Take a look at our newsletter this month!
Dec/Jan 2018
Happy Trails
Allan W. Stevenson, DDS General Dentist
www.trailridgefamilydental.com 205 W. Highway 95, Parma, ID 83660
208-722-7924
Last year, we had to celebrate Christmas a little later than usual. My daughter Lucy returned home from her mission just after the holiday, so we held off on exchanging gifts until she was with us. I’m so excited to be able to have the entire family around for the big day this year. With our two oldest children at college, having a full house gets rarer every year. That said, it just makes the holidays all the more special. I’m really looking forward to catching up with everyone and spending quality time with the family. Behind all the chaos and festivity, I believe the true spirit of the holidays is one of gratitude. I have so much to be thankful for. I try to keep that in mind all throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. I want to express my gratitude to our incredible team and to our patients. It’s you who keep the Trailridge Family Dental doors open and inspire us to get a little bit better every day. Recently, we were voted Best Dentist of Canyon County by the readers of the Idaho Press-Tribune. Any recognition is humbling, but this honor was particularly meaningful because it was voted on anonymously by patients. Just being nominated was enough to instill a deep sense of gratitude in me. Compliments are always flattering, especially when they come from the people were are fortunate enough to serve. Whenever I interact with our patients, I’m reminded how lucky we are to practice in the Treasure Valley. A Season of generosity The True Spirit of the Holidays
giving tree in the office. During this event, we set up a tree with a series of tags hung like ornaments. On these tags, you’ll find a gift requested by a local family in need. We are proud to be able to lend a hand during these stressful months, and we encourage you to join us. Simply come into the office and grab a tag off the tree. If you can’t make it in, you can call or text us, and we’ll let you know which gifts are still up for grabs. In closing, I want to wish everyone a very happy holidays and merry Christmas. I’d also like to begin looking forward to 2018, and get you thinking about your goals for the next year. There’s no better time than now to make a commitment to health and wellness. With that said, I’d like to wish everyone a healthy 2018. And once again, thank you all so much for the kind words about Trailridge Family Dental. We’re deeply grateful for all you do. We may be the ones in the office every day, but it’s the patients who ensure we have an office to go to in the first place.
In the spirit of spreading some holiday joy, we’re also happy to announce that, for the second year in a row, we’ll be hosting a
–Dr. Stevenson
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www.trailridgefamilydental.com
208-722-7924
Holiday Treats
That Are Good for Your Teeth T he holiday season is upon us, and everywhere you look, delicious food is on the menu. However, it’s not just your waistline that could suffer from overindulgence. Hard candies and carbonated beverages aren’t exactly the top items on your teeth’s wish list. Even the classic eggnog can do a number on your smile. Luckily, some seasonal treats are actually good for your teeth. If you’re looking for the best snacks of the holidays, here are some items you can put on the “nice” list.
NUTS We don’t just mean chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Packed with magnesium and iron, holiday favorites like almonds and walnuts provide the nutrients your body needs. Plus, the extra dose of calcium will help keep your teeth strong. PEPPERMINT Peppermint candy canes are horrible for your teeth. If you bite down on hard candy, you risk chipping a tooth, but if you suck on them, you expose your teeth to the sugar for a lot longer. That said, you don’t have to ditch the minty goodness completely. In fact, a little peppermint is actually good for you. A little low-sugar peppermint tea will freshen your breath,
help with indigestion, and take the stress out of the busy holiday season.
CHEESE Cheese is antibacterial and has a low pH level, which means eating a few slices can help reduce the acidity of your mouth. And, much like nuts, the extra calcium in cheese is great for your teeth. Now, this isn’t the green light to polish off Aunt Sue’s entire holiday cheese ball. But when you pass the cheese plate at your next New Year’s party, feel free to grab an extra slice of cheddar. ’Tis the season for good eating. While many of your holiday favorites might make your dentist’s “naughty” list, others (like the ones above) can help ensure your teeth are in good shape for the new year.
1. In a large bowl, whisk together wine and cornstarch. 2. Chop cheese slices into small, uniform pieces. 3. Rub clove of garlic all over the • ¾ cup dry white wine • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced Swiss cheese DIRECTIONS Scrambling to find something for the holiday potluck? This fondue is sure to impress! Easy Holiday Party Cheese Fondue INGREDIENTS
• 1 clove garlic • Salt to taste • Foods to dip (apple slices, bread cubes, roasted vegetables, etc.)
some cheese and slowly whisk. When nearly smooth, add more cheese and whisk gently. Repeat until all cheese is melted. If mixture seems too tight, add 1 tablespoon wine.
sides and bottom of a heavy- bottomed pot, then discard.
5. Season with salt and serve immediately. Keep pot on low heat to keep the fondue dippable.
4. Heat wine mixture over
medium-low heat in the pot until thick and bubbling. Add
TV Giveaway Winner
Recipe inspired by PinchofYum.com
www.trailridgefamilydental.com
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208-722-7924
D o your kids get enough nutrients in their diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but that’s easier said than done. Getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli is a chore. Food manufacturers have built an entire industry around our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of processed foods can lead to a host of problems, including hindered brain development and even behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. So, how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier foods? One way is through presentation. Amound of plain old veggies is unappealing, whether you’re 10 years old or 40. The solution is to think of vegetables as an ingredient rather than as a stand-alone dish. Take lasagna, for instance. You can easily modify this beloved Italian dish. Instead of using lasagna noodles, slice zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips and layer them as you would typical pasta. The same can be done for other pasta dishes. Zucchini noodles Get Your Kids to Eat Healthier Than Ever
made with a spiralizer — also known as “zoodles” — make a mean substitute for spaghetti. Pair them with your favorite marinara sauce or toss them in a slightly less decadent, but still delicious, alfredo. Vegetables can also be incorporated into other foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver the nutrients your kids need to power through a busy school week. If you want to foster long-lasting healthy eating habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child some agency. For example, saying to your child, “You can have the cauliflower or the broccoli. It’s up to you!” empowers them to make their own decision based on their preferences. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace the ability to choose, even if it’s between two kinds of vegetables. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in control of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time!
Congratulations, Connie Bailey, for being selected as Patient of the Month for November. Connie has been a supporter of Trailridge Family Dental for over 9 years. She has referred 13 patients, keeps her appointments, takes great care of her teeth, and is always such a pleasure to see when she comes in. We really appreciate you and your family! It is an honor to serve you. patient of the month
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www.trailridgefamilydental.com
208-722-7924
Return Service Requested
205 W. Highway 95 Parma, ID 83660 208-722-7924
Inside This Issue
A Time for Gratitude
Page 1
Treats You Can Put on the ‘Nice’ List Easy Holiday Party Cheese Fondue Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating
Page 2
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Page 3
Win a Segway!
Page 4
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www.trailridgefamilydental.com
208-722-7924
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