Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Time and a Place for Thanks and Giving


November is our traditional time for giving thanks and sharing food with people that are close to us. But, for some people this is a luxury that is beyond their reach and means.

Many non-profit groups have been organized to help those who are less fortunate. Here on the San Francisco Peninsula, we have the Second Harvest Food Bank which is the primary source of donated, surplus, and purchased food for non-profit agencies in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

Second Harvest operates direct service programs for seniors, families with children, and individuals, including: monthly food assistance to low-income families with children, weekly food assistance to low-income seniors, weekly food assistance to low-income Food Bank volunteers and the delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income households with limited access to community markets.

There are many ways that you can help, from volunteering your time, to organizing a drive, or by simply donating food or money. As we give thanks to those close to us, we hope you might consider others in this time of giving.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Let's Talk Turkey - The Good and Bad of it

Thanksgiving is in a few weeks and that means one thing (for us poultry eaters) -- our traditional turkey meal. There are certainly many recipes and traditions out there. However, if you watch the Food Network from time to time, you may have come across this funny and knowledgeable cook Alton Brown. He's a cross between your big brother and a nerdy scientist who happens to really know how to cook food.

If you're happy with your approach, great. But, odds are you'll likely see something from Alton that might help you with your turkey. There are two videos here. First is traditional turkey which is cooked in an oven. The second one is for those of us who elect to deep-fry out turkeys.



Some of us have deep fried our turkeys and it can taste great. But, whether you realize it or not, it can be very dangerous. Alton goes through some of those precautions here in a very humorous and enlightening way.



No matter which way you go, we of course hope that your turkey turns out as planned, but really hope that you keep safe in the process.

San Mateo Harvest Festival - Nov 12-14th

This festival is the largest arts and crafts show on the West Coast, showcasing over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts.

Unlike many shows, each vendor must go through a jury process to be chosen as a participating artist, guaranteeing a mix of high quality products. They'll be grab bag prizes and a raffle for a grand prize piece of original art.

The San Mateo Harvest Festival has selected the Peninsula Youth Ballet as the official charity of the show. The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales and all of the donations from the parcel and bag check. The PYB will also perform a sneak peek of their acclaimed rendition of the classic "Nutcracker".

The San Mateo Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show takes place at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Ave in San Mateo. Hours of the show are as follows: Friday: 10 am - 6pm, Saturday: 10 am - 6pm, Sunday: 10 am - 5pm.

Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Kids 12 and Under: Free. For tickets and additional information, please call 415-447-3205, or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/

Monday, October 4, 2010

Millbrae Carnival & Monster March Costume Parade

Two big family friendly events will be happening this month.

First, this Sunday, October 10th, from 11AM-1PM, the Millbrae Rotary will be having a "Kids Carnival." It's free for all kids 10 years and younger. They'll be games, entertainment, 4-H animals, hot dogs and cotton candy. You can meet "Boswick the Clown." Call 650-588-5400 for more information.

The Millbrae Lions Monster March Parade will be happening again this year. The new date is scheduled for Saturday, October 30th, from 12-3 PM. There will be carnival games, prizes and kid's activities. Located at Kohl's Parking Lot and Magnolia Ave. The Parade starts at 2 PM. Trick or treating on Broadway follows the parade. The parade this year is sponsored by the Millbrae Lions Club and The Millbrae Chamber of Commerce.

We hope that you can take advantage of the nice weather and local events that Millbrae has to offer.

Insurance and Flex Spend - Don't Miss Out on Your Benefits

It's about this time of year, where people have settled into their work and they start to call as about open enrollment and what benefits they have remaining before they expire. If you haven't checked with us, it might a good time to do so.

Why is that? Well, if you need to take advantage of benefits that are expiring, you'll want to make an appointment as soon as possible. Many people wait until the end of the year, and with the holidays and all, it can be challenging to get everyone in. We don't want you to miss out.

If you think you might want to change your flex spending amount, give us a call. If we know of a procedure that you are due for, or have put off in the past, this would be a good time to take advantage of open enrollment changes. If your company is changing providers or giving you a variety of choices, you can always check out our website or call us to see if we are in network.

In the end, its about us helping you get the best smile you can. That's something worth smiling about.

A Child with Influence

Someone alerted us to this video clip. It's a cute video, just under 2 minutes long of a young girl who has a "catchy dance." It was actually produced by a cell phone company, but we still love as everyone in it seems to be having a lot of fun. Especially the young little girl who doesn't realize what she's created.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Meaning of Life - in Under 3 Minutes

A patient of ours brought this clip to our attention. It contains a number of sketches and words that are put to music. The messages here are the things that you can count on your friends for.

If your having a down day, need to be reminded about how to live or just need some perspective, this is a great video. We hope that you can take the time to view it. It's worth it.

Need Help Understanding Dental Insurance?


For many patients, dental insurance is a benefit that they receive from their employer. Like health insurance, it's intended to ensure that patients receive the proper medical care that they require at more a more affordable cost. We couldn't agree more strongly with this purpose. But, given the many different plans and options that are available from providers, sometimes this can get VERY confusing.

If you have the time, take a look at your coverage and what you're entitled to. If you don't have time or can't make heads or tails of things, get some help from your dentist. They can help wade through all the details of your plan; from co-pays to deductibles and limitations.

By working with a dentist that takes the time to go through your insurance coverage BEFORE your visit has two three significant advantages.

1. It can save you time!
2. Patients can avoid costly surprises!
3. Patients can maximize their benefits!

If you'd like to read more, we've put together a small article which you can read by clicking on the link: Understanding Dental Insurance & Dental Plans.

The Millbrae Art & Wine Festival - 40th Anniversary


Labor Day is a sign for many of us that change is about to happen. Cooler temperatures, the unofficial end of summer and the start of school. But, one thing we can count on is our festival. More than 200 artists and craft vendors from all over the western United States exhibit at the festival.

From the art and food, to the entertainment, it's an easy and fun way to enjoy the holiday. We hope to see you there!

Days: September 4th and 5th, 10 AM - 5 PM right on Broadway Avenue.

From more information on the event, visit the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

What's all This Talk about Dental Sealants for Kids?

We all want to keep our children happy and healthy. This goes for their teeth as well.

As much as we can keep after them to brush and floss, there are many other things that can help to ensure that their teeth stay cavity-free. A easy procedure to consider is the use of Dental Sealants.

Dental Sealants are a protective layer that is applied to teeth. It acts as a barrier against decay. Much like a protective clear paint layer, it can't be seen but is there simply to protect teeth from the natural decay that occurs from sugary foods and spots that are missed from ordinary brushing.

The great news is that many dental insurance companies cover dental sealants up to a certain age. If you haven't heard or looked into Dental Sealants before, click here to read more about Dental Sealants.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Walk Across America - In 2 Minutes

A very creative video put together by a group of guys and sponsored by Levi's.

Only 2 minutes long, but the images and effect are amazing. The actual trip consisted of a director, producer, photographer, and actor that traveled via RV for two weeks. Stops included American landmarks like Washington, D.C., Chicago, Mt. Rushmore and Las Vegas.

Rather then shooting it with a movie projector, the team pieced together still photos taken on the actual, 14-day cross country trip, from New York to San Francisco — no green screens involved. When all was said and done, it took over 2,700 images to complete.

So if you don't have a chance to travel this summer, take a couple of minutes to check this out.

Art and Tastes of San Bruno in August


The San Bruno Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring two events this month.

Art comes back to the San Bruno Farmer's Market, Sunday, Aug 29. In conjunction with the Chamber’s Weekly Farmers’ Market, the San Bruno Culture & Arts Commission will have art vendors all around. The market runs from 9AM - 1 PM. There were over 2,000 visitors when the market opened up this past May. The location: the 400 block of San Mateo Avenue, 1 block east of El Camino, cross street @ Jenevein Ave, San Bruno, CA.

On Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at San Bruno Senior Center 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., enjoy the Tastes of San Bruno. Tickets are $20 if purchase before August 13th. For More information, visit the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce for more information and details.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Support Your Local Farmer's Markets


One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh and locally grown foods.

We're fortunate to be in an area with such a great variety of foods. If you haven't been a market recently, we would encourage you to go. It's not just fruits and vegetables!

Here's a listing of the Farmer's Market's close by:
Millbrae: Year round, 8:00am - 1:00pm Saturdays in the City Parking Lot on Broadway between La Cruz and Victoria Avenue.

San Bruno: Sunday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, San Mateo Avenue between Jenevein and Sylvan.

Burlingame: May - Nov only; 9:00am - 1:30pm Sundays; Howard Avenue between Park and Primrose

San Mateo: College of San Mateo parking lot; Year round, 9:00am - 1:00pm Wednesdays;
Year round, 9:00am - 1:00pm Saturdays

Our Monthly Contest: Your Best Farmer's Market Picture


Do you enjoy going to local farmer's markets? We do.

Our contest this month is simple. Have a picture taken of you at any of the local farmer's markets in town. Send it to us via E-mail at info (at) millbraedental.com. We'll choose a winner at the end of the month. The prize? $50.00 to spend at the market the next week (or on whatever you like).

How many people will take the time to take a picture and E-mail it to us? Probably not that many. So, here's your chance to win.

Oh, one more thing -- be sure you're smiling!

Carol Burnett Show - Tim Conway as the Dentist



Whether you're old enough to have seen this sketch when it was broadcast on TV for the first time, or you're just seeing it today, it's one funny scene.

Tim Conway (the dentist) and Harvey Korman (the patient) were actors on a comedy variety show - The Carol Burnett Show. This is one of their classic sketches where Tim Conway is the very inexperienced dentist that needs to read the instructions on how to do a procedure. Things spiral out of control though when the Novocaine comes out.

Monday, June 7, 2010

You Can do it with The Home Depot

June is the official month of Father's Day. Of course, every other month is a time for fathers. But, for this month, we're giving away a gift certificate to The Home Depot to help celebrate. This isn't just for fathers, it's for everyone that is part of our Let's Keep Smiling Newsletter. If you're in it, you can win it.

Whether you're planting, seeding or just need some new tools, we hope that this gift certificate that we're giving away will help.

Thank you to all those people who have contacted us, from past winners to people who simply enjoy being reminded to smile each month!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Dental Implants with Dr. Tsai - Millbrae Dental Care

Many of my patients are surprised to learn you don't need to see a specialist to have a dental implant or mini implant placed. Dentists like me, who have gone on to take post graduate implant training, are able to place dental implants as well as mini implants right in our office.

This is great news to our patients since they can have their implants from start to finish in one office. Also, dental implant costs are significantly lower when placed by a dentist versus an oral surgeon; making dental implants a more affordable treatment. We can also offer lower cost bone grafts and extractions if needed. For more involved cases we work closely with a specialist.

Many patients are concerned about the process or procedure to place a dental implant. Once they find out how common and well understood the treatment is they are able to relax. Most dental implants can be placed in an hour or so. Once placed you will return to our office for a followup visit to make sure everything is healing properly. Then about four to six months later we will place the final crown and abutment. Below I have posted a video on YouTube that illustrates the implant process.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Another Fatherly Video Worth Watching

Being a parent, a friend or simply a caring person often demands that we step outside our comfort zone. Do things we otherwise might not do for a better cause or affect. However innocent these good deeds might be, sometimes a simple explanation is in order, but gets lost through it all. We couldn't resist posting this second video clip of a father spending time with his daughter. We're not endorsing the soda product, but do appreciate the theme of this heart-warming and funny commercial.

Just Another Fatherly Day - Funny Video

Father's Day is this month. Whether you're a father, a prospective one or just enjoy watching a funny video of one, this video is worth it. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Our Favorite Mother's Day Video


This is one of our favorite Mother's Day Video clips. About two minutes long, it was done by a couple of friends, Luke Barats and Joe Berata. Posing as brothers, Tucker and Brad look to show their love for their mother by taking a 'simple' Mother's Day photo.

Improve Your Athletic Performance -- With a Mouth Guard (REALLY!)


Did you know that you could improve your athletic performance with a mouth guard? Sounds far-fetched, doesn't it? Well, the Pro's don't think so. Professional athletes including golfers, tennis players, bicyclists to football players are using them and seeing results. Documented results in endurance and performance. How can that be? Very simply, performance mouth guards lessen your distraction and fatigue, providing you more energy and performance.

Still skeptical? Check out this 2-minute video and see for yourself.

Red isn't Just for Roses - Win a RED iPod!

This month we're giving away an Apple (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition iPod. It's easy to enter -- there's nothing to buy, just share the fun.

Each month we want to give back to our patients. In honor of Mother's Day, people born in the month of May -- or for that matter -- any month, we're giving away a really neat and beautiful iPod.

What do you need to do? Be a part of our Keep Smiling E-mail Newsletter list. That's all. We send it our about once a month. We look to make you laugh, think, perhaps learn, but always with the intention of seeing you show off your smile.

Not a bad way to start your day, right? Why not share it with a friend and get them smiling too.

Interested in signing up? Click here.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Zoom Contest - Part Deux

Due the popular response we had to last months contest, we decided to have an encore. Or as they often say in the movies, "Part Deux (Two)." It's the same system that was featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover. Zoom offers a great alternative to take-home and over-the-counter systems. One visit after a thorough exam can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades in just 2 hours! To be entered into this contest, be sure you're signed up for our newsletter. It's free and who knows, you might be one of winners one of these months!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Why Am I Feeling So Tired?

Are you constantly feeling tired during the day? There could be many reasons behind this feeling. Perhaps you have a newborn that needs attention, maybe you're consuming one too many cups of coffee during the day. But, suppose you're simply not getting enough sleep? Even more complicating, suppose you DON'T KNOW you're not getting enough sleep. There's a condition called sleep apnea that causes you to temporarily stop breathing while you're sleeping. In doing so, you often wake up which disrupts your sleep cycle. The end result, even though it appears by your clock that you've gotten enough hours of bedtime, you in fact have been short changed. The only real sign you might have to all this is that you experience constant fatigue no matter how many hours you sleep each night. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk in other areas of your health.

One way to see if this might be the case is to take an Epworth Sleep Apnea Test which you can find on our website. It's a simple online quiz that shouldn't take you long, but could provide some useful insight.

One Thing Leads to Another - This Too Shall Pass

Did you ever have one of those days, where one small thing leads to another small thing, then to another, and another... Well, here's a video that does this on purpose. It's a musical video put out by the same guys who did the Dancing Treadmills - "OK Go."

It's fun to watch, yet I can't imagine how long it took them to put this together for it to work. Enjoy and share it with your friends.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Zoom Whitening Give Away


This month, as a part of our continuing effort to give back to our patients and get them smiling more, we're giving away a Zoom Laser Whitening procedure. What is Zoom Laser Whitening? It's a chairside procedure done in our office that removes many of the stains and darkened colors that teeth take on with age. It's safe and effective -- and the whole thing is done in about an hour! You can even watch your favorite TV shows while it's being done. All recipients on our E-mail list are eligible!

Beauty Drinks -- Do They Deliver?

We sometimes get asked questions by patients that are outside of our normal dental expertise. Good questions, that, if we have an answer we're happy to share with patients and friends. But, if it's not our expertise, we need to research it for ourselves. One good place we like to look for unbiased information is WebMD. We find WebMD to be a credible source for unbiased writing and medicine that presents facts in an easy to understand manner.

We came across an article reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, that looks at the some of the claims of popular "Beauty Beverages." It's a short article that looks not just at these potions themselves but other things you should consider for your overall beauty and skin health. Check it out here, "The Truth About Beauty Beverages."

Monday, March 1, 2010

Dancing Treadmills

What do you think of when you hear someone say the word 'Treadmill?" Do you do think of being at the gym? Standing in line waiting? Sweating? Perhaps avoiding this contraption at all costs? Here's a few guys originally from Chicago who went on to use a bunch of treadmills in one of the most creative ways. So creative, they won a Grammy for it. Really. Enjoy!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Valentine's Smiles


This month we're giving away a gift certificate to the Mid-Peninsula Shop called Style Essentials. How did we pick this place? Quite simply, we like this boutique because of their interesting things, focus on health, fair prices and local service. Whether it's artisan jewelry, natural makeup or fresh local chocolate goods, we couldn't be happier sharing Lisa's products and services with you. Oh, by the way, 20% of Style Essentials profit goes to Second Harvest Food Bank. Whether you're a guy or gal, we believe Lisa will make it easier to find something special for you and your loved one.

Friday, January 29, 2010

How Do You Define a Moment?


Could you ever count how many moments there are your life? Most pass us by without much notice. Yet, taken together, that is what our life is, a bunch of moments. One guy decided to put together a series of small segments of everyday life. It was posted by an NPR Station, a 4-minute video clip. It's touching and will likely leave you thinking and appreciating the little things that make up our daily lives. Enjoy and of course -- smile.

Valentines Day Made Easy

You don't have time. You need to keep it reasonably priced and you want your gift to be special. Here's your chance to shine with your partners and loved ones. An easy way to gather all three components -- all in one place. Flowers, candy, jewelry. All guaranteed. All priced right. All quality, from a local source. See for yourself. Oh, one other thing, 20% of their profit goes to Second Harvest Food Bank!

We like the fact they're local to the Mid-Peninsula Area, provide the personal attention that we enjoy and care about what they do. That goes a long way with us and we think it will for you too. Check out Style Essentials.

Monday, January 11, 2010

A Winter Dinner Smile

Start the New Year off smiling.

For the month of January, we're giving away a gift certificate to the Elephant Bar and Grill! Use it for a romantic dinner, take-out meals or for that night when you just feel like eating out. This is part of our continuing effort to bring more smiles back into people's lives. Smiles are contagious, so let's keep them going. If you're receiving our E-mail newsletter, you're entered. You can sign up in the right-hand column, under "Join Our Mailing List." It's fast, free and smile inducing. We have some rule guidelines, you can read them here.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Jaw Pain and Sleep Apnea Relief Through Neuromuscular Dentistry


Do you think of your dentist for just teeth check-ups? Think again. Dr. Tsai is one of only a few dentists that is trained in many areas outside of common dentistry such as jaw pain (TMJ) and Sleep Apnea (breathing).

Pain or a clicking sensation around the jaw might be an indication of an affliction known as TMJ or TMD. It's estimated that there are over 10 million Americans that suffer from jaw pain like this. Even if it's a small discomfort, it might lead to other problems down the road. Sleep apnea, is another common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. You might not know it you have it, but one result of this affliction is a lack of quality sleep on a regular basis that makes you feel tired the next day.

These are two serious, but very treatable conditions. This 3-minute video clip gives some pointers on what to look for and how a painless treatment can be implemented.

Where is Matt Now?


What happens when a young man goes all over the world and films himself dancing? This little video clip is approximately 4 and a half minutes, but it took 14 months to make, in 42 countries and included a cast of thousands. We loved seeing all the various people, cultures and situations Matt found himself in. It's fun, it's touching, and -- it will make you smile. Enjoy.