Check out our September newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM SEPTEMBER 2025
This month, it feels like someone is blowing out candles and turning a year older every other day. In September, we celebrate my wife, my son (Adam), my mom, my brother, my sister, my wife’s dad, and her sister. While it’s a busy 30 days, it’s a ton of fun partying all month long. It’s actually kind of a blessing because in a month that includes a very sobering day, Sept. 11, we also have a lot to celebrate. And funny enough, one of those celebrations falls on Sept. 11 itself. That’s Adam’s birthday. When my wife was pregnant with Adam, we knew he was due sometime in September. None of our kids had ever arrived on their due date, so we weren’t expecting this one to be any different. But I’ll never forget it. She said out loud,“I don’t care what day he’s born, as long as it’s not Sept. 11.” 7 Birthdays, 30 Days, and a Stadium Bucket List
The lobby was packed with mostly med students, and we noticed a bunch of them crowded around a TV. That’s when we found out. Two planes had crashed into the Twin Towers. And then, right there in that crowded lobby, we watched live as the first tower fell. Then the second. There must’ve been a couple hundred of us packed in that space, silent, until the screaming started. It was surreal. That kind of memory doesn’t fade. So, every year on Adam’s birthday, we definitely take some time to acknowledge the day’s significance. It’s a strange kind of emotional balance: remembering one of the darkest days in our nation’s history while celebrating our son’s life and all the joy he brings. Aside from birthdays, our family has even more reasons to look forward to this month. My wife, Beth, and I are flying down to Texas to visit our son, Russell. He’s living in the Dallas area, and we’re planning to catch a baseball game while we’re there. But this game is a little more special than the norm because it’s part of my quest to visit every Major League Baseball stadium in the country. This trip will let me check one more off the list. After Dallas, I’ll only have three left: Tampa, Cleveland, and Detroit. I’ve been working on this goal for a while, and it’s exciting to be so close to seeing them all! I hope you all have a great month! I look forward to seeing you in the office! –Dr. Elkins
Well, sure enough …
She jinxed it. Adam was born on Sept. 11. At the time, it had been over a decade since the attacks, but still, that date carries weight. Adam turns 11 this year, which means he was born 13 years after 9/11. It's a meaningful and complicated birthday, especially when it lands on such a heavy day for so many people.
I always think back to where I was on 9/11. My wife and I were in dental school in Philadelphia at the time, just about two hours outside New York. That morning, we were in class when the first plane hit. We didn’t know anything yet. We left class and were walking to another building when we noticed people crying in the streets. We still didn’t really know what had happened until we walked into the next building.
Adam and his favorite car at the local Emmett car show in July
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Sunday Habits That Set You Up for the Week NO MORE MANIC MONDAYS
After a long week of work, many Americans relax, participate in their hobbies, and try to avoid increased responsibilities during the weekend. While this can be beneficial for your mental health, have you ever felt like your week was off to a rough start as soon as Monday rolled around? There’s nothing wrong with relaxing on the weekend, but putting aside your responsibilities for a few days can put you behind the eight ball. You don’t need to set aside your Sunday to deep-clean the house from top to bottom, but adding beneficial habits to the final day of the weekend can ensure every week starts on the right foot. Declutter Decluttering and clearing your space will directly impact your mental state. This can
be an overwhelming task at times, especially if you have a house full of kids, but you can make it manageable by keeping up with it every week. It might be easier once the kids go to bed, but take a few minutes every Sunday to walk through your house and pick up any items off the floor, on furniture, and anywhere else they may be lying. Plan Ahead Nothing will better prepare you for the week ahead than planning. Look through your work schedule and your kids’calendars to make sure you’re aware of upcoming events, games, or practices.You could also consider meal prepping if the upcoming week looks busier than usual. To take it a step further, prepack your kids’ lunches, lay out clothes for the workweek, and write down additional responsibilities you’ll have throughout the week.
Light Cleaning As stated earlier, you don’t need to deep- clean every week, but your home will look much better if you establish weekly light cleaning behaviors. Wipe down the surfaces in your kitchen, clean the windows, and give your floor some love by mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. If you have the time and energy, consider doing a load of laundry or two. These little tasks will add up, making your house consistently sparkle.
A WORD FROM ASHLEE, GRACE, AND LEAH Is Oil Pulling Worth the Hype?
Oil pulling might sound like a trendy wellness hack, but it’s a centuries- old Ayurvedic medicine ritual. The concept is simple:You swish oil, usually coconut, sesame, or sunflower oil, in your mouth for roughly 10–20 minutes, then spit it out. But why on earth would someone do that? As it turns out, the potential benefits might surprise you.
This part can feel a little strange at first, so start with five minutes and work your way up. Spit the oil into a trash can (not the sink) when you're done. Then, rinse with warm water before brushing your teeth.
The Basics The main idea behind oil pulling is to“pull” bacteria and toxins out of your mouth. Your mouth has many types of bacteria, some helpful and others not so much. Swishing oil around supposedly traps the bad guys, allowing you to spit them out before they cause issues like cavities, gum disease, or bad breath. While scientific research on oil pulling is still limited, small studies have suggested it may reduce harmful bacteria, plaque buildup, and inflammation. Ready to Give It a Try? Start by placing about a tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Swish it around gently (don’t gargle or swallow) and keep it going for up to 20 minutes.
Is It Safe? Yes, oil pulling is safe for most people. Just be sure not to swallow the oil, as it contains all the toxins and bacteria you’re trying to get rid of. If you have allergies, be sure to choose your oil type carefully. While oil pulling isn’t a miracle cure, it could be a helpful addition to your oral hygiene routine. It’s easy, inexpensive, and has been used for generations. If you’re curious, give it a try. Nothing replaces regular
brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, but oil pulling might give your smile a little extra shine.
–Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
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Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients
Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
• 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
JOKES DAD
How is my wallet like an onion? Every time I open it, I cry.
Did you hear about the famous pickle? He's a really big dill.
What is the cutest creature in the sea? A cuddlefish.
DID YOU KNOW? Fun Tooth Facts 1 ROOT OR 4? Your Teeth Are Built for the Job! Surprising Facts About the World of Ants
Fun fact: Not all your teeth are built the same under the surface!
We see ants often, but how much do you really know about these little guys? For starters, there are over 12,000 known species of ants worldwide, and they’ve been around for over 100 million years, even surviving the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs. • Ants don’t have lungs. Instead, they breathe through tiny holes along the sides of their bodies called spiracles. • Their communication skills are also remarkable. They use chemicals called pheromones to leave scent trails, warn others of danger, or signal food sources. • They may be small, but they’re mighty. A single ant can carry up to 50 times its own body weight. Whether they’re farming, building bridges with their bodies, or defending their colonies, ants are tiny marvels of the world!
While your front teeth, the flat ones called incisors, have only one
root, your molars can have up to four roots! So, why the difference? It all comes down to function. Incisors are designed for cutting and slicing through food. Since they don’t handle the pressure of grinding, one root is typically enough to keep them stable. Molars, on the other hand, crush and grind your food and need a stronger foundation. More roots mean more anchoring power, keeping your molars from wobbling when chomping down on a crunchy carrot or chewy steak!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. September Is for Birthdays, Baseball, and Remembering 2. Turn Lazy Sundays Into Your
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
4.
Student
Honored for Heroic Fire Rescue
Tooth Facts
Productivity Power Hour
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
VIVIANA'S QUICK THINKING SAVES A FAMILY FROM FLAMES 4th-Grade Hero
When 9-year-old Viviana Castilleja spotted flames shooting from a rooftop, she didn’t turn away; she jumped into action and helped save a family’s life. The elementary school student was riding home from a pizza place with her mom and grandmother when she noticed a house on fire along their commute. She didn’t think twice and immediately notified her family that flames were coming from the top of the home and growing larger. “It was coming from the chimney, not that tall, but you could see it was spreading to the roof," Viviana said. The trio stopped and knocked on the door to warn the residents of the danger. No one answered at first, but the family continued to try to get their attention until they finally
opened the door. Once everyone was safely outside,Viviana’s mother called 911. First responders arrived just in time to save the home and the two adults and three children who lived there. Fire department officials praised Viviana’s quick thinking and said if the fire had gone unnoticed for even a few moments longer, it could have been a dire situation. But thanks to the fourth-grader’s heroics, no one was injured. The San Antonio community has since honored Viviana’s brave act. During a ceremony, the fire department presented her with a special certificate at her school. Viviana’s mother, Leticia Rueda, said she was proud of her daughter’s quick thinking and hopes her actions inspire others.
“It’s important for us as parents to teach our children to speak up; it can be in other circumstances as well, but if something doesn’t feel right, they need to know to say something to someone,”she said. Viviana is an active student at Wilson Elementary. She is known for her good grades, soft-spoken nature, and the many activities she participates in, such as the chess club and robotics. She was happy she could help a family in trouble and had a simple message for her classmates. “If you see a fire, tell an adult immediately so they can call 911 and tell them to evacuate,”she said.Viviana’s clarity in a crisis is a powerful reminder that heroism has no age limit.
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