It turns out the Mayans were wrong regarding their apocalyptic predictions for 2012– phew! Our pale blue dot is still here and all of us can look forward to another year of working together to make it greener and more sustainable. Let’s take a look back at some of the big environmental news stories from 2012 that will continue to be big challenges for us in this new year. 

Hurricane Sandy
During a presidential race that was conspiciously absent of a real discussion about climate change, the East Coast was slammed by one of the costliest and deadliest storms in its history. New York and New Jersey saw the loss of over a hundred lives and billions worth of property damage. Sandy’s rampage brought the terms Superstorm and Frankenstorm into the Zeitgeist and confirmed what scientists have been warning us about for years: changes to Earth’s temperature will continue to create more extreme weather events. Read more facts about Superstorm Sandy here.

Arctic Ice Does Disappearing Act
This year also saw almost 20 percent of Arctic ice melt, an unprecedented and record-setting number that sets the stage for a much quicker thaw than most scientists have anticipated in the past. As the ice melts, the air above the North Pole becomes warmer and alters weather patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. The ice also contributes to rising water levels that threaten the livelihoods of people in coastal cities and countries. Opportunistic oil companies like Shell have seized on the opportunity as a way of reaching previously inaccessible drilling locations, adding more fuel to the fire that’s warming our planet. Find out more about our vanishing ice shelf here.

Plastic Bags Are in the Past
For residents of San Francisco, this was also the year that saw a ban on plastic bags go into effect. The city ordinance disallowed all retailers from using plastic shopping bags that were once synonymous with buying just about anything. The trend seems to be continuing, with other cities in California also becoming early adopters of the policy. States like Hawaii have already implemented similar bans. Meanwhile, New Jersey is considering jumping on the bandwagon as well. 

Fracking Debate Revs Up
Fracking entered the mainstream in a big way this year, with more people becoming aware of the issue as the US government and politicians around the world look for new sources of energy to power an increasingly energy-hungry world.The controversial practice that combines explosives and hydraulics to extract natural gas from deep within the Earth has raised environmental concerns about preserving water supplies and air quality. As a relatively new technology, the totality of its long term effects is still a partial mystery, but some people have already suggested that it could trigger earthquakes. Learn more about fracking here.

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As you enjoy a warm hot chocolate or take a drink of some chilled champagne this holiday season, you may notice that your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be. With age, it’s natural for teeth to become a bit more susceptible to heat, cold and pain. However, you don’t want to miss a sign that something is amiss.  If your teeth, gums or mouth are feeling particularly tender, you should be aware that it could be an indication of bigger oral health issues.

Sensitive teeth can arise for a variety of reasons. One is simply that over time, enamel wears down. Some things accelerate the deterioration of enamel. For instance, drinking a lot of acidic things like juice can speed up the process. Alcohol or drug abuse can be particularly detrimental to your enamel and can even cause your teeth to fall out. 

You may also be suffering from cavities in some cases. Particularly nasty cavities can leave more sensitive parts of your teeth and gums exposed. Even small cavities that are invisible to the naked eye can contribute to pain in your mouth. The same goes for cracks or fissures on the surface of your teeth.

Sensitive teeth and gums could also be an indication of gum disease. If your gums are bloody and swollen, sensitivity in your teeth might just be another symptom of a more serious kind of illness or infection.

Have you had dental work done recently? It’s typical for teeth and gums to be sensitive even after a standard procedure like a general cleaning. There’s no need to fret in this case, since this type of sensitivity usually goes away with time.

If you’ve had surgery or bridgework done, then you can definitely expect to feel some lingering sensitivity from those procedures. If past work is becoming faulty (like a filling becoming loose), sensitive teeth may be a sign that you need to return to your dentist and get things fixed.

It’s always a good idea to check in with your dentist about excessive tooth sensitivity, especially if it’s affecting your quality of life and your ability to enjoy your favorite foods and drink! Your problem may be as simple as brushing less vigorously. It might turn out to be more complex, requiring a comprehensive treatment plan. Whatever the case, be sure to communicate openly with your dentist to make sure you don’t miss out next time someone pours you an ice-cold glass of bubbly to celebrate. 

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It may have taken five full years since its conception, but this year finally marked the beginning of San Francisco’s ban on plastic bags. With shopping in full swing for the holiday season, customers are noticing the change (which started October 1st) in a big way. Does it feel like a nuisance to some? Most certainly. But it’s important to remember what led the city to making this change in the first place.

The law arose from a variety of environmental considerations. With Americans disposing of nearly 100 billion plastic bags a year (a tiny fraction of which are ever recycled), the city saw an opportunity to zero in on one portion of its waste production that could have a serious overall impact.

The lifespan of a plastic bag is incredibly short. Most customers dispose of them a few hours after receiving them. Where do they end up? They fill up streets, collect around sewage entrances where they impede the proper functioning of waterways, litter the landscape, or end up in places where they are confused for food by birds and marine life.

Plastic bags also take thousands of years to break down. Even then, small, toxic particles end up trickling into soil and water where they remain for much longer. Plastic bags also require a tremendous amount of petroleum to produce en masse.

The results of the ban in San Francisco will take years to quantify. One thing’s for certain, though. Other cities in California and around the world are looking to us as a model. Paris and London are considering their own bans on plastic bags. So is New Jersey. In San Jose, where plastic bags have already been banned, local officials are looking to take on other sources of waste like foam takeout boxes.

Meanwhile, some entrepreneurs are taking advantage of these emerging bans to create sustainable solutions. Checkout the Chicobag, a reusable shopping bag that is so compact you can take it just about anywhere when it’s folded up.

Looking to learn more about San Francisco’s ban on plastic bags and how its affecting other cities’ decision to implement similar laws? Check out this story from NPR.

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We all know that we have the ability to pass on and instill lots of great values in our kids, but what about our fears and anxieties? Do those get passed along as well? Whether we’re conscious of it or not, our behavior around certain topics or activities can have a big effect on how our kids perceive and approach them as well. By demonstrating fear, you could be setting up your child to inherit your own phobias.

A new study shows that your fear of visiting the dentist can be easily passed onto your kids as well. A household with a parent who openly displays fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist is much more likely to also house children who share that fear.

Interestingly enough, fathers appear to play a key role in all of this. According to the study, “little children pay a much greater attention to the father’s emotional reaction during the decision making process on whether they should be afraid of the dentist or not.”

What can you do to lessen the likelihood of developing a phobia? Make sure that when you discuss the dentist around small children, you frame things in a positive light. Some obvious tips include refraining from sharing anecdotes of negatives experiences you may have had. Some more subtle adjustments can be just as impactful. Your body language and facial expressions, for instance, convey more than you think.

The way you act at the dentist is just as important as the way you behave when you’re scheduling an appointment or traveling back and forth. While at the office, try to avoid anxious behavior. Make jokes or bring activities and games to do while you’re waiting. It’s not a bad idea to associate a visit to the dentist with a little bit of recreational time!

Knowing and identifying your dentist by name can be an effective way of dispelling fear as well. Instead of visiting “the dentist,” which can sound spooky because of its anonymity, say you’re visiting Dr. Patel instead! Your kids are more likely to have less fear if they can associate a friendly face with their upcoming visit.

The best part of all is that by refraining from anxious behavior, you’ll notice a change in yourself as well. The less you entertain your own fears and worries, the more likely you are to let them go.

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Do you read to your kids? The myriad benefits of sharing a book every night are sometimes deadened by stories that are solely focused on entertaining for a few minutes. Let’s face it, a lot of kids’ entertainment and literature is seriously lacking when it comes to passing on the values you might be looking to share with your young ones. Even worse, a lot of books talk down to children by refusing to engage big ideas like personal responsibility.

Sure, children’s books should be fun and silly, but storytime is also an essential way to pass on important values. Why not mix in books that go the extra distance and get your kids thinking about their place in the world and what they can do to contribute? To get your kid thinking about the importance of the environment, here are some great books to check out on your next trip to the library.

The Lorax
When it comes to classic children’s literature, it’s pretty hard to beat Dr. Seuss. His whimsical style has a universal, timeless appeal that adults will love, too, and the artwork is lovingly rendered by Seuss himself. The Lorax doesn’t shy away from talking about consumerism and its effects on the environment. It shows how high the stakes are while opening the door for hope through personal action. It’s deceptively simple format belies a surprisingly sophisticated message that’s a great conversation starter for the whole family.

The Giving Tree
Triple hanky alert. This one is a tear-jerker. Written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, this classic book is more of an extended poem. Viewed through an environmental lense, it reveals our interconnectedness with nature and highlights how the environment is an important part of every stage of our lives. Ultimately, it’s a story of companionship and generosity that you’ll never forget after you read. **Sniff**

Who is Jane Goodall?
This one isn’t a staple of children’s literature the way the two previous books is, but it’s still a terrific way to introduce your kids to one of the most important figures of modern ecology: Jane Goodall. If you have daughters, this can be a great way of ditching princesses in distress for a more well-rounded woman who has made a remarkable career out of wildlife preservation.

The Great Kapok Tree
This is another great book about the importance of preservation, set in an exciting setting, the rainforest. This one is great for younger kids and you’ll be sure to enjoy the painstakingly drawn images of the rainforest along the way. It really does a fantastic job in showing the complexity of ecosystems and opening the door to considering how disrupting one element of wildlife can have wider implications for all other kinds of flora and fauna.

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Most people with bad breath probably don’t realize that they have a problem until some good (and very candid!) samaritan lets them know. You might be missing out on opportunities to connect with new friends, love interests or even job opportunities because of bad breath. There’s nothing quite like a foul odor coming from your mouth to ruin a first impression. More importantly, halitosis, as bad breath is termed in medical circles, can be an indication of poor oral health or more serious issues like infection.

The causes are plentiful. Many times, bad breath is due to bacteria that are allowed to reproduce on the top of the tongue during the day and in the night. Without regular brushing, these microbes are free to thrive, causing unpleasant aromas as they multiply. The back of the tongue is a particularly desirable place for bacteria to grow, since it’s often ignored. Make sure you brush twice a day.

Besides the tongue, the mouth holds lot of nooks and crannies for bacteria to have a field day. If your teeth have some overlap, are crooked or misaligned, it can become easier for food to stay stuck there, providing sustenance for microorganisms. Flossing can help dislodge food remnants and help keep your breath fresh and clean. Ill fitting dentures, bad bridgework or a unclean retainer can also be culprits when it comes to bad breath. Make sure you check in with your dentist as soon as any dental work in your mouth becomes faulty.

Truly bad breath (often characterized by an extremely pungent “hard-boiled egg” or sulfuric smell) can also be caused by advanced gum disease or even sinus infections. If your breath is unbearably bad, don’t hesitate to go check in with your dentist. Although it’s very rare, bad breath could also be an indication of issues with your tonsils, esophagus and even stomach.

The best best is to always practice good oral hygiene, which means brushing twice a day, rinsing your mouth with water after meals, and flossing periodically. Don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist, as well!

Looking for more tips to help you with mild bad breath? Discovery Health has some ideas.

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Planning on hosting a big turkey dinner tomorrow? Thanksgiving is upon us and with it comes the promise of some downtime with friends and family while we all indulge in some of our favorite dishes. But a big party with lots of guests can mean a mess if you don’t think ahead. Here are some tips for keeping things tidy, while also minimizing your impact on the environment. 

Give Central Heating a Rest
With lots of guests coming over, you can give central heating a rest, even if it’s feeling chilly indoors. With lots of people in a closed space, let body heat do the work. You’ll save energy and money. If you’re in a small apartment, the heat from a working oven can also help keep things toasty.

Use Reusable Shopping Bags
While you’re doing your shopping, make sure you use reusable canvas bags. Remember, paper and plastic bags from stores now cost YOU everytime you use them in San Francisco. Save yourself the surcharge while you help the environment along the way.

Let it Soak
If you don’t have a dishwasher (which uses less water than handwashing) let dishes soak overnight. You won’t waste time, water and effort trying to scrape the stubborn remains of food out your casserole dish. You’ll have more time to enjoy with your guests, and an easier time getting things clean in the morning after grease and grime have had a chance to loosen up over night.

Don’t Let Food Go to Waste
Plan ahead and think about how much food you’ll need for the amount of guests you have. You’ll need about 1 pound of turkey per person. Explore some creative recipes for making things like turkey stew or inventive turkey sandwiches with leftovers. Set up a station in advance for guests to easily wrap up food to take with them at the end of the night. You could even invest in compostable take out boxes that won’t create additional waste.

Set Up Bins for Sorting
Set up bins for sorting garbage ahead of time. Clearly label bins with ‘recycling,’ ‘garbage’ and ‘compost.’ By the end of the night, you’ll be too stuffed to worry about separating garbage out, so save yourself the heartache by letting your guests do the sorting for you as the night wraps up.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving from All of Your Friends at Green Dentistry!

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For a lot of Californians, and San Francisco voters in particular, Prop. 37 should have been a no-brainer. Instead, it ended up being one of the most contentious ballot measures up for vote this year, with a very close race that ultimately ended in its defeat. The proposed measure would have required the labeling of many Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and would have been the first law of its kind in the United States.

Californians have a reputation for erring on the side of being health conscious, and the proposed change to labeling is one that’s already been put in place in 61 countries around the world, so what happened here?

One strong argument is that the Yes on 37 campaign didn’t make enough of a case for the dangers of GMOs. Instead, they sold the proposition with the slogan “Because We Have the Right to Know What’s in Our Food!” While most Californians probably agree with that statement, a more successful campaign might have focused on what the dangers of continuing to have unlabeled GMOs. That kind of information was notably absent, and it’s partially because there isn’t an incontrovertible body of scientific research to say exactly what those effects would be.

With big companies like Monsanto on their side, No on 37 was able to bankroll a massive campaign that touted a slew of unintentional consequences if the bill were to pass. They claimed the proposition would raise the price of groceries for families, open the door for lawsuits against local grocers and small farmers, and contained too many loopholes and exemptions for certain kinds of foods. Was this true? Not everyone agrees, and the No on 37 campaign stands accused of deliberately publishing and televising misinformation to confuse voters.

No on 37 also managed to pick up a lot of endorsements from state media outlets. You can read a whole slew of editorials from across California right here, all rejecting Prop 37.

So what’s next for the Yes on 37 folks? Some are hoping that nearly 3.3 million uncounted votes could swing the decision in their favor– that’s if they are counted. Meanwhile, the strong coalition of supporters for GMO labeling has not dissolved overnight and are now pushing for genetically engineered foods to be labeled at the federal level. It may not be a lock in, but a tight race definitely indicates that voters could still be persuaded to support the measure if it ever comes up again.

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The San Francisco Green Festival is just around the corner (November 10-11) and Green Dentistry is excited to participate once again! If you’ve never been before, it’s a terrific way to meet other people, businesses and organizations that are passionate about finding green solutions to our world’s problems. Innovation, collaboration and most of all, community, all abound as the nation’s premier sustainability event turns a decade old.

What can you expect? There’s a lot to see and do in the span of two days. There’s delicious fair trade, organic and vegetarian foods to sample all day long. There’ll be movie screenings, hundreds of speakers, activities for kids and a lot of chances to learn about and directly interact with countless exhibitors who are leading the way in green solutions. You can hear straight from the people who are leading the way to a greener world, while sharing your ideas and making conn
ections along the way.

You can check out the entire, massive program for San Francisco online. Some highlights include an address from Amy Goodman, the award-winning investigative journalist who’s also the host of the news program Democracy Now. You can also be one of the first people to test drive Ford Motor’s new line of green vehicles! 

That’s not all the interactive activities. One of the great things about the festival is the forums set up to encourage active participation and dialogue. This isn’t your usual conference with a few breakout sessions and minimal chances to discuss what you’re hearing and learning about. Check out the Community Action Stage, which focuses on local issues like urban forests, green jobs, oil spills and global sustainability. 

It’s not too late to sign up for all of the fun. You can still get tickets or support the festival while volunteering (perks include enjoying the festival for free and getting a free t-shirt!). 

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Green Festival in San Francisco without the participation of Green Dentistry! We’ll be at booth 324 ready to share information about how we’ve been doing our part to move towards a healthier planet as a green dental practice. We hope to see all of you there, and if you’re at the festival, remember to stop by and say hi!

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It’s never too early to start teaching kids about the environment and how they can positively affect it. Good stewardship of the Earth is a wonderful value to instill in your kids, since it enables them to think about how their actions affect the world around them. It also empowers them with the knowledge that they’re able to change the world through their daily actions. With a few simple activities, you can create some truly memorable moments at home that spur creativity while teaching children about the important role they play in preserving the environment. 

Start a Compost Bin
This is a really great project, especially if you have a backyard or garden that requires fertilizer. If you have a yard, you can start a compost pile right there on the ground. If you’re indoors, you’ll definitely want to use a large airtight plastic container to make sure bugs, worms and other creepy crawlies stay where they’re needed and wanted–inside the container!

Start with a bit of black dirt, which is already rich in organisms that are great at breaking down organic material. Then, just toss in scraps of fruits and vegetables you gather while cooking. You’ll want to make sure that you don’t add things like meat, bread, bones, dairy products, or oil into the mix. These ingredients can rot, creating foul odors and attracting rodents. Add a few earthworms for some rich fertilizer that will breathe new life into potted plants or an outdoor garden.

Make a “Green Checklist” Together
Here’s something that the whole family can work on together. It encourages looking at everyone’s daily habits and deciding together what changes can be made as a family to have a more positive effect on the environment.

Talk through some daily activities everyone in the house performs. Some examples are watching television, brushing teeth, buying books, and taking a shower.

The checklist should be a way of looking at all these activities and creating green alternatives along the way. For instance, showering for shorter amounts of time, renting books from the library instead of buying new ones, and turning off the TV when no one is using it are all easy modifications that reflect a better awareness of our impact on the Earth. More importantly, if these suggestions come straight from your young ones, they’re more likely to follow them. It was their idea, after all! Here’s a checklist you can use as a guide.

Use Discarded Objects to Start a Garden
Even if your living space is very confined, you can make room for a little garden using discarded items like tin cans. Take a small metal can and fill it with dirt and a few seeds to turn it into an instant planter. You’ll want to add small holes in the can somewhere to ensure that water will drain. To catch the water, you can place the tin can in a larger can that’s been cut in half. Careful, you definitely want to leave this part of the task up to an adult, as tin cans can be extremely sharp!

As for what to grow, that’s entirely up to you, but we recommend something fairly low maintenance that can also be helpful in the kitchen. How about growing some herbs? They can be used in cooking and are a great way of showing children that not everything needs to be store-bought. With a little ingenuity, nature can provide!

Have a larger space? Great! A big backyard is a great place to put those old rubber tires to use. It’s a more involved project, but it can be a great bonding experience. For extra flare, paint the tires different colors or with fun motifs that your kids pick out.

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