Month: November 2011

Want a Brighter Smile

What Do Brides Regret Most? While nothing can replace the warm feeling of loved ones gathering at a wedding to celebrate new beginnings, brides often look back on that day with a few regrets. One of the most prevailing regrets is not making time to whiten teeth before the big day. Planning all the events… Read more »

Get Ready for Thanksgiving

What in Turkey Makes Me Sleepy? The reason many people believed that turkey caused tiredness is due to the high content of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that increases the brain’s production of serotonin. Researchers now believe that the amount of tryptophan in turkey is not sufficient to make you take a nap. Though an… Read more »

The Great American Smokeout

What is the Great American Smokeout? The American Cancer Society puts on the Great American Smokeout every third Thursday in November to raise awareness about the harmful side effects of tobacco. Even though tobacco is still the leading cause of premature deaths and preventable diseases in the United States.  It’s shocking that despite tobacco’s grip… Read more »

Big Dental Problems from Premature Birth

November is Prematurity Awareness Month The March of Dimes sponsors Prematurity Awareness Month every November, and World Prematurity Day is November 17th. As a family dentist in Pella, IA, Dr. Allen wants to let you know how premature birth can affect dental health. Premature birth in humans is defined as birth with less than 37… Read more »

The Taste Bud Sensory Experiment

Your tongue is amazing! It’s covered with microscopic hairs called microvilli, also known as taste buds. These tiny receptors send messages to the brain, letting you “sense” your favorite foods.  Don’t believe me? Try this experiment: You’ll need a glass of salt water, sugar water, lemon water, tonic water, pencil and paper, and Mom or… Read more »