Brite Smiles Educates the Public on Flossing

Apple Valley, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley shares some of the ins and outs of flossing and how it fits into your dental routine.

Throughout the day, bacteria builds up on your teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Brushing your teeth will remove the plaque. If it’s left on your teeth undisturbed it will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with special tools by a dental professional. Toothbrush bristles can’t always reach into every tiny crevice and that’s where flossing comes in.

Why We Floss:
Flossing removes the food particles and sticky bacteria called plaque from between your teeth and underneath gums that brushing can’t reach. Flossing daily prevents plaque from building up under the gums and can prevent puffy, bleeding and irritated gums. Flossing promotes fresher breath, keeps your gums healthy and can help prevent cavities, gingivitis and even heart disease.

How Flossing Works:
Flossing is important, but so is the technique. When flossing you need to gently slide the floss between the teeth, wrap it around both the back and front of each tooth, gently move the floss down under the gum tissue and move it up and down a few times on each side of the tooth. Your hygienist can review correct flossing technique if you have any questions. They can also show you different flossing aids if you find traditional flossing difficult.

When Should You Floss?
Experts say it doesn’t really matter when you floss. Some people prefer to floss before they brush, some after they brush. Any time of the day that you can fit flossing into your routine is better than not flossing at all.

Despite the current controversy about flossing versus not flossing, Brite Smiles Dental Care hygienists strongly recommend flossing. “If you have any questions or need any help on the proper technique – please give us a call or ask your hygienist at your next appointment.”

David A., a recent patient stated “Dr. Simmons is kind and compassionate and takes the time to answer all of my concerns.”

And from Ann R.: “Rachel and Dr. Edstrom are the best. Totally comfortable, trust them with any dental procedure or emergency.”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

Crowder Law Offer Debt Relief Services

LOS ANGELES, CA: Los Angeles Attorney Douglas A. Crowder (http://crowderlaw.com) offers debt relief services to the public, including debt settlement, creditor “hold-off,” and bankruptcy.
Crowder Law Center is a “debt relief agency” as defined by federal law. In addition to helping people avoid bankruptcy, their services also include helping people and businesses obtain relief under the United States Bankruptcy Code. Their practice handles all matters related to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, and Debt Settlement and Reduction.

Debt Settlement

Crowder Law Center has helped hundreds of individuals and businesses avoid bankruptcy or lawsuits by contacting their creditors and negotiating payment plans and/or settlements. Because they maintain good communication with your creditors, the creditors will often accept a substantial reduction on the amount a person owes. Debt Settlement is an option for someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount of their debt, but want to pay something toward it, while avoiding bankruptcy and continued creditor harassment.

Creditor “Hold-Off”

Crowder Law Center offers those being harassed by debt collectors some “breathing room” through the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). In most cases, they can hold a person’s creditors off for a period of time, while the person finds a new job, reorganizes their business, or whatever else the person may need to do to find a way out of their predicament.

Bankruptcy

The experienced bankruptcy attorneys at Crowder Law Center will discuss a person’s financial situation and advise them as to what options they have. They can handle Chapter 7, Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies. Not everyone qualifies for a Chapter 7. If a person qualifies to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, they may be able to eliminate most, if not all of their debt. Most people who file a Chapter 7 are allowed to keep all of their property.
Douglas Crowder stated “Our firm works hard to help people with too much debt. Getting in over your head with debt is an easy trap to fall into today, especially with the weakened economy and after the mortgage crash of 2008. We let people know their legal rights and options, and help them select the method that is best for them.”
Mr. Crowder has been practicing debt relief and other areas of law in California since 1989, and has been approved by the California Bar to provide Continuing Legal Education to attorneys (Provider Number 13474). Those interested in attending one of his seminars (attorneys and non-attorneys) can contact Mr. Crowder’s office at 213-325-3040, by email at dcrowder@crowderlaw.com, or on their website at http://crowderlaw.com.

Building Cleaning Services Works With Real Estate Management to Remove Mold and Protect Tenants' Health

LOS ANGELES, CA: A reputable realty & property management firm in West Los Angeles wanted to ensure that their tenants’ mold concerns were quickly dealt with in order to protect their health. They turned to Building Cleaning Services (BCS) (http://buildingcleaningservices.net), as a company that understands the relationship between tenants, property owners and management companies, and the need to ensure a fast resolution to the discovery of water damage and mold.
BCS performs mold remediation and environmental deep cleanings when there is cross-contamination in apartments and homes. BCS is often chosen for the job because it consistently gets excellent results. Reviews of BCS’s work is available on Yelp at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

Kathy Liverance, co-owner of Building Cleaning services, stated: “It is imperative that ‘cross contamination’ is identified and addressed. This is where mold is found and disturbed in a bedroom, for example, and the mold spores go air-borne. With the occupants moving through the rooms of the house, the spores float and settle in other rooms. When air samples are taken of these other areas, the mold spores show up in the lab results even though there is no mold damage in that room. The two-fold approach, therefore, is to remove the actual mold by working in sealed containments built to prevent further cross contamination, and then in the other areas where lab tests detect just mold spores, a process known as ‘environmental deep cleaning’ is performed.”
For more information about mold, go to BCS’s informational website (http://buildingcleaningservices.net).

BCS provides water damage handling, mold removal services, environmental deep cleaning, post construction cleaning, and commercial janitorial services for the Greater Los Angeles area and other areas of Southern California. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Big Trees Inc. Saves Large Trees at Local Golf Club

SNOHOMISH, WA: Big Trees Inc., (http://bigtreesupply.com/), a tree transplant and tree nursery company in the Seattle area, has been asked to help save several large specimen trees from a construction zone at a local golf club, and to replant them at the club house once the new renovations have been completed. The project will benefit aesthetically from the larger trees being replanted around the new construction, and saving the trees from the original landscape will please many people associated with the club.

There are two approximately 25-year old 20-foot tall Dogwoods and a large Japanese Maple that were chosen to be saved from the former landscape. Each of the trees weighs around 2,500 pounds, for a total weight of nearly four tons. For reference, that’s roughly the weight of a small African Elephant.

The trees were prepared for the move by being given treatments to slow their transpiration and movement of hydration (transpiration is the movement of water to the leaves where it evaporates), and then the trees were dug in expertly carved root balls that are proportionate to the size and scale of each tree. The trees were then loaded onto Big Trees’ flatbed trucks with a large material handler forklift and brought back out to their nursery to be stored until the project is ready to reaccept the trees. The trees appear to be reacting to the summer handling very well up to this point. They have been put into storage conditions and are on a drip irrigation system.

Nancy Penrose, owner of Big Trees had this to say about the project; “This process has gone quite well and we expect the trees to be a vibrant part of the new renovations in time. It’s a pleasure to know that our handiwork plays a role in the continuation of a garden, from one era to the next.”

Nancy Penrose is the owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), located in Snohomish, WA, in the Seattle area. The company is one of the largest tree nurseries in the Seattle area with over 120,000 trees available in over 300 varieties. They not only can deliver young trees but also mature trees in a wide range of sizes. Some types of trees available include spring flowering, deciduous, evergreen, and privacy trees. The company also does tree transplanting including large trees. Their blog can be seen at http://www.bigtreesupply.com/blog/

BigTreeSupply.com: Root Rot in the Pacific Northwest

by Nancy Penrose

Root rot is a serious tree disease caused by fungi. It is usually found in mature trees or younger trees that have damaged roots.

Root rot can stunt the height and diameter of a tree. It can also cause dieback (the tree begins to die from the tip of its leaves or roots backwards), leaf discoloration and leaf loss. Indicators of root rot include yellow crown, a red-brown stain on the tree’s core and thinning leaves. When a tree has root rot, its overall health will begin to deteriorate. Eventually the tree will die.

There are many different types of root rot. In the Pacific Northwest, laminated, annosus and armillaria root rot are especially common.

Laminated root rot, also called yellow ring rot, is the most serious type of rot. It can infect fir, hemlock, larch, spruce and western red cedar trees. Most pines can tolerate or resist infection.

Healthy trees acquire laminated root rot by coming into contact with an infected tree. The rot destroys the tree’s roots, which can cause it to topple over during windy weather. The damaged roots can also make it difficult for the tree to absorb water and nutrients. Older trees can live with laminated root rot for many years, while younger trees will succumb quickly to the disease.

Annosus rot is a fungus disease that can reduce tree growth. It can also kill a tree. The rot can affect some pine tree species, as well as hemlocks and firs. The infection starts off as a red-brown stain inside the butts and roots. When the disease gets worse, brown lines will streak across the wood, and white lines will show up on the inner bark.

Armillaria root rot is another type of fungal infection. A tree with armillaria root rot will usually have mushrooms at its base. The fungi enters the tree through a wound and then grows into the roots. Trees can have the rot for up to six years without showing any signs of infection.

Give us a call if you are planning on purchasing a big tree for your landscape. We can give you tree care tips and show you how to prevent root rot and many other types of diseases that can affect trees.


Nancy Penrose is owner of Big Trees Inc. (http://www.bigtreesupply.com), (tree nursery Snohomish, WA), one of the largest Seattle tree nurserys (see Big Trees planting services page at http://bigtreesupply.com/planting-service/), specializing in large trees for sale and transplant tree service. For more tips on tree installation or care go to arboristblog.com. See our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEP1vudflm0 and connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Trees-Inc/193731105108

Brite Smiles Dental Care Offers FastBraces and Invisalign

Crooked Teeth Can Cause Long Term Health Effects

APPLE VALLEY, MN – Brite Smiles Dental Care (http://www.britesmilesdentalcare.com), in Apple Valley is now offering FastBraces and Invisalign to their patients in the southern Twin Cities area.

Most people are aware that having crooked teeth can affect their self-confidence and happiness, but crooked teeth can also negatively impact your health in ways that might surprise you – affecting your dental, overall, and even mental health.

Crooked teeth make it more difficult to reach all of the crevices between crooked teeth with toothbrush bristles and floss, which can lead to bacteria growth. Gum disease develops when bacteria in our mouth forms into plaque. The problem becomes accentuated when your gums don’t fit around your teeth well, leaving more room for bacteria to grow. The lingering bacteria around crooked teeth can cause bad breath, and lead to serious health problems. Studies by the American Dental Association have proven that oral infections caused by bacteria buildup may lead to more serious ailments, including diabetes, stroke, pneumonia, and heart disease.

Other problems that can be caused by crooked teeth include; unusual wear of tooth enamel, increased risk of tooth injuries caused by protruding teeth, cavities caused by crowded teeth, misalignment making it difficult to chew, or even talk, and of course, lowered self-esteem. Several studies have shown that having a better-looking smile increases the amount you smile.

FastBraces are a faster, more effective, and less expensive alternative to traditional metal braces. They are great for children that may have a harder time remembering to wear Invisalign, and for teenagers and adults that want the fastest option. They are also available in an inconspicuous Ceramic Clear version.

Invisalign gradually straightens your smile using a set of custom-fit clear plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into place. They are a great option for teenagers and adults that want to completely avoid the look of braces.

If you have crooked teeth, talk to your dentist about your options. They’ve come a long way since the braces of the past.

A recent Brite Smiles patient stated “FastBraces really are fast. I had them on for less than a year and just got them off in time for my birthday. My friends and my family have been telling me how much prettier my teeth look now that they’re straight. I know that I’ll have less dental problems now that my teeth aren’t crowded and I love my new smile!”

Dr. Dennis Simmons graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1976, receiving the Class Honor in prosthetics – dentures partial and full. Since then he has participated in over 3000 hours of continuing education courses, focusing primarily on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, dental implants and implant-supported restorations, orthodontics, extractions, crown/bridge, root canals, bite and TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea. For his studies, he has been honored with the status of “Diplomate” from the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International Osseous (bone) Integration Society. For more information on orthodontics services and options from Brite Smiles Dental Care, visit http://britesmilesdentalcare.com, or call 952-891-8484.

JulianConstruction.com: Concrete Slab Foundation for Homes

By Julian De La Torre

Since 2013, a little over half of the new homes built across the nation have been constructed with a slab foundation. A slab foundation is a concrete foundation poured onto a prepared surface. It is usually several inches thick. Slab foundations are more commonly found in warmer climates. They are also used for structures built on clay soil.

Compared to the cost of other types of foundations, they are relatively inexpensive.
They also serve as the building’s floor and can help prevent pests for getting under and into the building.

Many slab foundations are constructed using footings – thickened areas of slab placed on load bearing walls. The footing is often wider than the base of the foundation. It is also reinforced with steel. The footings help transfer the building’s load to the foundation and distribute its weight.

Soil and climate are some of the key factors that determine where a foundation with footings is built. In regions where the ground freezes, the footing are put in place first, followed by the building’s walls and finally, the slab itself.

In places where the ground doesn’t freeze, a slab-on-grade foundation is used. The slab-on-grade foundation is poured all at once, usually over gravel. Slab edges are thicker than the inside of the slab, and there is no space between the slab and the ground.

Stem walls are also used when building slab foundations. The walls, which are usually made of cinder blocks, connect the foundation to the structure’s vertical walls.

Before a slab foundation can be poured, the ground underneath it needs to be leveled (also called grading). A slight slope will be created to make sure water drains away from the building.

Does your slab foundation need to be repaired? Cracks and other foundation damage can cause structural weakness. If you’re concerned about your slab foundation, give us a call and we will do a foundation inspection for free.

Julian De La Torre, expert foundation contractors in Los Angeles, house leveling & foundation repair Los Angeles and founder of Julian Construction ( http://www.julianconstruction.com ), has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with engineering firms & local departments of building & safety. The company has done more home foundation repair (Los Angeles) than any other company in the area over the last five years ( http://julianconstruction.com/services/foundation-repair/ ). Julian Construction owns its own company and is a "no middlemen" model--no salesmen or subcontractors--you get the principals of the company & its workers under your home. Learn more about Julian Construction at http://losangelesfoundationrepair.us/.

See their video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I8j7dXzpj4 and visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Julian-Construction-99434631315/?fref=ts