfect antidote to bustling New York City, just 120 
miles away.

Greek Islands

Scattered in the sparkling Aegean Sea, the Greek Islands are a much-fantasized-about summer hotspot, with Europeans and Americans alike flocking to their dazzling shores for hedonistic fun in the sun.

 London

London is never more animated than in the height of summer, when fair weather brings out the best in Londoners, who endure an infamously gloomy weather forecast the rest of the year.

Montreal

Montreal’s joie de vivre is most visible in summer, when festivals and celebrations light up the town and droves of locals and visitors take to the streets to join the fun.

National Parks

Summer and the great outdoors go hand and hand, and the outdoors just don’t get much  better then that. Try researching and visiting Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite.

New England

New England truly springs to life between the July 4 and Labor Day holidays, when a vibrant summer culture produces a mind-boggling array of special events in the region’s many mountain towns and historic cities.

Russia

Notorious for its long, frigid winters, summer shines an entirely different light on Russia, particularly on its thriving cultural capitals of Moscow and St. Petersburg.

New York City

Catch a Broadway show, take in a museum or catch a taping of "Saturday Night Live." Special events in the summer include the Tribeca Film Festival, the Museum Mile Festival, Summer Restaurant Week and Shakespeare in the Park.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed our section on The Top 10 Travel Destinations for this Spring/Summer 2007. This month is the perfect time to start looking for flights and cheap tickets to keep expenses down and stress levels low! Summer fares are in the air!

Chewing Gum Trivia Quiz

Chewing Gum Trivia Quiz Think you’re an expert on gum? Sure, you can put away a pack of Trident in a day, but do you know the finer points of this sticky treat? This quiz will test your gum-ption!

Holiday Promotion

Mother's Day Celebration!
 
We will credit your dental account with $200 towards any cosmetic treatment you may need or want upon completion of your regular exam.

Call Melissa today at 214-556-5251 to schedule your appointment.

Nifty “Eggs”periment Teaches Kids About Plaque

Nifty “Eggs”periment Teaches Kids About Plaque For young children, “plaque” is a mysterious term that is difficult to grasp. And the importance of developing a habit of twice-daily brushing can be an equally tricky concept! Simplify these ideas for your youngsters with this fun and easy science experiment, in which an egg is a stand-in for a tooth.

Do You Suffer From Recurring Headaches?

There’s now a great way to relieve headache pain from TMJ, tension and migraines!

Neurologists have found that migraine and tension headaches, as well as those from TMJ (which also causes you to grind your teeth), can be effectively treated with BOTOX® in 2 out of 3 cases! Now BOTOX® injections from Dr. Swift can be used therapeutically to relieve recurring headache pain!

In 2004 Dr. Swift underwent training in both the therapeutic and cosmetic use of BOTOX® with Dr. Andy Blumenfeld. Dr. Blumenfeld is an internationally recognized authority on the utilization of Botulinum Toxin Type A for the treatment of headache and has significant experience as a researcher, speaker and national injector trainer. He was Chief of Service for the Department of Neurology at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego, and is currently Director of The Headache Center of Southern California. Dr. Blumenfeld is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

To learn if you're a candidate and get more information, please follow the link....

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It?

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Thinking of getting an oral piercing? Make sure you’re aware of the risks associated with introducing jewelry into your mouth before you make your decision.

Do You Like Pina Coladas?

It is one of the most widely known and loved tropical drinks in the Western hemisphere. And as you sit on the deck of a cruise ship sipping this wonderful concoction have you ever wondered, "Who made the first Pina Colada? "

The surprising answer is that the man responsible for it is not from the Caribbean, but from Europe! His name is Ricardo Gracia -- born in Barcelona, Spain in 1914 in a small room above his grandfather's restaurant. But the Pina Colada, his true claim to fame, came quite by accident. By 1954, Ricardo had been moved to the San Juan, Puerto Rico, Caribe Hilton Hotel where all guests were given a complimentary drink called the "Coco-Loco." This was a mix of coconut juice, rum, and cream of coconut served in a fresh sliced coconut -- cut fresh from the trees around the hotel. One day, the coconut cutters union decided to strike the hotel and Ricardo suddenly found himself without coconuts! Not wanting to serve his creation in plain glasses he noticed a large supply of fresh pineapples at the hotel. He cut the top off a pineapple and poured the Coco-Loco mix inside and served it with a straw. This added just a hint of pineapple flavor - and the mixologist knew he had discovered something good. To improve the taste even more he added crushed ice and strained pineapple -- and dubbed it the "Pina Colada."

What does it mean? It is simply the Spanish phrase for "strained pineapple!" Soon he was making over a thousand Pina Colada's every night. As Mr. Gracia was transferred throughout the Hilton Chain he took his drink with him and soon it became the most sought after and well-known tropical drink that we know of today.

Pina Colada Recipe-

one fresh pineapple

one green coconut

white rum

one cup crushed ice

•  Pour the juice of the coconut into a blender

•  Add a scoop of the coconut jelly (the gooey stuff between the milk and the meat)

•  Hollow out the pineapple and place contents into the blender

•  Mix pineapple and coconut well

•  Add the rum

•  Add crushed ice and blend 5 minutes until CREAMY

•  Pour pina colada into the hollowed out pineapple

•  Make a hole in the top of the pineapple for a straw, close and serve

 

 

Dental X-rays Demystified

Dental X-rays Demystified Getting dental X-rays taken may not sound like your idea of a fun afternoon. However, the information your dentist gathers from your X-rays plays a vital role in helping you avoid future dental problems.

Monthly Quiz

Patient Quiz!

 

Last Month's Quiz Question!

What flies without wings?

Answer: Time


 

This Month's Quiz Question!

 What do frogs eat with their hamburgers?


 

               

                
   

Not Your Father’s Root Canal

Not Your Father’s Root Canal With advances in dental technology, root canal treatment is no longer the arduous procedure the rumor mill would have you believe. In fact, those most likely to speak ill of the process are people who have never even experienced it firsthand! Find out what’s actually involved and why nowadays, this process is akin to simply having a cavity filled.

A Note From the Tooth Fairy

A Note From the Tooth Fairy

Mouth Guards and Sports

 

Are Mouth Guards Really Necessary?

According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to have an injury to the teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. A mouth guard is designed to help buffer the mouth and teeth from trauma. It is also an important piece of gear that should not be overlooked during participation in sports.

Wearing a mouth guard is common in contact sports such as football, boxing, hockey and basketball, but a protective mouth guard can also be beneficial in non contact sports such as snow skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, soccer and bicycling. 

 

There are 3 types of mouth guards to choose from:

1. Ready Made

2. Boil and Bite

3. Custom made by a dentist

When choosing a mouth guard, keep in mind that a custom made mouth guard from your dentist is designed to offer superior protection.

 

These guidelines can help you choose the right mouth guard:

- Be sure that the mouth guard is comfortable and fits good.

- Check for flexibility and resistance to tearing or ripping.

- Make sure that the mouth guard doesn’t impair breathing.

- Make sure that the mouth guard doesn’t confine speech.

- Finally, be sure that it can be easily cleaned.

 

Taking Care of a Mouth Guard 

After investing in a mouth guard, it is important to take care of it by following these tips:

- Keep your mouth guard in a vented and sturdy container.

- Rinse thoroughly before and after use or brush with a toothpaste and toothbrush.

- Replace your mouth guard if it becomes worn out.

- Never leave it in the sun or hot water.

- On occasion, use cool soapy water to clean, being sure to rinse it thoroughly. Since studies have linked almost 1/3 of dental injuries to sports related activities, a mouth guard is an important piece of sports gear that should be chosen carefully and taken care of properly.

Is Invisalign for You?

Is Invisalign for You? Almost half a million people have chosen Invisalign to give them amazing smiles. Why is this type of treatment such a popular choice, and is it the best choice for you?

With Heartfelt Thanks For your Referrals!

With Heartfelt Thanks For your Referrals!

There’s no question that we have the BEST patients on the entire planet! Our business is built on word of mouth advertising and we would like to thank all of you who were kind enough to recommend our services to your friends. Thank you soooo much!

 

Mary Swift DDS & Melisa Christian DDS

Mom and Dad Can Have Perfect Teeth Too!

Mom and Dad Can Have Perfect Teeth Too! Thinking of straightening your teeth, Mom and Dad? So are your friends! One in every five people in orthodontic treatment is over eighteen. Why not join the trend? Learn more about your financial options for Invisalign, the invisible way to straighten teeth.

Dental Sealants: Good Defense Against Bad Bacteria

Dental Sealants: Good Defense Against Bad Bacteria When you run your tongue over your back teeth, you’ll feel deep creases and grooves on the chewing surface. These spots are particularly tough for your toothbrush bristles to reach. Dental sealants, which fill in the creases to provide a smooth surface, provide insurance against decay.

Do You Book Your Own Travel Online?

Do You Book Your Own Travel Online? Want To Save A Ton of Time Planning a Trip And Find The Lowest Price Available?

As a service to our many patients who travel and use the internet to research the best value and to book their business trips and vacations, we have added to our website technology that can save you time and money. Our website has “PowerSearch™”, a proprietary comparative search engine. Simply enter your travel info once, hit search, and it hunts automatically on up to 200 travel related websites and brings back the results in order of price – plus shows you which site has the best deal. Then click on the deal you want and save money! If it’s a travel, airline, hotel, cruise, or car rental site – you no longer have to go to each and enter your dates to search and compare – one click does it all!

Get The Benefits You’re Entitled To

Get The Benefits You’re Entitled To Have you ever tucked $1,500 into your sock drawer and forgotten about it? People frequently miss out on flex spending dollars and insurance benefits when they expire unused. Never again – we’ve got you covered with an automatic tracking system!

Make a Date with Your Dentist

Make a Date with Your Dentist What can we do for your teeth that your daily brushing and flossing can't? Lots! Find out why it's important to make a regular date with your dentist, and learn what goes into deciding how often is best for your teeth.

Taking Care of Your Toothbrush

Taking Care of Your Toothbrush Your toothbrush didn’t come with an instruction booklet. However, there are many particular things you can do to keep your toothbrush gerM-Three – which of course helps your teeth and mouth stay cleaner and healthier. We've got the missing instructions for you right here!

Bits Of Wit And Wisdom

- Childhood is that wonderful time when to lose weight all you had to do was bathe.

- You can hurt people more by laughting at them than by punching them.

- Shotgun wedding: a case of wife or death.

- Watching the scenery instead of the road ahead is a good way to become part of them both.

- Teen-agers are also parent-agers.

- Reputation is precious, but character is priceless.

- We have a friend who hasn't many faults, but he makes the most of what he has.

- Tennis is a paststime where love means nothing.

- Remarriage: the triumph of hope over experience.

- Marriage is that condition where two live more cheaply than one wants to.

- Someone defined success as the art of making your mistakes when nobody's looking.

- People may doubt what you say, but they will always believe what you do.

- Married men may not be the best informed people, but they certainly are the most.

- When we were borrowing customs from the older cultures, who passed up the siesta?

- Junk is something you keep for ten years then throw away two weeks before you need it.

- Sign in a public school: " In case of terrorist attack, the rule against public prayer will be suspended."

- You can tell the size of a man by the size of the things that upset him.

- Love triangle: usually a wrecktangle.

- Some minds are like concrete: all mixed up and completely set.

- We have no quarrel with those who sell for less - they obviously know what their services are worth.

- Three essentials of public speaking: Be brief, be witty, and be seated.

- Some people have tact - others tell the truth.

- Happiness - when you round the curve at 80 mph and pass a patrol car with a flat tire. 


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Email: melissa@dallaslaserdentistry.com
Phone: 214-556-5251
Web: http://www.dallaslaserdentist.com/
7515 Greenville Avenue, Ste 810 Dallas, TX 75231

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