The First Thanksgiving

The First Thanksgiving



Ever wonder what the pilgrims and their Wampanoag guests really ate at the first Thanksgiving? Contrary to popular belief, they didn't sit down to a feast of turkey, corn, cranberries and pumpkin pie. They didn't even have forks!

That feast, which lasted several days, probably consisted mostly of venison, fowl and maybe even some seafood. Other table fare may have included: pumpkin, plums, chestnuts and liverwort (as seasoning). Since sugar was was scarcely available, they did not have cranberry sauce or pies (no ovens), although they used dried fruit and sweet spices such as cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in their roasting and cooking.

The best food was placed on the table near the most important person. All food was brought to table as it became ready and, as there was no passing of platters or bowls, diners ate only what was placed nearby.

Source: Kathleen Curtin, Food Historian at Plimoth Plantation


Happy Thanksgiving to all our patients and readers,

Dr. Maynard, Angela, Christy, Lindsay and Danae

Bat Cave Talk

Bat Cave Talk

Robin : Holy, hair-raiser, Batman! The pain from my sensitive teeth is like an electric charge to my head!

Batman: Hmmm. It would seem that the sensitive inside layer of your teeth is exposed to outside elements.

Robin: Zoinks, Batman! How did that happen?

Batman: It's quite simple, Robin. You may have worn enamel and/or receding gums... a prosaic pairing, to say the least.

Robin: Holy cacophony, Batman! Even touching my teeth or breathing in cold air screeches through my head like Catwoman's nails on a chalkboard.

Batman: Right again, Robin. Tooth whitening formulas, pregnancy or continuous, harsh brushing can make it even worse. But, your dentist can provide options such as desensitizing products and fluoride treatments.

Robin: Holy sonic boom, Batman! The thought of eating ice cream, breathing through my mouth, or even having my teeth cleaned, sends me through the roof! I'd better call my dentist! Thanks, Batman!

Batman: Um, you need to wash the Batmobile first.

Hi-Tech Means No Pain!

Hi-Tech Means No Pain!


There is a cool tool I use in my practice called the WAND. Since I began using it 10 years ago, my dental patients now regard anesthetic injection as a much more pleasant and positive experience.

The WAND looks like and weighs about as much as a pen, making it easy to hold. It is connected to a computer which controls the speed and flow of anesthetic. This control means “comfort” for the patient. From the start, the WAND pre-anesthetizes the pinpointed area, paving the way to painless and effective numbing. Since the source of discomfort for most people is actually the anesthetic flowing, many will definitely be relieved at how painless the whole injection will feel. It is also possible to reduce the lingering numbness of the tongue, lips and face.

Like white fillings, the WAND is a great technological advancement for dentistry that may benefit anyone who sees a dentist.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding


We all know about breast milk’s nutritional health benefits. But what is surprising to many is how influential breastfeeding is to mouth and jaw development, oral health and home care habits

For breastfeeding, harder sucking is required to get at the milk than for drinking from an artificial nipple. According to lactation experts, breastfed babies develop better “U-shaped” arches which can reduce the need for orthodontic treatment later. Potential for snoring and sleep apnea (irregular breathing) is also decreased by this arch development.

Babies breastfed exclusively may also be at lower risk for developing cavities; there is no threat of “baby bottle tooth decay” because there is no bottle left in the mouth overnight.
As for long-term oral care habits, a study of Swedish, breastfed toddlers found that the children brushed more frequently, used fluoride toothpaste and ate less cavity-developing foods at night.

Is Your Budget Too Tight for Tooth Care?

Is Your Budget Too Tight for Tooth Care?


In a period of economic melt-down, having a toothache would be icing on the cake for many who already have overdue bills and an upside down mortgage.

In pain, and broke and the root canal will be $800. The new crown will be $850.

You have no dental insurance and credit cards are not an option. Outside of borrowing from family or friends, the best option is to finance treatment with a company that specializes in loaning money for dental work. Being approved is more possible than you think. After filling out a simple application in your dentist's office, you can get the good news before your emergency exam is over. Some payment plans are even interest-free for up to 18 months!

If you do have insurance, dental financing can help to pay any of your portion.

When you need dental care now, dental financing is a great option.