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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM
AUGUST 2025
From Cap and Gown to The Big Apple A GRADUATION TRADITION
When your child stands on the edge of adulthood, cap and gown on, diploma in hand, and an indescribable mix of pride and uncertainty in their eyes, it’s a big moment. My wife, Beth, and I just got back from taking our daughter, Leila, to NewYork City to celebrate her high school graduation. It’s something we’ve done for each of our kids when they reach that milestone. Instead of sending them on a senior trip with their classmates, we make it a family thing — just the three of us. It’s always great to have that time with them before they head off into the next chapter of their lives. We give them the choice of where to go, and oddly enough, all of them have picked New York. It’s kind of become a tradition. Each trip is a tad different, though, because the kids plan what they want to do. Last month, we spent almost a week there, just soaking it all in. One of Leila’s favorite parts was seeing“Moulin Rouge”and “The Outsiders”on Broadway. Both shows were incredible, but“Moulin Rouge”was extra special. It’s one of those shows that
just immerses you from the moment the curtain rises.“The Outsiders”was a different kind of awesome. It’s a newer play, even though the story itself isn’t new. Most of the original cast was still performing, which made it feel even more special. After seeing it, we completely understood why it’s been winning awards. It’s phenomenal! We also visited the 9/11 Memorial, which hit hard. Leila wasn’t born yet when it happened, but Beth and I were in dental school at the time, and it’s one of those moments that stays etched in your memory. We knew people who lost their lives that day, so being there and walking through the museum was emotional. They did an amazing job honoring those lives and telling the stories. It wasn’t easy, but I’m glad we went. One afternoon, we took the ferry across the harbor to see the Statue of Liberty. That was cool, although we all agreed it looked smaller in person than expected. Still, seeing it up close was one of those bucket list things you just have to do. We walked a ton on this trip. I had my smartwatch on, and we averaged somewhere between 15,000 and 17,000 steps a day. By the end of each day, our feet were killing us. There were a few times we had to give in and say,“Let’s just go back to the hotel and rest for a bit,”even though there was always more we wanted to do. We strolled through Central Park and stopped at the John Lennon“Imagine” memorial. Street musicians played Beatles and Lennon songs, which gave the whole
experience a chill, peaceful vibe. Not far from there, we visited the Met and spent hours looking at masterpieces: Van Gogh, ancient Greek statues, and Egyptian carvings. They were all mind-blowing pieces that you really only see in books. The next day, we went to the NewYork Botanical Garden, and they had aVan Gogh exhibition where they re-created his artwork using flowers. It was wild since just the day before, we’d seen the original paintings, and then we were walking through these incredible floral versions. That kind of back- to-back experience was something special. All in all, it was the kind of trip you don’t forget. Just the three of us, making memories and soaking up every moment before Leila heads off into the world. Part of me isn’t ready for that, if I’m being honest. But it’s also exciting to see her step into her own life. This trip was our way of closing one chapter and celebrating the beginning of another. One last hurrah before she writes her own story. –Dr. Elkins
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MAKING FITNESS FUN FOR EVERYONE The Family That Sweats Together, Stays Together
Ready to turn family time into flexing time? Staying active and healthy doesn’t have to mean dragging everyone to the gym for endless push-ups or eating kale every day. With a bit of imagination and a team effort, the whole family can make fitness fun and celebrate gains together. From turning laundry chores into speed-folding competitions to jamming out in the living room as a cardio workout, building healthy habits is easier when you’re with the ones you love and laughing! Mop Till You Drop Chores may not be everyone’s favorite activity — that is, until you turn them into high-energy games that work up a sweat. Many household tasks have physical elements that can be a form of entertaining exercise.You could challenge your family to a sweep off, where everyone races with their broom to see who can clean the
floor the fastest. Maybe you want to do some laundry lunges while washing clothes or see who can pick up the most toys in the shortest amount of time. Not only will everyone be more motivated to get their household to-do list done, but it will also help everyone get their reps in without noticing. Fit and Fun Staying in shape will happen naturally if you carve out time for family activities that include a little movement. Daily walks after dinner are low-impact, get everyone outside, and are an easy way to get your steps in. Instead of driving to the library or park, ride bikes to get there so everyone reaps the benefits of cycling, such as improved heart health and better balance.Your children might enjoy trying out scooters or roller skates to get around the neighborhood.
Stir Up Good Habits Proper nutrition is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle. Commit to cooking together as a family at least once a week to get everyone excited about eating right. Have the kids help plan the entree, pick out fresh veggies at the store, measure ingredients, or set the table. Making everyone feel included in meal planning helps them take ownership of their habits and learn how to prepare well-balanced diets.
A WORD FROM ASHLEE, GRACE, AND LEAH The Truth About Plaque
When you look in the mirror, plaque is invisible, but it can have a major impact on your oral health. This sticky, clear film forms on your teeth and along the gumline all day long. While plaque is a normal part of the mouth’s biology, if it's not removed regularly, it can lead to significant dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Plaque and Decay Plaque is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. It forms on your teeth after you eat or drink, especially if you've had something sugary or starchy. The bacteria in plaque feed on these sugars and
and it clings firmly to your teeth. Once plaque becomes tartar, it can't be
removed with a toothbrush. It can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.
Tartar buildup along the gumline can lead to irritated, inflamed gums. This condition is called gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Symptoms include red or swollen gums that may bleed during brushing or flossing. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum issues, including periodontitis, which can damage the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Prevent Plaque Buildup Good oral hygiene is the best defense against plaque. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, along with regular checkups and appointments, will help to keep your mouth healthy. Taking these small steps every day can help you maintain a clean, healthy smile for life.
produce acids. These acids attack the enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, and can weaken it over time. When the enamel is repeatedly exposed to these acids without proper cleaning, it begins to wear down. This breakdown eventually leads to tooth decay and cavities. In short, if plaque is not removed regularly, it can harm your dental health. From Plaque to Tartar If plaque isn't brushed or flossed away daily, it can harden into a substance called tartar (also known as calculus). Tartar is rough and porous,
–Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
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Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Ingredients
• 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream
• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze-dried strawberries
Directions
1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
JOKES DAD
What do you call an anxious mosquito? A jitterbug.
Do fish go on vacation? No, because they're always in school!
Why shouldn't pigs drive? They hog the road.
Fun Tooth Facts BRUSHING OFF TROUBLE The 300+ Bacteria Living in Plaque
DID YOU KNOW?
Here’s something that may shock you: Plaque can contain more than 300 different species of bacteria. It’s true. That sticky stuff that forms on your teeth has bacteria that play a role in your oral health.
BIG APPLE FACTS
These bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of your mouth, especially when sugar and starches are present. Some of these bacteria are relatively harmless, while others are aggressive and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Different areas, such as the tongue, cheeks, gum pockets, and tooth surfaces, provide different environments for various microbes to live. When plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, harmful bacteria start to dominate and increase the risk of dental problems.
Did you know NewYork was the first capital of the United States? In 1789, George Washington took his oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street. Today, it's hard to imagine Wall Street as anything other than a financial hub, but its roots go much deeper. The Statue of Liberty, one of the city's most iconic landmarks, was a gift from France and arrived in 350 individual pieces packed in over 200 crates. It took four months to reassemble it on Liberty Island. Lastly, NewYork's subway system is massive. It’s larger than any other in the world. With 472 stations, it's the only system that runs 24/7, 365 days a year.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. One Last Trip Before She Takes Flight 2. Healthy Habits for the Whole Crew A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Strawberry
4. The Nuttiest
Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
Car in America
Our Hygiene Team Just Got
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Tooth Facts
Even Stronger
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
FOOD ON WHEELS
The Nutty Cruiser Rolls Out Food companies have tried every trick in the book to get your attention, but few can beat the simple charm of a giant snack rolling down the street. It all started early in the 20th century when people dressed up cars with quirky decorations to drum up business. The most famous example came in 1936, when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile hit the road and turned heads everywhere it went.
ASHLEE, GRACE, & LEAH ARE HERE FOR YOU! MEET OUR EXPANDED HYGIENE TEAM We're excited to announce the expansion of our hygiene team to better serve you! Starting this month, Ashlee, Grace, and Leah will staff our dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist team. We're thrilled to have them on board and look forward to continuing your care with excellence and compassion.
The tradition is still alive today, and the newest edition is as nutty as they come. Blue Diamond’s Nutty Cruiser is a 20-foot-long almond on wheels, designed to spread the love for almonds across America. It even has an almond cannon that will shoot small bags of almonds on tiny parachutes, just in case the giant almond wasn’t enough to grab your attention. Inside, it has room for 10,000 snack packs, making it one of the tastiest vehicles on the highway. The Nutty Cruiser tours state fairs, sporting events, and festivals and draws a crowd wherever it goes. Drivers say it handles surprisingly well, thanks to its smooth, aerodynamic design — though they still get pulled over by curious police officers who just want a closer look. From hot dogs to nuts, food-shaped vehicles have a strange way of sticking around. Maybe it’s because they’re fun, a little bit ridiculous, and impossible to ignore. In a world full of billboards and pop-up ads, there’s still something special about spotting a giant almond cruising down the highway.
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