(Feature Impact) Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your natural teeth. They’re designed to last a lifetime and, when properly cared for, they often do. Even in the event of an infection or disease that requires additional care, most Americans agree their natural teeth are worth protecting.

In fact, a survey commissioned by the American Association of Endodontists found 61% of Americans would prefer a treatment that saves their natural tooth and about 78% would do almost anything to avoid losing one.

Despite this strong preference, many people delay or avoid dental care altogether. Financial concerns frequently disrupt dental care, with 60% of survey respondents admitting they’ve put off going to the dentist even when they suspected something was wrong. However, postponing care can turn a manageable problem into a more serious one.

When facing dental problems, like severe tooth pain or infection, some may consider removing the tooth as a quick fix. Extraction isn’t always the best solution, though, and can have lasting consequences on both oral health and confidence.

“When possible, you should always consider treatments to save your teeth,” said Dr. Craig Noblett, president, American Association of Endodontists. “You may think, ‘why not have a tooth pulled, especially if no one can see it,’ but you will know your tooth is missing and it will negatively impact your quality of life. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift, affecting your ability to properly chew and ruin your smile.”

Another option exists: root canal treatment. While survey data reveals 39% of people are equally concerned about the procedure and losing a natural tooth, 33% worry more about the procedure itself. However, advancements in technology and anesthesia have made root canals – dental procedures to remove inflamed or infected pulp inside the tooth then clean, fill and seal it – are more comfortable than their reputation suggests, similar to getting a routine filling.

To help maintain your smile for the long-term, consider these tips from Noblett to protect your natural teeth and avoid unnecessary tooth loss:

1. Act immediately when you experience symptoms of swelling or pain. Pain, swelling or sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored. Acting fast is especially critical in urgent situations. For example, fewer than half of Americans (46%) are aware that a knocked-out tooth can often be saved if treated quickly by a dental specialist. Most endodontists can accommodate emergency cases, even on weekends, ensuring you’ll be seen quickly.
2. Choose root canal treatment instead of extraction when possible. No denture, bridge or implant will look, feel and function as well as a natural tooth. In many cases, extraction is more painful than the infection itself and replacing an extracted tooth with an artificial one requires additional dental visits that can quickly add up. On the other hand, a root canal completed by an endodontist is virtually painless and typically requires less follow up. In fact, patients who experience root canals are six times more likely to describe it as painless compared to those who have a tooth extracted.
3. Ask questions about your treatment options. If your dentist recommends tooth extraction, ask whether a root canal is an alternative. A study published in the “Journal of Translational Medicine” suggests that successfully treating tooth infection and inflammation through root canal therapy may support broader health benefits, including improvements in markers related to blood sugar and cholesterol, reducing both the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
4. Look for a specialist if needed. If you’re told root canal is not an option, ask why and request a second opinion. Since endodontists can offer solutions dentists cannot, asking for a referral to a local specialist may allow for more advanced care. You can also use the American Association of Endodontists’ Find an Endodontist search tool to find a practice near you.

Learn more about how endodontists can help protect your natural teeth for a lifetime by visiting aae.org/patients.

SOURCE:

American Association of Endodontists

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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(Feature Impact) Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with the family or savoring those last few moments before rushing out the door, a filling, healthy breakfast is a perfect way to begin the day. Easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes (and can even be prepared the night before) make busy mornings a breeze.

Sheet Pan Pancakes are simple to whip up any day of the week – no flipping required – while Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins let you put protein on the menu in a kid-friendly package. When shopping for these delicious breakfasts, look for the Healthy Family Project and Produce for Kids logos to choose healthier foods and make a difference locally.

“Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful – a quick, balanced meal can help kids stay full, focused and energized for the day ahead,” said Tony Castillo, contributing registered dietitian at Healthy Family Project. “For growing kids, a protein-rich breakfast can help support energy, satiety and the building blocks they need as they develop. The best breakfast is one that’s simple, satisfying and realistic for busy mornings because consistency matters more than perfection.”

The versatility of these pancakes allows for endless customization and experimentation with different toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to savory options like cheese and spinach, making them an ideal fit for the whole family. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the toaster to have breakfast ready in a flash when hectic schedules interfere with your morning routine.

For another on-the-go solution, these breakfast muffins are made with just five ingredients, including protein pancake mix to help fuel the day. The savory combination of turkey sausage and cheddar cheese is complemented by the sweetness of onion, giving them the flavor your family desires.

To find more ways to put a nutritious breakfast on the family table, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Sheet Pan Pancakes

Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 6

•             Nonstick cooking spray
  
• 1 1/2    cups all-purpose flour
  
• 3 1/2    teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1          teaspoon salt
  
• 1 1/4    cups milk
  
• 1          large egg
  
• 2          tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  
• 1/2       cup sliced strawberries
  
• 1/4       cup blueberries
  
• 1/4       cup mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
3. Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth into even layer that covers pan. Top with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
4. Bake 5-7 minutes, or until cooked and golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.

Healthy Sausage Breakfast Muffins

Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 23 minutes

Servings: 12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
  
• 1          onion, diced
  
• 1          pound turkey sausage
  
• 4          eggs
  
• 1/2       cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1          cup protein pancake mix

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spray 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
3. Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
4. In prepared skillet over medium heat, cook onion until translucent. Add turkey sausage and cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
5. In large mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs. Add shredded cheese, pancake mix and sausage and onion mixture; mix well.
6. Fill prepared muffin cups about 3/4 full with mixture.
7. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

SOURCE:

Healthy Family Project

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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(Feature Impact) Making health-conscious decisions with your at-home menu doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require commitment and a little more foresight at the grocery store. Simple adjustments to overall eating patterns, like building your plate around produce, powerful proteins and whole grains, can encourage better health.

Nutritious meal-planning can be easy, affordable and delicious – and it all starts with a little balance. Consider this advice from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, to adequately round out a healthy plate.

Fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies

Loaded with nutrients, fresh produce is a perfect place to start each plate. Fill about half your plate with combinations of bananas, strawberries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and more of your favorites. To boost variety with each meal, look for fruit and veggie blends or step out of your usual routine and try something new.

Grocery tip: Frozen fruits and veggies are often cheaper and just as delicious as their fresh counterparts. It’s frozen right after it’s picked, locking in freshness for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to avoid products with added salt or sugar.

Carve Out a Quarter of the Plate for Powerful Proteins

Healthy food isn’t just fuel. It should be easy and nourish you, too. Look for versatile solutions that provide a protein power-up like skinless chicken breast, no-salt-added beans, low-sodium tuna, tofu or eggs.

High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support the muscles in your body. Eggs are an example, along with lean animal protein and some plant-based proteins. According to the American Heart Association’s guidelines, healthy people can include up to one whole egg daily, and up to seven per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day is acceptable.

Eggs deliver both protein and choline, nutrients that help support growing brains and bodies, especially early in life. In fact, many Americans don’t get enough choline, a critical nutrient for supporting brain development, memory and mood.

Grocery tip: Stock up on proteins that offer both versatility and affordability, helping you cook multiple meals per week without putting a dent in your wallet. Eggs are a perfect example as they can be used at any meal, not just breakfast – try them in wraps or omelets in the morning, hard-boil them to go with a lunchtime salad or add to a frittata at dinner.

Save a Corner for Whole Grains

Finally, fill that last quarter of the plate with ready-to-go whole grains, many of which provide dietary fiber that can support a healthy heart and healthy digestion. Conversely, most refined grains contain little or no fiber.

Examples of whole grains include barley, brown rice, corn, oatmeal, rolled or steel-cut oats, popcorn, quinoa, sorghum and wild rice, along with products labeled “whole grain” or “whole wheat” like bread or pasta.

Grocery tip: Look for whole grains that can make mealtime a cinch. Corn tortillas, instant oats and even popcorn can help you create nutritious plates and better-for-you snacks with the snap of your fingers. Try keeping packets of pre-cooked brown rice on hand to bulk up favorite dishes or toss with leftovers to round out a healthy plate.

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Visit Heart.org to discover more nutrition guidance for heart-healthy meals.

3 Tips to Complement a Healthy, Balanced Plate

Nutrition isn’t just about what’s on your plate – it’s also about what’s next to it and how much is on it. Pair a balanced meal with this advice to help take healthy eating to the next level.

Stay Hydrated
If it’s not already a habit, add a glass of water to each meal. Staying hydrated helps your heart pump blood throughout the body, get rid of waste and regulate body temperature. While water is the best source of hydration, water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can also play a role.

Watch Portion Sizes
Pay attention to suggested servings from your favorite food groups. For example, one slice of whole-grain bread, 1/2 cup of cooked pasta and two ounces of cheese (about the size of a domino) are the suggested serving sizes for these popular foods.

You can serve and eat smaller portions by:

• When cooking at home, offer the proper serving size to each family member then put extra food away for leftovers.
• When dining out, skip appetizers and split your meal with a friend or partner.
• Avoid eating while watching TV or at your computer. It may be harder to control how much you’re eating if you’re not paying full attention.
• Mindfully measure out your snacks – even fruits and veggies – into appropriate portions before serving instead of helping yourself directly from the bag or box.

Limit Salt
While sodium supports vital functions like controlling your body’s fluid balance, excess sodium in your bloodstream pulls water into the blood vessels, increasing the amount of blood inside them and thus increasing blood pressure. More than 70% of the sodium people eat comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods due to salt added for flavoring, stabilizing, preserving and reducing bacterial risk, according to the American Heart Association. 

Cutting back on sodium can help reduce the rise in blood pressure that occurs as you age, even if you don’t have high blood pressure now. It may also help reduce the risk of heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and more.

Try cooking more meals at home where you can control sodium intake, flavoring foods with herbs and spices instead of table salt and rinsing canned beans and vegetables to wash away excess sodium.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (family preparing meal)

SOURCE:

American Heart Association

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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