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DECEMBER 2024
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
HOLIDAY MAGIC
Creating Memories and Making a Difference in Our Community
EAST TEXAS LITERACY COUNCIL Education is a huge part of a thriving
Can you believe that the holidays are practically here? It feels like we just celebrated and rang in 2024, and here we are, about to welcome a new year. The holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of gathering with family and friends. It’s a season to exchange thoughtful gifts and create memories that last a lifetime. However, beyond all the fun and festivities, it’s also a time to give back to those in need and show our support for the community. At Texas Sedation, we believe that the true spirit of the holidays lies in generosity, not just toward our loved ones but also toward those who may be dealing with difficult times. That’s why, every year, we take this season as an opportunity to contribute to organizations that are making a significant difference in the lives of others. This year, we want to highlight a few of our favorite local charities close to our hearts, and we encourage you to consider supporting them as well.
best interests in court. These advocates give children a voice and ensure they receive the care and support they need during challenging times. CASA volunteers work incredibly hard to ensure that every child has a chance to thrive in a safe, permanent home. Supporting CASA means supporting the future of children in our community. LOVE THEM MORE Lastly, we are moved by the work of Love Them More, an organization focused on supporting foster and adoptive families. Through mentorship, education, and practical assistance, Love Them More helps families navigate the challenges of foster care and adoption. The organization provides essential items like diapers, clothes, and school supplies, as well as emotional support to foster families. By helping families, Love Them More strengthens the community and creates lasting change for children in need. As we gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate the holidays, let’s remember that the season is about more than just giving gifts — it’s about giving back. We invite you to join us in supporting these incredible charities that make a difference in our community and beyond. From all of us at Texas Sedation, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the true spirit of giving. Happy Holidays!
community, so we proudly support the East Texas Literacy Council. This organization is dedicated to providing literacy programs for adults in the East Texas area and helps them improve their reading, writing, and language skills. Through their Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs, the council empowers individuals to gain the skills they need to better their lives, enter the workforce, or pursue further education. Literacy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it opens doors to many opportunities! ZONTA Another charity we are proud to support is Zonta, a global organization that strives to empower women and advance gender equality. Zonta works in 63 countries worldwide to promote women's rights and provide services that support women’s health, safety, and economic independence. Through education and advocacy, Zonta helps create opportunities for women everywhere. The organization has a long- standing commitment to ending violence against women and supporting programs that offer real solutions. COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN (CASA) Children are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and that’s why we support CASA of East Texas. CASA volunteers are trained to represent children in the foster care system and advocate for their
-Dr. Travis Kendall
LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 | TYLER - 903-597-2201
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NATURAL STEPPING STONES TO LASTING WEIGHT LOSS
DRINK MORE LIQUIDS. Many people neglect hydration and mistake thirst for hunger. While there is no one- size-fits-all rule, according to the National Academy of Medicine, men need about 13 cups of water a day, and women need about nine, including the water and juices in fruits and vegetables. Staying well-hydrated will help keep your energy level high, your skin moist and radiant, and your mood upbeat. EAT, DON’T DRINK, YOUR CALORIES. An 8-ounce glass of Coke has the same 100 calories as four medium-size carrots, but the Coke won’t sate your hunger. The high- fiber carrots, however, will ease that hollow feeling for a while. To help you feel satisfied throughout the day, add fiber-rich foods such as whole grains like oatmeal and brown
About 40% of Americans consider themselves overweight, driving rapid growth in both prescription and non-prescription weight-loss drugs and supplements. However, the best route to lasting weight loss for many people is more straightforward and costs less. Here are four natural ways to manage your appetite and shed pounds without pricey prescription meds or supplements. EAT MORE PROTEIN. High-protein foods make you feel fuller for longer and help you consume fewer calories overall without the sugar rebound you get from carb-heavy snacks. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass while losing weight; muscle burns more calories than fat! Enjoy high-protein Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken, turkey, and fish to feel satisfied on less.
rice, veggies, fruits like apples and oranges, and potatoes to your diet.
FIND ENJOYABLE WAYS TO EXERCISE. Sustaining physical activity is important in maintaining a healthy weight, but your workouts don’t have to be a forced march. Find ways to reward yourself as you move, such as walking in your favorite park or listening to great music or podcasts on the treadmill. If finding an excellent personal trainer motivates you to get to the gym, then budget for that. Whatever it takes, your health is worth the effort!
Is it Time to Replace Your Dental Fillings?
HERE’S WHAT TO LOOK FOR
DISCOLORATION AROUND THE FILLING While some discoloration is normal over time, if you notice darkening or discoloration around the edges of your filling, this may indicate that decay is forming beneath it — a sign that the filling has loosened and is allowing bacteria to seep into the tooth. LOOSE OR MISSING FILLINGS If a filling feels loose or has fallen out completely, this is a sign that it needs to be replaced. A missing filling can expose the inner layers of your tooth to decay and possibly lead to more extensive dental work if it isn’t addressed right away. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our office immediately! We are here to help.
We are all familiar with dental fillings — they effectively repair teeth damaged by decay or cavities. However, like most dental work, fillings don’t last forever. As time passes, they may crack, wear down, or even fall out, which can cause discomfort or even more dental problems. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs that it’s time to replace your dental fillings to maintain a healthy smile.
decay. You should never ignore discomfort or pain in a previously treated tooth!
VISIBLE CRACKS OR DAMAGE Fillings can crack or chip over time due to normal wear and tear, especially if you grind your teeth or chew on hard objects. If you notice any visible damage to your filling, it’s important to call our office right away. A damaged filling can make the tooth vulnerable to decay and infection. ROUGH OR UNEVEN SURFACE Over time, dental fillings may wear down, resulting in rough or uneven surfaces. If your filling feels different or no longer fits smoothly against the surrounding tooth structure, it may need to be replaced. An uneven filling can affect your bite and cause discomfort.
Here are common signs it may be time to replace your dental fillings:
TOOTH PAIN OR SENSITIVITY If you start noticing increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods or if you experience pain when chewing, it could be a sign that your fillings are wearing down. As fillings age, they can lose their tight seal around the tooth, allowing bacteria to get in and causing further
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551
CHICKEN CAPRESE SALAD
When you visit the dentist, X-rays may be part of the visit! Dental X-rays play a large role in maintaining optimal oral health, providing a detailed view of what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums. While a visual examination can detect many dental issues, X-rays give us a more thorough analysis and help identify potential problems early and accurately. WHAT ARE DENTAL X-RAYS? Dental X-rays, or radiographs, use low radiation levels to capture images of your teeth and jawbone. These images give us insight into what is going on with the health of tooth roots, jawbones, and even the development of teeth in children. X-rays can highlight various problems, from minor decay between teeth to more serious conditions like bone loss, abscesses, or cysts. How Dental X-rays Help Maintain a Healthy Smile Beyond the Surface
Inspired by EatingWell.com
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp ground pepper • 2 1/2 tsp honey • 3/4 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 2 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced INGREDIENTS
• 8 cups coarsely chopped romaine lettuce • 1 lb grape tomatoes, halved • 1 (8-oz) container fresh small mozzarella cheese balls in water, drained • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
DIRECTIONS 1. Whisk vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and pepper in a medium bowl. Transfer 6 tbsp of mixture to a smaller bowl and whisk in honey; set aside. 2. To mixture in the medium bowl, add 1/2 tsp salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add chicken; toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes. 3. Coat a grill pan with oil. Over medium heat, add chicken and cook until grill marks appear on each side, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; let stand for 5 minutes. 4. Arrange romaine, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a large platter; sprinkle with salt. Top with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the honey mixture.
WHY ARE DENTAL X-RAYS IMPORTANT?
Detecting Tooth Decay X-rays can spot cavities hidden between teeth or beneath existing fillings. Early detection of decay can prevent more extensive and expensive dental procedures. Evaluating Bone Health X-rays provide a detailed look at the jawbone and help assess whether bone loss occurs due to conditions like periodontitis (gum disease). If left untreated, this bone loss can lead to tooth loss. Monitoring Tooth Development X-rays are helpful for younger patients in tracking how teeth develop. They can identify issues such as impacted teeth or overcrowding, enabling early intervention before more complex problems arise. Diagnosing Infections and Abscesses Dental infections or abscesses sometimes form beneath the gums and are not immediately noticeable. X-rays can help identify these issues so we can quickly treat them. Planning Dental Procedures X-rays are essential for accurate planning before certain dental procedures, such as root canals, implants, or braces. They ensure that we have a full understanding of the patient's oral structure and can proceed safely and effectively.
TAKE A BREAK
CARDINAL COCOA FROSTY GARLAND GENEROSITY MENORAH MITTENS PEPPERMINT PINECONES SNUGGLE UNITY YULE
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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 2
Celebrate the Season
Shed Pounds Without Dieting
5 Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Dental Fillings
3
The Role of X-rays in Preventing Major Dental Problems Early
Chicken Caprese Salad
4
Mix, Measure, and Make Memories
FESTIVE KITCHEN ADVENTURES — KID EDITION WHISKING UP FAMILY FUN
Could your child be a future celebrity chef? Could your baby be a world-class baker in waiting? Help transform your toddlers or school-age kids into tiny tastemakers by following these three simple tips. USE YOUR SPACE AS A SKILL ZONE. It takes more than just a love of food to make delicious meals and treats, as cooking and baking put all five senses to the test. Helping in the kitchen enables small children to heighten their awareness of smells, tastes, sounds, and textures while learning new words. Having them measure ingredients and pour them into bowls is an easy way to refine their motor skills, and your guidance behind the counter will encourage them to follow directions. If your kitchen companion is a baby, you can still involve them by describing the sights, sounds, and smells
surrounding them and letting them touch some of the food — all great tools to assist in developing their connection to the world. KID-PROOF YOUR MEAL PREP. Before taking your child on a culinary journey, check that their countertop travels won’t endanger them. It’s obviously a big no-no to rest a sharp knife on a cutting board that small hands can reach, but little things like toothpicks can also pose a risk. If your small assistant is old enough to cut up ingredients, a plastic utensil will be less painful than steel if the blade misses its mark. KEEP FAMILY FLAVORS FLOWING. Want to give your elderly mom or dad a holiday surprise they’ll never forget? Present them with a meal based on one of their famous recipes that their grandkid(s)
helped prepare! Holiday gatherings are great for sharing the details and delicacies that shaped your family’s history — and a wonderful opportunity to pass down those special traditions to the next generation. With the holidays upon us, now is a perfect time to introduce little ones to the joys of baking and cooking by turning your kitchen into a safe space for learning and bonding.
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LONGVIEW - 903-758-5551 | TYLER - 903-597-2201
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