916-546-4629 • 14 • www.DeLurgioAndBlom.com • Orthodontic Specialists!

The Smile Linefrom DeLurgio and Blom Orthodontics

916-546-4629 www.DeLurgioAndBlom.com Orthodontic Specialists

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PAID BOISE, ID

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916-546-4629 info@delurgioandblom.com

www.DeLurgioAndBlom.com

We LOVE our patients! If you have family or friends who can benefit

from our services, we would love to meet them!

andrea b. delurgio, d.d.s., m.s.d.

Hendrik F. blom, d.d.s.

DeLurgio and Blom Orthodontics 8035 Madison Ave, Suite G2Citrus Heights, CA 95628

Michelle H.Lily M.

Samantha C.Veronica H.

Mary W.Karen R.

Jill A.Jesus G.

FROM OUR Patients...

An Orthodontic Transformation PAGE 1

Valentine’s Ideas to Reignite the Spark PAGE 2-3

5 Tips To Teach Kids Good Habits PAGE 2

Recipe: Chocolate Fondue PAGE 3

Hidden Risks for Diabetics PAGE 3

Patient of the Month A Special Thank You PAGE 4

Inside This Issue:

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to those who referred a new patient or posted a review!

14 MONTHS

Catie M.

PATIENT MONTH

OF THE

FEBRUARY 2015

“I wasn’t very excited when I found out I had to get braces for what was estimated to be two years. Thankfully Dr. DeLurgio introduced me to the Accelendent Device © which saved me an entire year. My braces are off earlier than I expected and my teeth and bite are perfect, I couldn’t be happier with the results.”

- Catie M.

One such transformation was undertaken by one of our young

patients, A.S. He was born with a left cleft lip and palate. Today,

A.S. is a happy, healthy 16-year-old, but it was quite the journey.

His mother cannot say enough about the results and the

happiness of her son. She says he beams with confidence. He

loves being a part of photos, and loves to show off his wonderful

smile. She calls the results nothing short of a miracle.

When he first came to us, A.S. was 7 years old. Dr. Blom decided

it was the right time to start the correction process. The

procedure to repair a cleft lip and palate is team oriented and it

takes a significant amount of strategy, long-term treatment, and

the complete commitment of the patient and parents to produce

a result that is both functionally and esthetically correct.

It’s not uncommon for orthodontics to be viewed as a practice

that is solely focused on teeth. For many patients, it’s about

braces and making sure everything is aligned correctly after

treatment. Behind-the-scenes, orthodontics is much more

comprehensive. While teeth play a major role in what we

do, there is a lot that happens below the surface--what isn’t

immediately seen. Orthodontics includes the jaw, the gums,

and the overall health of the mouth, as well as the many

systems these influence. These elements are not independent

of one another.

And then there is growth and development. Orthodontists see

a lot of children and teens who are still growing and changing,

adding another variable. In cleft lip and palate patients, there

are frequently missing or displaced parts. It requires strategy to

adapt to those differences. As A.S. was

growing, Dr. Blom had to take special

care when considering treatments. He

calls it a “Detective Story” and one that

goes far beyond teeth. It requires an

understanding about physical and oral

development as well as the psychological

maturation and well-being of the child.

Before A.S. began treatment, he was

physically missing part of the structure

right below the left nose. It was void of

teeth, gums, nose, lip and bone. These

can be repaired. But it goes beyond

what’s physically missing--it’s also about

replacing and rearranging misaligned

parts. All the while, building confidence as

normalcy takes shape.

While the orthodontist plays a major

role of bringing this all together, it

really takes the efforts of a team. It’s a

dedicated group of specialists working

closely to make sure everything comes

to fruition. This includes pediatricians,

periodontists, plastic surgeons, oral

surgeons, ear, nose, and throat specialists,

speech pathologists, and more. The goal

of this team is to create a semblance

of normalcy for the patient. They put

together a plan, from beginning to end,

and proper sequencing. A.S. was first

examined at age seven and his final

occlusal correction completed at age

fifteen. In the case of A.S., it is a testament

to good treatment and commitment

by the patient, parents and team of

clinicians.

A child who has a cleft lip and palate condition makes for a

challenging correction. Getting the facial and dental complex in order

can be a long and involved journey that is facilitated by a team of

healthcare specialists.

2 • www.DeLurgioAndBlom.com • Orthodontic Specialists! 916-546-4629 • 3

1. Use the carrot, not the stick. For most kids, punishment is

not the ideal tool for encouraging good habits or decisions.

Instead, it primarily focuses on children’s faults as opposed to

what they’re doing right. Rewarding kids for their good habits and

decisions will go a lot further than scolding them for their bad ones.

2. Set the example. As most of us know, it’s nearly impossible

to convince a child to do the right thing if you’re not doing it

yourself. So if you’re trying to teach good habits, you’ll need to look

in the mirror first to ensure that you’re practicing what you preach.

3. Use the 21-day rule. Habits are hard to form, whether they’re

good or bad. Studies have consistently shown that it takes

approximately 21 days for a habit to establish a pathway in our brains.

When focusing on forming good habits, keep this timeframe in mind

and try to stick to the ritual for three weeks. By the end, if your kids have

been doing it every day for that period, the neurological process will

have been formed.

4. Kids are far from perfect. This statement can be said for most

of us; no one is perfect. And expecting your children to be is

more than far-fetched. Try to use failures as teaching opportunities and

explain the reasoning behind things. This will help them to understand

the “whys” of their decision-making in the future.

5. Celebrate the small things. Go out of your way to find things to

celebrate about with your kids. This can be anything from small

changes to large. Just remember that positive reinforcement goes a lot

longer than other forms of teaching.

We all know that we’re supposed to brush and floss every day,

if not twice a day. It’s been drilled into us since we were kids.

But why exactly do we need to? One word: periodontitis. And

if you’re one of the 26 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes, you

need to pay special attention. The most common side effects of diabetes

include nerve issues and a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney

problems... but gum disease holds one of the top spots on that list as well.

Periodontitis is an evil that those without diabetes should be more aware

of. In short, it’s a bacterial infection in the gums. That word should scare

you—bacteria. Diabetes results in a weaker immune system, so it takes

longer for you to get over bacterial colds and fight infection. Just imagine

the battle that must be waging in your mouth! It starts with pain when you

chew, but things get really nasty when your gums begin to pull away from

your teeth. Pockets inevitably form, fill with pus, and, if left untreated, can

cause your teeth to fall out. Gross, right? Not to mention painful.

If that doesn’t scare you into action, this will: periodontitis is not only a

risk for those with diabetes, but it can also cause diabetes to progress.

However, there are ways to help prevent it:

Be diligent when it comes to taking care of your teeth and gums.

This means brushing twice a day AND flossing. But don’t just run the

brush across the front of your teeth and call it good; work the bristles

between your gum line and your teeth, and behind your teeth. When

you’re done, FLOSS!

Your blood levels should be regulated many times a day. The more

regular and consistent you keep your glucose levels, the lower your

risk of developing periodontitis.

Dentists are taught to catch the earliest signs of any mouth-related

irregularity. By seeing your doctor every six months, you can help keep

your mouth bacteria-free.

You’ve probably heard it many times before, but make sure (especially if

you have diabetes) that you exercise, eat healthfully, keep your glucose

under control, and watch your cholesterol. Unfortunately, being diabetic

increases your risk for many things—don’t make “gum disease” just one

more thing you have to put up with. See your doctor regularly and take

care of your health. That means your teeth too.

Back to Basics.

Regular Checkups.

Watch Your Glucose Levels.Ingredients

Directions

HIDDEN RISKS for

We’re always looking for new ideas to help our children form better habits. Getting them to follow good practices and make things routine at a young age will help them for years to come. Here’s a short list of ways you can help your child create better habits that will help them throughout their lives.

• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon brewed espresso

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt • 1 banana, peeled and cut

into 8 pieces • 8 1-inch chunks fresh

pineapple • 4 strawberries

1. Place chocolate, cream, espresso, vanilla and salt in a medium microwave-safe bowl; microwave on medium, stirring every 20 seconds, until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Pour the chocolate mixture into a serving bowl. Serve with fruit.

DIABETICS

TIPS TO TEACH KIDS GOOD HABITS

Ideas to REIGNITE the Spark

Regardless of how long you’ve been with your sweetheart, come Valentine’s Day, it can be difficult to think of something fun and romantic to do that isn’t (A) super expensive, or (B) overly cheesy. And even though your significant other may claim to not care about the holiday, telling you that V-Day is for squares, there’s nothing wrong with a little surprise and delight come February 14th. But, if you can’t think of anything, here are a few date ideas that will have him or her swooning in no time:

If it’s your boo that you’re trying to impress, nothing says, “I

love you,” like a walk on the wild side. It doesn’t have to be

anything too crazy, but taking your one and only skydiving,

on a helicopter tour, or on a rigorous hike can not only get

the adrenaline pumping, but also strengthen your love and

trust in one another. After all, what’s more romantic than

cheating death together?

Although some people scoff at handmade gifts, there

really is something special about handing someone a gift

that you made with your own two hands. Sure, it may

not be as pristine as a store bought gift, but that little bit

of imperfection is endearing and a great way to show

your gratitude to someone who’s chosen to stick by you

through thick and thin. If you go this route though, don’t

wait until the last minute. Put in the effort and unleash your

inner heart eyes emoji.

Now, for the hopeless romantics out there, spilling your

guts and getting all mushy around Valentine’s Day is pretty

inevitable. However, for those more guarded lovebirds, it

can be hard to really express your undying adoration for

someone. So, when planning your V-Day festivities, keep

the little things in mind. If there’s something he or she

mentioned always wanting to do, make that happen for

them and you’ll be on your way to a happily ever after.

So, even though tensions are high and the pressure is on around

Valentine’s Day, it really doesn’t take much to make it a day and

or night to remember. Just don’t be afraid to get a little sappy.

More often than not, putting yourself out there and opening up

can go a long way. And if you’re still having trouble coming up

with ideas, just watch “The Notebook.” After all, when in doubt,

go with Gosling.