Check out our November newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM NOVEMBER 2025
Our Family’s Favorite Thanksgiving Story It All Starts With an Olive
Every family has that one quirky Thanksgiving tradition. You know, the one that makes outsiders raise an eyebrow but makes perfect sense to everyone at the table. For some, it’s a secret stuffing recipe. For others, it’s the annual post-dinner football game in the yard. But for my family, we do something a little different. Before anyone takes the first bite, we all stick a black olive on our fingers. I’m not exactly sure when this tradition began, but we’ve been doing it forever. Every Thanksgiving, before we eat, we all take a picture at the table with the whole meal laid out and everyone smiling. Every single one of us has a black olive stuck on a finger. No one remembers why it started, and honestly, none of us really cares anymore. It’s just what we do!
Thanksgiving table as usual. Everyone proudly wore their olive on their finger, usually their pinky, since it is the only finger small enough for the olive to fit on, except my youngest son, Adam, who was about 3 or 4 at the time. Days later, while flipping through the photos, we burst out laughing. There was Adam, grinning mischievously, tongue sticking out the side of his mouth, and, of all fingers, proudly (and totally innocently) showing off his middle finger. Of course, he had no idea what it meant, which made it even funnier. Every year, after we take the olive photo, another tradition begins. Once it’s time to eat, we go around the table, and each person shares something for which they’re grateful. It might be an event from the past year, something small and simple, or sometimes a significant accomplishment or something very personal. It’s a great way to remind us of what Thanksgiving is all about. We usually host the holiday at my house. My parents live nearby, and so does my brother and his family. As long as no one is sick, everyone comes over. The table is always filled with turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy, which are my favorites and the first things I pile onto my plate. I eat a little of the other dishes, too, but the turkey and potatoes are, in my book, the best. Once that settles, dessert takes over, and lemon meringue pie is always my absolute favorite.
After dinner, when we are all full and sleepy, we shift from Thanksgiving to Christmas mode. That is when we turn on “Elf,” which officially kicks off the Christmas season. Sometimes, we all sit and watch it together; other times, it plays in the background while we play games or chat. No matter what, everyone stops when their favorite scenes come on. We quote the lines, laugh together, and enjoy the moment. Our Thanksgiving is always a mix of laughter, warmth, and a little bit of chaos, which is exactly how it should be. Between the olives on our fingers, the gratitude, and the familiar sound of Buddy the Elf in the background, our family has built something uniquely ours. Have a wonderful holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving! –Dr. Elkins
A few years back, during one of those picture sessions, we gathered around the
ElkinsDental.com | 1
AND IT’S BIOLOGICAL The Monday Slump Is Real …
If you wake up on Monday feeling like you got hit by a truck, you're not alone and certainly not imagining it. The “Monday scaries” are more than a funny meme; they’re rooted in biology. Two days of relaxed routines, late wake-ups, and maybe a little indulgence throw off your internal body clock. That weekend shift in your sleep schedule can feel like jet lag come Monday morning, making it harder to wake up, focus, or function at full capacity. Stress hormones spike on Mondays. Adding fuel to the fire, your body naturally produces more cortisol, the primary stress hormone, early in the day to help you wake up and move. However, research shows cortisol levels are often higher on Monday mornings. You’re not just waking up; you’re mentally bracing for everything the week is about to throw at you: meetings, deadlines,
commutes, and inboxes stacked like Jenga towers. Your brain senses a threat, even if it’s just a packed calendar. Weekend whiplash wrecks your momentum. The weekend is a break from responsibility. You can lounge, laugh, socialize, and embrace your most authentic self. Then Monday shows up and demands a complete 180. That stark contrast of freedom from structure creates mental whiplash. You have to shift gears without a warm-up lap, and your brain rebels. It’s not that Mondays are objectively worse; they just highlight
weekdays. The problem isn’t Monday itself. It’s our perception of it. We idealize the weekend and villainize Monday, giving it a bad rap it might not fully deserve. The dread is often psychological, built on expectations rather than experience. Make Mondays better! There’s no magic wand, but there are strategies. Try keeping your weekend wake-up time close to your weekday time to minimize sleep disruption. Wrap up your workweek with a to-do list for Monday so
you’re not walking in blind, and schedule something you enjoy for Monday: a fancy coffee, a midday walk, or a catch-up
how much better weekends feel. Miserable Mondays is a myth. Surprisingly, research suggests
call with a friend. A small pleasure can take the sting out of a stressful start.
people don’t report being significantly unhappier on Mondays than on other
A WORD FROM ASHLEE, GRACE, AND LEAH What to Do When Dental Emergencies Strike Without Warning
Accidents don’t send invitations. When your day suddenly involves smashed teeth, throbbing pain, or bleeding gums, knowing what to do right away can make all the difference. Here’s how to take charge. Knocked-Out Tooth First, stay calm. Time is of the essence. Try to handle the tooth by its crown (the chewing surface), never the root. If possible, gently reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place by biting down softly on gauze or clean cloth. If that’s not feasible, keep it moist: Tuck it between your cheek and gums, or submerge it in milk (or a tooth-preservation solution if you have one). Then, book an appointment as soon as possible. The sooner it’s treated, the better its chance of survival. Cracked or Split Tooth Spit out any bits, then rinse your mouth with warm water to clear away debris. Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce any swelling. Avoid chewing on that side and take pain relief (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) if your medical conditions allow. Don’t try to glue it yourself or break off loose fragments. Unrelenting Toothache Begin with the basics: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to flush irritants, then gently try to remove particles between your
teeth with floss. If that doesn’t reveal a cause, be cautious
with over-the-counter pain relief. Never place aspirin directly on the gums or tooth, as it can
cause tissue damage. Call our office if pain lingers for more than a day or is severe, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, or sensitivity to hot or cold. Lip, Cheek, or Tongue Injuries Rinse gently with water, then apply a clean, cold compress to reduce swelling or bleeding. If the wound is small and bleeding lightly, it might heal on its own. But if bleeding won’t stop after 10–15 minutes of gentle pressure, or if the cut is deep, head to an ER or urgent dental clinic. Foreign Object Stuck Between Teeth Floss gently to dislodge the object. Avoid poking or jabbing with pins, toothpicks, or anything sharp. If floss can’t remove it, call our office rather than risk injuring gums or pushing it deeper.
–Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
Apple-Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
• 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries • 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced • 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey • 8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
JOKES DAD
When does December come before November? In the dictionary.
What do you call a sad cranberry? A blueberry.
Why did the turkey get detention? It used fowl language.
Fun Tooth Facts ACID ATTACK Your Favorite Drinks Might Be Slowly Eating Away Your Enamel
DID YOU KNOW?
Jim Carrey Almost Played Buddy?! Fun Facts About ‘Elf’
Acidic beverages, such as sodas, citrus juices, and energy drinks, can soften tooth enamel soon after they’re consumed. This process, known as demineralization, occurs when acids lower the pH in the mouth, leading to the loss of essential minerals like calcium and phosphate from the enamel. The impact of acidic drinks on enamel can persist for approximately 20 minutes after consumption. During this period, the enamel remains vulnerable to further damage. Every sip of an acidic beverage resets this timer, prolonging the exposure and increasing the risk of erosion. TO PROTECT YOUR ENAMEL: Wait before brushing. This allows your enamel to reharden. Rinse with water. After drinking acidic beverages, rinse your mouth to help neutralize acids. Use a straw. This will help reduce direct contact between the acidic liquid and your teeth. Chew sugar-free gum. This stimulates saliva production, which naturally helps neutralize acids and remineralize enamel.
Can you believe the movie “Elf” has been spreading Christmas cheer for over two decades? Released in 2003, this holiday classic almost looked very different. Jim Carrey was originally considered to play Buddy the Elf back in the ’90s, but the project got delayed. Check out these other fun facts about this iconic Christmas movie! • Many of the scenes were actually filmed in New York City. When you see Buddy running through the streets, that’s Will Ferrell interacting with real, unsuspecting New Yorkers! • Buddy’s spaghetti for breakfast scene is iconic, but Will Ferrell actually ate a lot of syrup-covered spaghetti for real, which made filming both hilarious and sticky. • Did you catch the director, John Favreau’s cameo? When Buddy takes a paternity test, the doctor is actually the film’s director himself!
ElkinsDental.com | 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Our Thanksgiving Might Look Normal … Until You See the Olives
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2. Blame Science: Your Brain Isn’t Built for Mondays
3.
4. How a Rescue Dog Is Lifting Spirits at Sea
Apple Cranberry Salad
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah
WE WILL BE CLOSED NOV. 26-28 FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Meet the Navy’s First Full-Time Morale Dog ANCHORS AWEIGH, BELLY RUBS AHEAD
For one special soldier, the mission is clear: Provide comfort, lift spirits, and stand by his crew, four paws at a time. Raider, a 1-year-old Lab mix from an animal rescue in San Diego, isn’t your typical recruit. He’s about to make waves as the first full-time morale dog on a Navy ship, and he could transform life at sea for hundreds of sailors. With a wagging tail and unwavering loyalty, this pup is ready to serve his country in the most heartwarming way. The nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs as service animals for veterans since 2012, with a mission to “save lives, two at a time.” Though the organization partners dogs with individual veterans, it began bringing therapy dogs to Navy ships for special training outings and made a discovery. Crew members felt a special connection with the pups and kept asking, “Can we take this dog on deployment with us?”
been deep in training since April. This new furry crew member has been working hard on learning to use a “potty patch” on board and special safety gear like booties for his paws and eye protection. Along with getting his sea legs, he’s learning various commands that will help in his role, which is “designed to support the emotional wellness, morale, and mental health of sailors and Marines,” according to the nonprofit. Raider will join a team of five handlers and live full time on the USS Makin Island in his own room. Crew members will get their wish, and any time the base deploys, he’ll be along for the ride. Known for his goofy personality and affinity for belly
rubs, he’s already bringing cheer to the base and inspiring others to follow in his pawprints. The nonprofit is busy training morale dogs for other ships. “Everyone is just really excited to have a furry companion to go with them when they’re underway,” Director of Operations and Training Nicky Moore said, adding, “What makes you happier than a dog?”
Raider is the first canine cadet for the job. He was adopted from Labs and More Rescue and has
4 | Elkins Dental
Warm Up Your Smile Before Year’s End … And Make the Most of Your 2025 Benefits! A mug of cocoa, a warm blanket, and a good book; that’s the way to spend a chilly November evening. But before you settle in, it’s time to make sure your dental benefits aren’t slipping away! At midnight on Dec. 31, any unused coverage disappears for good. Booking now means you can enjoy the season knowing you’ve made the most of your benefits. It also means that you’ll have your choice of reservation times before the holiday rush arrives. This time of year gets busy, so make your reservation today. Then, you can get back to your blanket, your cocoa, and your book. You’ve paid for benefits all year. Don’t lose them like the last lonely marshmallow at the bottom of your cocoa mug! Give us a call and head into the New Year with a healthy smile and no surprise dental bills.
5 Cozy Reasons to Book Before It’s Too Late
Cold nights and warm drinks are great, but using your dental benefits before they vanish is even better. Here are five good reasons to book now: • More reservation times before the December dash. • Avoid the year-end scramble (and the parking lot chaos). • Use the benefits you’ve been paying for, they’re not meant to be decorative. • Smile big for holiday photos without worrying about “cookie teeth.” • Start the new year with zero dental bills and plenty of cocoa money. Call now, and you can spend the rest of the season in your slippers instead of the waiting room ... unless you want to wear your slippers here. We won’t judge!
Call to schedule your reservation today!
208-369-4532
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617 Visit us Online at ElkinsDental.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator