January 28th, 2014
Did you know... Giraffes have 32 teeth just like humans?!
While they may have the same number of teeth as humans, our teeth do not look the same. Instead of the smooth enamel found on the teeth of humans and other mammals, giraffes have rough enamel on their teeth. And if you've ever wondered why you've never seen a buck-toothed giraffe, it's because they don't actually have upper front teeth (like in the cute picture above!) -- they only have lower front teeth! Luckily they have a 20 inch tongue to help them eat their food!
Happy Toothsday from Jacques Dentistry in Greenville, SC!
January 21st, 2014
Yes, there is actually a day -- January 21st, to be exact! -- set aside to promote hugging! The holiday was originally started to help boost people's spirits during that dreary lull between Christmas and Valentine's day. It may seem silly, but did you know that hugging is good for your health?
Human contact has been shown to benefit health and to improve psychological and physical development -- that's why it's important to hug your kids everyday! Hugging also can help to build a strong immune system, to decrease the risk of heart problems, such as heart disease, and to decrease the level of the stress hormone cortisol in women.
A hug lasting for 20 seconds decreases stress hormones (cortisol) and increases the hormone oxytocin, which can be thought of as the "bonding hormone," that makes people feel a more meaningful connection to each other. Increased levels of oxytocin are related to lower blood pressure, lower stress, and improved sleep patterns.
Now, we're not suggesting that you just start going up to whomever you seeing and giving them a big bear hug! But if you hug those important people in your life that you are the most close to, you all will end up feeling better! So make sure that you give your loved ones an extra long hug today -- and maybe everyday from now on! You only have your health to gain!
Please enjoy an air hug from us at Jacques Dentistry!
January 21st, 2014
Did you know... An elephant's molars can weigh up to 10 pounds! That's a lot of weight to carry around!
Hope you have a Happy Toothsday from all of us at Jacques Dentistry in Greenville, SC.
January 19th, 2014
Although, who needs a reason to celebrate popcorn?! This crunchy, addictive snack can also be a healthy alternative to junk food if you prepare it the right way. That means no microwaved pre-packaged popcorn with "real" (ahem, fake!) butter product! There are methods for making homemade microwaved or stove-popped popcorn that can't be beat.
For microwaved popcorn, put 1/4 cup of regular popcorn kernels in a paper bag and fold down the bag opening twice. Microwave for 1 and 1/2 to 2 minutes, and you've got popcorn! If you notice that the kernels stop popping every 1 to 2 seconds, then take the bag out earlier to prevent burning.
Another delicious way to prepare popcorn is on your stove top. Get out a medium pot that has a lid and a handle and pour enough vegetable or canola oil to cover the bottom with about 1/8 inch of oil. Throw in 3 popcorn kernels, put the lid on, turn the heat to medium, and wait. Once you've heard the kernels pop, then you know the pot is hot enough. Pour in enough popcorn kernels so that they are just covered by the oil, replace the lid, and stand by for popping! As you hear the kernels pop, gently shake the pan to help the un-popped kernels reach the bottom. As popping continues, you may see the lid start to rise -- have a bowl nearby to catch the emerging kernels! Continue gently shaking the pot until popping stops. Yum!
Some favorite ways to enjoy popcorn include topping it with pepper and olive oil or with salt and brewer's yeast, which gives a cheesy, buttery taste. What's your favorite popcorn topping?
And it's always a good idea to watch out for those old maids that didn't get popped! Biting into a hard popcorn kernel can crack or chip teeth, so eat with care. And be sure to floss afterwards -- popcorn hulls can easily get stuck in between teeth and gums, causing pain and soreness if not removed. Just a friendly reminder from your Greenville, SC, dentist and staff at Jacques Dentistry! :)
Tell us about your favorite way to prepare and enjoy popcorn. Happy popping!
