Keeping you safe this cold & flu season, from Dr. Andersen

With flu season in full swing, Dr. Andersen and his team are taking additional precautions to help prevent the spread of germs. To promote a healthy and clean environment, our office gives a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Andersen and team!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Andersen and his team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at W. Clark Andersen D.D.S., P.C.

Toothology, an educational and fun dental-related web site - Dr. W. Clark Andersen

Interested in learning more about dentistry and orthodontics and how to ease your anxiety when you're in the doctor's chair? If so, Dr. Andersen and his team would like to point you to a helpful web site. Toothology is a dental patient education site that "strives to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of all dental patients by offering dependable education on the genuine value of quality oral health including its impact on their career success, social success, general health, and emotional well-being."

We think you'll learn a lot, so check out Toothology today!

If you have any further questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Dr. Andersen's office, feel free to give us a call!

A Braces-Friendly Holiday Treat, from Dr. Andersen

You have braces, and you’re probably wondering what to eat this holiday season. You can’t have gum, popcorn or other delicious-but braces-unfriendly foods. But fear not! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a delicious recipe that will satisfy both your sugar craving and hunger any time of year.

Apple Bombolini
Ingredients:

Rustic dough
•9 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups)
•½ cup all purpose flour
•½ cup granulated sugar
•Pinch sea salt
•1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into large pieces
•1 tablespoon vanilla
•2 tablespoon cold water

Apple sauce filling
•4 Granny Smith apples
•1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
•1 tablespoon lemon juice
•1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
•1/3 cup granulated sugar
•1 tablespoon water

Diced apples:
•4 Granny Smith apples
•¼ cup sugar
•½ teaspoon vanilla
•½ lemon, juiced

Directions:
For the dough: In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, add the dry ingredients and mix for 5 seconds to blend. Add the butter and vanilla and mix until the butter is about the size of peas. Add the cold water and blend until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a roughly shaped ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Applesauce filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Put the apples with the rest of the ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn down the heat, and cook until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool, and refrigerate.

Diced apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into large slices. Toss with the sugar, vanilla and lemon juice and set aside.

Assemble the bomboloni: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Roll out to1/4-inch thick round. Cut into 6-inch rounds. Place about 1/4 cup of the Apple Sauce Filling onto the center of each round. Top with a few pieces of the Diced Apples. Pull the sides up towards the center to form a bundle, pinching the dough together towards top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour before baking

Bake the bombolonis: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the bombolonis from the refrigerator and place them on a greased or parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 5 servings.

Enjoy! From Dr. Andersen and his team!

What do you love about W. Clark Andersen D.D.S.?

From your very first visit to our office, Dr. Andersen and his team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Andersen? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Do you love your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback on our networks. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call!

Thank you,

Dr. Andersen and team