Take a look at our newsletter this month!
May 2018
Happy Trails
Allan W. Stevenson, DDS General Dentist
www.trailridgefamilydental.com 205 W. Highway 95, Parma, ID 83660
208-722-7924
It’s easy to forget how blessed we are to live in Idaho. Life is stressful and moves at a million miles an hour. Sometimes it takes a change of scenery and perspective to make you recognize how fortunate you are. Throughout my life, I’ve found that mission trips offer the perfect opportunity to travel, do some good, and come back with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose. I have a very deep connection with the country of Guatemala. My first trip there was over 30 years ago. At the time, I was a young missionary with little experience of the world. The two years I spent in Guatemala were a formative experience that still resonates with me. So when I decided to do a dental mission in 2016, I instantly thought of Guatemala. That trip was such a success that I decided to bring two members of our team, Vernena and Shannell, along with me last year. It was such a great experience that we decided to share it with more people on our team. It also put into focus just how valuable dental care can be and how many people have to go without it. The trip was so inspiring that we’ve decided to make it an annual tradition for Trailridge Family Dental. This year, we traveled to Guatemala in early April and stayed there for over a week. On these trips, the vast majority of the work we do is emergency dentistry. When you have a dental issue, I’m guessing you visit the dentist as soon as possible. The people in the rural areas of Guatemala aren’t so lucky. They don’t have A Chance to Gain Perspective Our Annual Mission Trip
the tools or education necessary for excellent oral health. When somebody has tooth pain, an infection, or any other problem, they simply have to deal with the pain. Being able to provide locals relief is among the most rewarding things I get to do as a dentist. In a second, you get to alleviate pain and discomfort that a patient might have been dealing with for years. Of course, travelling to a less developed country than our own presents its own challenges. Most of the time, we’re set up in a facility that was never intended to be used for dentistry. We may not have our full suite of tools, but we do our best. In addition to providing life-changing services, we also spend time educating folks on proper hygiene. That’s where my Spanish skills come in handy. You can pull a tooth without exchanging any words, but making a connection with somebody and giving them tips to stay pain-free is just as valuable. When I became a dentist, it was with an eye toward making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Our mission trips provide ample opportunity to do this, but they also change my life in turn. After every trip — usually as I sit on the plane flying back home — I can’t help but feel super blessed. I’m blessed to be an American, to live in Idaho, and to have the chance to do something I love every single day. When life becomes stressful, I sometimes forget that gratitude. A trip to visit those less fortunate than myself is always the perfect reminder.
–Dr. Stevenson
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www.trailridgefamilydental.com
208-722-7924
Taking Care of Your Baby’s Oral Health
Tips onWhatto Do
B elieve it or not, your infant’s oral hygiene is important — even before they have teeth! Bacteria can build up inside your child’s mouth, causing harm to their gums and, eventually, their teeth. Though children’s teeth are temporary, they’re still vulnerable to infection and decay when not taken care of properly. Listed below are a few simple ways to secure your infant’s oral health. YOUR DENTAL HEALTH One important way to maintain your child’s dental health is to maintain your own. Not only does this lead to good habits for the both of you, it can prevent bacteria from spreading. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bacteria called streptococcus mutans can spread from mothers to their infants, which can lead to dental decay. CLEANING It’s important to keep your infant’s mouth clean. Bacteria can grow in their mouth and around their gums, creating infections even before
baby teeth set in. Clean your infant’s mouth at least twice a day or after each meal. Wash your hands, then wrap clean, damp gauze around your finger, and gently wipe your baby’s gums. APPOINTMENTS Scheduling a dental appointment is a sure way to prevent problems. You should see a dentist regularly to make sure your teeth are healthy before and after your child is born. When your child turns 1 year old, or their first tooth appears, take your infant in for their first dental appointment. By taking care of your dental health, you can take care of your infant’s. Call Trailridge Family Dental at 208-722-7924 and start your child down the path to lifelong oral care. Teeth or no teeth, oral health is important, and keeping up with it will benefit you and your child in the long run.
www.trailridgefamilydental.com
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208-722-7924
T hanks so much to our patients who donated supplies to share with the people of Guatemala! Dr. Stevenson, April, Sheila, Vernena, Shanell, and Shanell’s son Kyler just returned from a service mission there. We were able to join with other volunteers to make a team of 20 and provide dental screenings for 492 patients, treat 375 people, and remove 658 teeth. We also helped the local Mayan ladies build 10 garden boxes at their homes. Thanks to your generosity, our supply companies, team members, and friends delivered 273 hygiene kits, 175 blankets, 124 stuffed puppy dogs, 59 dolls, 216 pencils, 36 hats for newborns, and six soccer balls to the people we served in Guatemala. We took 186 newborn kits and 200 newborn hats, and those that we were not able to give to new mothers in the hospital were delivered to missionaries to give to new mothers in need in Guatemala and El Salvador. It was a life-changing experience for our team and brought joy in service, appreciation for all of our blessings, and most of all, a love for the hardworking, humble people there. We really felt the love God has for all his children. Making a Difference: Our Mission to Guatemala
We are already beginning to plan for next year, when we’ll take our own team! Thanks again for your generosity.
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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 Trip Worth More Than a Vacation Page 1
Infant Dental Health
Page 2
Making a Difference
Page 3
Grilled Ranch Potatoes
Page 4
Win a Trip to Hawaii!
Page 4
GRILLED RANCH POTATOES
If you want to be the hit of this year’s Memorial Day cookout, don’t overlook the star power of a well-made side dish. These smoky, tangy grilled potatoes will be the talk of the party. The best part is how easy they are to prep and make!
INGREDIENTS
water an hour before grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives and bacon bits. • Ranch dressing for drizzling • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives • Bacon bits (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste
1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in • 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved • 1/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1/2 packet ranch seasoning DIRECTIONS
Inspired by delish.com
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www.trailridgefamilydental.com
208-722-7924
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