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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
JUNE 2025
20 Years Later A TRIP BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
It’s hard to believe, but somehow it’s been 20 years since I graduated from dental school. Twenty.Years. It feels like both yesterday and a lifetime ago. To celebrate, my wife Beth and I recently took a trip out to Philadelphia for my dental school reunion, and let me tell you — it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we’ve had in a while. The reunion itself was scheduled for a Friday, but we decided to fly out a few days early
to spend time with Beth’s sister, who lives in the area. We caught a flight with a short layover in Dallas, but once we landed, we got a little surprise: Our connecting flight to Philly was delayed by six hours. At first, we groaned — what would we do with all that unexpected airport time? But then Beth had the best idea. Our son Russell lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, so she called him up to see if he was free. He was! We ended up having a spontaneous and totally unexpected lunch with him and our niece Gentry (who’s currently rooming with him), and it was such a fun time. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. Eventually, we made it to Beth’s sister’s place late that night, and a couple of days later, we headed into Philadelphia — and right into our old stomping grounds. I found a great little bed and breakfast near our old apartment, and we spent a lot of time walking around the neighborhood, reminiscing about those early years. Honestly, it was surreal how little the area had changed. Unlike where we live now in Idaho, where everything seems to grow by the day, our old Philly neighborhood was practically frozen in time — just with a fresh coat of paint. However, the dental school has changed a lot. Touring Temple University (now called Kornberg School of Dentistry) was crazy to me. Everything was state-of-the-art: the lab, tech, and tools. It was amazing to see
how far dental education has come. I even got to see one of my old professors who’s still teaching there! He might not have remembered me, but it was cool to see a familiar face after all these years. The reunion itself was a blast. We swapped stories (some hilarious — like the time a professor bled through a lecture after cutting himself shaving while on blood thinners but refused to stop teaching), caught up on life, careers, families, and just enjoyed reconnecting with classmates we hadn’t seen in two decades. To top it all off, Beth and I squeezed in time to visit the hospital where our son was born, grab some authentic Philly cheesesteaks — Pat’s, of course, and De Losandro’s, our old favorite — and even had a surprise dinner with my sister who happened to be flying through the city after her daughter’s graduation. It was a trip full of nostalgia, laughter, great food, and even better company. Reconnecting with the past and celebrating how far we’ve come was a pretty great way to celebrate 20 years! –Dr. Elkins
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MAKE A SPLASH!
Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag! Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you're vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations.
conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore. Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding.You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
WATER FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge.
Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet
A WORD FROM ASHLEE How Food Impacts Your Dental Health
Hydration is key. Water plays a powerful role in dental health. Staying hydrated keeps your mouth from drying out and helps wash away food particles and bacteria.
Did you know that what you eat plays a bigger role in your dental health than you might realize?Your diet can be just as important as your daily brushing routine to keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy. Let’s take a look.
Sugar is a large culprit. When you eat sugary foods or sip on sweet drinks, the bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sugar and produce acid as a byproduct, which wears down your enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth), which can lead to cavities. And it’s not just candy — soda, fruit juice, sports drinks, and even some granola bars can be surprisingly damaging.
Timing matters. It’s not just what you eat but when
you eat that matters. Snacking throughout the day, especially if the food is sugary or starchy, gives harmful bacteria more chances to produce acid. Avoid snacking between meals, and rinse your mouth with water if brushing isn’t possible. A healthy smile starts with smarter choices. A balanced diet doesn’t just benefit your overall health — it supports your smile, too. Making thoughtful food choices and sticking to a solid oral hygiene routine will best protect your smile.
Foods can support dental health. Thankfully, not all foods work against your teeth. Some help protect and strengthen them! Foods high in calcium — like milk, cheese, and yogurt — reinforce enamel and bone strength. Crunchy fruits and veggies such as carrots, celery, and apples help scrub away plaque and increase saliva production, which is your mouth’s built-in defense system. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and bell peppers help maintain healthy gums, while phosphorus-rich foods — like eggs, meat, and fish — contribute to enamel repair and strength.
So, next time you grab a snack, ask yourself: Is this helping or hurting my smile?Your future self will thank you!
–Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienist
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SIMPLE SUMMER GARDEN PASTA
Ingredients
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, to taste) • 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 lb angel hair pasta • 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese • Cooked, chopped chicken for serving (optional)
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and toss until well coated. 2. Cover and let the mixture sit at room temperature while the pasta cooks. 3. Add pasta to a pot of boiling water and cook per package directions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water to add to the tomato mixture. 5. Coarsely chop the basil leaves. 6. Add the pasta, Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil to the tomato mixture and toss again until combined. 7. Serving suggestion: Add cooked, chopped chicken for more protein!
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
JOKES DAD
What do you call a flower that runs on electricity? A power plant!
Where do math teachers go on vacation? Times Square.
What do you call an alligator in a vest? An investigator!
Fun Tooth Facts The Horizontal Tooth Swap How Elephants Replace Worn Molars
Let’s take a look at some tasty tidbits about the popular Philly Cheesesteak that Dr. Elkins enjoyed at his 20-year dental school reunion! The original was steak only. The cheesesteak was born in the 1930s when hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri threw some chopped beef on the grill for a change. A passing cab driver smelled it and asked for one — and just like that, the delicious cheesesteak was born. Interestingly, that original version had no cheese! Cheese came later. Cheese wasn’t added until years later, and even then, it wasn’t provolone or American. Legend has it that a manager at Pat’s King of Steaks added Cheez Whiz in the 1950s — and it stuck. Today, you’ll still hear locals debate the proper cheese: Whiz, provolone, or American? It’s all about the bread. The roll matters just as much as the meat. An authentic Philly cheesesteak uses a soft yet crusty Italian roll, usually from Amoroso’s or Liscio’s Bakery. The bread has to be sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart. DID YOU KNOW? The Legendary Philly Cheesesteak
Unlike humans, who typically get only two sets of teeth in a lifetime, elephants go through six sets of molars. These massive, flat teeth are essential for grinding down the tough vegetation that makes up their diet, like bark, grasses, and roots.
Instead of growing vertically like ours, elephant molars move forward horizontally. As one set wears down from constant use, a new set slowly shifts forward to take its place. This process happens about five times over an elephant’s life. But here’s the catch: Once the sixth and final set wears out, no replacements are left.
When their last set of molars becomes too worn, elephants can no longer chew food effectively!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2. New Family
3. Simple Summer Garden Pasta
4. The Hidden Innovators Behind Baseball’s
Looking Back at 2 Decades of Dentistry
Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Ashlee
Greatest Gear
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
A Glove, Bat, and Ball Transformed Baseball Forever Meet the Minds Behind Baseball’s Iconic Equipment
who revolutionized its equipment. Three inventors, George Rawlings, John Hillerich, and Benjamin Shibe, took baseball’s core components and transformed them into game-changers. George Rawlings was the first to look at a player’s bruised and battered hands and think, “There’s got to be a better way.”As a sporting goods store owner, Rawlings designed a padded baseball glove, patenting it in 1885. With added felt and rubber padding, his glove gave players much-needed protection while fielding fast-moving balls. Today, Rawlings’ baseball gloves are as essential to the game as the bases themselves. Then there’s John Hillerich, a German immigrant and skilled woodworker who ran a shop in Louisville, Kentucky. His game- changing moment came when his baseball- loving son needed a better bat. Hillerich’s new design had a harder surface to help players
drive the ball farther, and in 1902, the famous Louisville Slugger was patented. More than a century later, the bat remains one of the most iconic pieces of baseball equipment, wielded by legends past and present. And finally, Benjamin Shibe, the“Edison of baseball.”Before Shibe, baseballs lacked the durability needed for a high-powered sport. In 1909, he patented the cork-centered baseball, a tougher, more resilient ball that allowed for stronger, farther hits. His creation became the official ball of Major League Baseball in 1911, forever altering how the game was played. These three inventors helped shape baseball into the thrilling sport it is today. Next time you watch a game, remember that every leaping grab at the warning track, every solidly hit line drive, and every soaring home run snagged by an enthusiastic fan are built on a legacy of innovation.
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but it didn’t appear out of thin air. The game we know and love today is a patchwork of early stick-and-ball games, tracing back centuries to England’s cricket and even as far back as ancient civilizations like the Mayans and Egyptians. But modern baseball started taking shape in 19th-century NewYork. Enter the Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, which set the foundation in 1846 with official rules that included base paths, foul lines, and, mercifully, the elimination of tagging runners out by hurling the ball at them.
Of course, baseball wouldn’t be what it is today without the brilliant minds
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