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FEBRUARY 2025
LONGVIEW
TYLER
3665 US Highway 259 N Longview, TX 75605
1520 Rice Road Suite 100 Tyler, TX 75703
903-758-5551
903-597-2201
texassedationdental.com
Life has a way of knocking us down when we least expect it. We all experience setbacks — in our careers, relationships, personal goals, or even something as simple as burning dinner or failing at a new hobby. Feb. 1 is National Get Up Day, a reminder that it’s not about how many times we fall, but how many times we get back up. As Nelson Mandela once said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." I’ve lived this truth firsthand. My journey to becoming a dentist and opening my practice wasn’t the smoothest. I’ve stumbled more times than I can count, but every challenge taught me something that helped shape the person and professional I am today. Entering dentistry required years of intense schooling, clinical training, and many exams. But failure was never the end of my story, so I doubled down on studying, sought help from mentors, and succeeded! EVERY SETBACK IS A SETUP FOR A COMEBACK Keep Rising!
I’D LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! WHETHER YOU CELEBRATE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, CHILDREN, OR FRIENDS, IT’S ALL ABOUT CELEBRATING LOVE AND MAKING MEMORIES! TAKE SOME TIME TO CHERISH THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOUR HEART HAPPY!
But every misstep taught me something invaluable about leadership, adaptability, and resilience. Now, I’m living my dream.
Falling isn’t limited to professional life. In relationships, misunderstandings happen, feelings get hurt, and expectations aren’t always met. I’ve made my share of mistakes there, too. But owning up to them, learning, and making changes has strengthened those bonds. Even small things, like trying out a new recipe that turns into a disaster or starting a fitness routine that fizzles out, can feel like failures in the moment. But the magic happens when we try again — adjusting the recipe, finding a better workout plan, or resetting our goals. National Get Up Day reminds us that setbacks are a natural part of life. We all fall — sometimes hard — but every fall offers a chance to come back stronger and wiser. The hardest, but most rewarding thing we can do, is learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward. So, whether you’ve hit a bump in your career, faced struggles in your relationships, or just burned dinner last night — remember that falling is part of the journey. Rise up, try again, and trust that every setback brings you one step closer to success and growth.
Later, when I opened my dental practice, I faced entirely new challenges. Managing a business was a whole different skill set — one I wasn’t fully prepared for. I made mistakes and there were days where I wondered if I had even made the right choice to open the practice.
-Dr. Travis Kendall
LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 | TYLER - 903-597-2201
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A good night’s rest is one of the keys to a healthy life, but if counting sheep isn’t working for you, a psychology-based sleep hack can help quiet your most intrusive thoughts. Cognitive shuffling is a technique that aims to disrupt your thought patterns by focusing on random words to help your mind relax. It’s like shuffling a deck of cards — rearranging all the ideas to quiet the noise so you can sleep. Get ready to finally catch some z’s with this clever strategy to take you into dreamland. Cognitive shuffling gently nudges your brain away from worries and wandering thoughts that cause insomnia, easing you into a calm state. When you embrace random words and images that distract you from intrusive thoughts, you give yourself permission to get the rest you need. Sweet dreams are just a shuffle away! GOODBYE, SLEEPLESS NIGHTS How to ‘Shuffle’ Your Way to Restful Dreams
rosy. Repeat this for each letter until you finish the word you first chose. As you think about the words, spell them out slowly and visualize them. This practice resets your mind as you focus on something other than thoughts or feelings that keep you awake. MIND MOVIES Another method of cognitive shuffling involves conjuring different imagery in your mind to help you escape random thoughts or leftover anxieties from the day. As you lie in bed, think of random words like “cow” and imagine them. Create visuals in your mind so you can drift off to sleep. You can also use your heartbeat as your guide. Think of a non-emotional word like “horse,” and on each heartbeat, think of a word that starts with the first letter. The trick is to keep each word random, going with the first image that comes to mind.
SHUFFLE OFF TO SLEEP To turn this trick into a sleep triumph, get into bed, turn off the lights, and try to relax. As you lie there, think of a non-emotional word, like “rest,” or a similar word around five letters long that doesn’t cause an emotional reaction. Now, think of three words that start with the first letter of the word — like rain, road, and
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry? A GUIDE TO COMFORTABLE CARE
Sedation dentistry is a game-changer for patients who experience fear, anxiety, or discomfort during visits to the dentist. It involves using medication to help patients relax and feel at ease during procedures in our office. But who qualifies for this specialized service, and is it right for you? Here’s everything you need to know. DENTAL ANXIETY AND PHOBIA If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you uncomfortable, sedation dentistry might be for you. People with dental anxiety or phobia often avoid dental care, which can lead to larger oral health problems down the road. Sedation provides a great solution and ensures patients receive the care they need without added stress. COMPLEX DENTAL PROCEDURES For patients undergoing long or complex procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction, root canals, or multiple fillings, sedation dentistry offers a way to keep them comfortable for the length of the treatment. SENSITIVE GAG REFLEX A strong gag reflex can make even routine dental work challenging. Sedation helps suppress this reflex and makes it easier for us
to perform necessary procedures while ensuring the patient remains comfortable.
LOW PAIN TOLERANCE OR SENSITIVE TEETH Some people have a lower threshold for pain or extremely sensitive teeth that make dental treatments uncomfortable. Sedation can help desensitize nerves and create a more tolerable experience. DIFFICULTY SITTING STILL For children or adults with conditions such as ADHD or physical disabilities, staying still during dental procedures can be difficult. Sedation dentistry can make appointments in our office more manageable and less stressful for everyone. READY TO EXPLORE SEDATION DENTISTRY? If you think sedation dentistry could improve your dental experience, reach out to our office to discuss your options. Whether you struggle with anxiety, sensitivity, or a complex dental procedure, sedation dentistry may be the key to achieving a stress-free, healthy smile.
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551
FABULOUS FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE
Good oral health doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built on daily habits that protect your teeth, gums, and overall well-being. By incorporating these simple yet effective practices into your routine, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come. BRUSH TWICE A DAY — THE RIGHT WAY You know it well — we always recommend brushing twice a day. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean every surface of your teeth while holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue! Bacteria love to hang out there, and cleaning it can help keep your breath fresh too. FLOSS DAILY Flossing removes plaque and food particles from beneath your gums and between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a daily habit to floss thoroughly, as neglecting this step can lead to decay and gum disease in hard-to-reach areas. RINSE WITH MOUTHWASH An antimicrobial mouthwash can work wonders to help reduce plaque, fight bad breath, and prevent gum disease. Use a rinse that contains fluoride for added protection against cavities, but don’t use it as a replacement for brushing and flossing — it’s an extra layer of defense. STAY HYDRATED Did you know that water plays an important role in your oral health? It’s true! Drinking water helps wash away food particles, maintain saliva production, and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. LIMIT ACIDIC AND SUGARY FOODS Sugary snacks and acidic beverages like soda and citrus juices can break down tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities. If you do indulge, swish with water afterward to minimize any damage. VISIT OUR OFFICE REGULARLY Schedule dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. This way, we can spot early signs of potential issues and provide individual advice to improve your oral health routine. By making these daily habits part of your routine, you’re protecting your teeth and investing in your long-term well-being. A little effort every day can lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles! The Oral Health Checklist You Need Hydrate, Floss, Repeat
Inspired by EasyDessertRecipes.com
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted • 3/4 cup granulated sugar INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 cup almond flour • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a springform pan with butter or nonstick spray. 2. Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour warm, melted butter over it, wait for 2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. 3. Add sugar, almond flour, and walnuts and stir to incorporate. Stir in the egg yolks and set mixture aside. 4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form. 5. Fold 1/4 of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter. Repeat, 1/4 at a time, until egg whites are incorporated. 6. Pour batter into springform pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. 7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
TAKE A BREAK
CHOCOLATE DREAM EQUALITY GROUNDHOG GRAMMY KING LINCOLN PIZZA ROSES SUPER BOWL VALENTINE WOMEN
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TYLER - 903-597-2201
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 TYLER - 903-597-2201 TEXASSEDATIONDENTAL.COM
3665 US HIGHWAY 259 N LONGVIEW, TX 75605
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
Resilience Is the Ultimate Superpower The Sleep Hack Your Brain Will Love
2
Transform Your Smile Without Fear
Your Guide to Better Oral Health
3
Fabulous Flourless Chocolate Cake
4 Family Activities That Will Make Valentine’s Day Special TOGETHERNESS OVER ROMANCE YOUR GUIDE TO A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VALENTINE’S DAY
Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple. You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. WRITE LOVE LETTERS. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to share what they love about each other. Give your kids and yourself time to write love letters to each family member, writing down what they love about that
person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are. MAKE SOME SWEET TREATS. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous. GIVE GIFTS TO EACH OTHER. While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift-giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood
and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates are the go-to Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive!
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 | TYLER - 903-597-2201
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