BEWARE THE SUGAR MONSTER!
This 6-Year-Old Marvel Fan Became a Real-Life Superhero Every kid dreams of being a superhero, but Bridger Walker was the rare 6-year-old who acted when he was needed. In 2020, the young Marvel fan learned that being a hero requires sacrifice but also comes with great rewards. Bridger’s story started when he and his 4-year-old sister visited a friend’s house. The friend told the two that one of the dogs in the backyard was “mean.” So, when a dog came barreling at his sister, Bridger bravely stood in front of her and “kept moving” to block the dog’s path. The dog latched onto Bridger’s cheek, creating a disfiguring injury requiring a two-hour surgery and 90 stitches. But none of that mattered to the 6-year-old as long as his sister was safe. When Bridger’s father asked him why he stepped in front of the dog, he said Bridger responded, “If someone had to die, I thought it should be me.” Bridger’s incredible actions went viral. Once celebrities learned that Bridger loves Marvel movies, they jumped into action. Chris Evans, who plays Captain America, recorded a special message of praise for Bridger and sent him an authentic Captain America shield. “Iron Man” actor Robert Downey Jr. also sent a video message, promising Bridger a special surprise on his next birthday. The “Spider-Man: No Way Home” cast stepped up the most. Tom Holland, who plays Spidey himself, made a live call to speak with Bridger. Then, he and costar Zendaya invited him to visit them on set. The two made good on their promise in late 2021, and Bridger had the
Only one monster continues to lurk around the corner and hide in the closet or under your bed after Halloween — sugar! October is the start of the holiday season, and there are tons of baked goods, candies, sweets, and other sugary treats you can snack on during the holidays. However, eating too much sugar can cause issues not only to your oral health but also your overall health. Your mouth is a battleground between beneficial and harmful bacteria. Large amounts of sugar can cause harmful bacteria to produce acid that destroys enamel. Although saliva combats and protects your teeth from being attacked by these acids, it can’t fight off excessive sugar intake. Sugar also attracts bacteria that cause gingivitis, gum disease, and cavities. HOW CAN YOU COMBAT THE SUGAR MONSTER? The best way to prevent oral health issues from occurring is by practicing excellent hygiene habits. You want to brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss every night, and visit your dentist twice a year. It seems like a simple approach, but it’s a crucial step everyone should take to improve their oral and overall health. Incorporating brushing and flossing your teeth into your daily routine is a great way to prevent cavities, plaque and decay, and other diseases and help keep your smile healthy and breath fresh. When you visit your dentist, they can conduct deep cleanings and exams on your oral health to ensure everything looks good and if any preventive measures or services could help you. Another thing we see in our office around the holiday season is cracked and chipped teeth! Because of the pressure and stress the next few months can bring, some people accidentally damage their teeth. If this happens to you or someone you know, we can place a new filling or crown over the tooth to protect it. Don’t wait until a dental emergency or the new year to prioritize oral health! Our amazing dental hygienists, Whitney, Lydia, and Katelyn, are happy to help you and answer any questions or concerns. They each work so hard to make our patients feel comfortable, and we can’t thank them enough for their work. NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITHOUT HARMING YOUR ORAL HEALTH
time of his life. The crew even helped him perform a mock stunt with Holland in full costume. Bridger got to swing through the air with Spider-Man! Bridger has mostly stayed out of the limelight since, but he was doing well when People magazine caught up with him in 2021. He has undergone several reconstructive surgeries to reduce the attack’s visible legacy. Still, his father reports
Bridger doesn’t want the scar to disappear entirely.
“Bridger views his scar as something to be proud of, but
he also doesn’t see it as being representative of his brave act,” his father explained to People. “He just perceives it as ‘I was a brother, and that’s what brothers do.’”
Come visit us today before the season gets crazier and busier. We’d love to see you!
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