Check out our September newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM SEPTEMBER 2024
OLD FRIENDS, GREAT GAMES, AND WRAPPING UP AN OAKLAND ERA
In July, I mentioned how excited I was for my Oakland A’s trip, and I’m happy to say it was a huge success! I just returned and couldn’t have asked for a better time. I reconnected with old high school friends and spent two days enjoying back-to- back games — one on Friday and another on Saturday. It was great to sit, catch up, and share some laughs while reminiscing about the good old days. The combination of baseball and good company made for an unforgettable trip. The A’s won both games while I was there — a rare feat this season, but luck was certainly on our side. It couldn’t have been a better way to cap off our last trip to Oakland to see the A’s play before they move to Sacramento for a few years while their new stadium is built in Las Vegas. The wins made the trip even more memorable as we said goodbye to an era. I’m really looking forward to their move to Las Vegas — it’s much closer and will make it easier to catch a home game. Having friends who stick with you through life’s ups and downs is always special. Even after about 10 years apart, when we finally got together, it felt like no time had passed. Those kinds of friendships are priceless. I feel truly blessed to have such amazing friends. On another note, on Sept. 8, we celebrate National Grandparents’Day. Both of my grandfathers were incredibly artistic. One was highly skilled at drawing and
sketching and even owned a printing business. Interestingly, he also did stained glass for many years. When he decided he could no longer continue with it, I inherited his stained glass equipment — that’s how I got back into the craft myself. My other grandfather was a talented wood carver, and I’m fortunate to still have many of his beautiful creations today. As many of you know, I am passionate about working on art projects — sometimes even squeezing them in between patients here at the office. These creative outlets help me stay grounded and focused. Amid the daily grind, it’s easy to feel drained, so I’m glad to have inherited an artistic eye and love for art from my grandfathers. I believe art benefits my mental well- being and enhances my work. Dentistry is an art-driven craft.You need an eye for detail to assess someone’s smile and then skillfully re-create or improve it. It’s all about working with precision, focusing on small details, and using your hands to bring that vision to life. My grandfathers will always be a huge influence on many of my passions. I’m grateful to have known and learned so much from them. Grandparents are truly a source of knowledge and wisdom. Here’s to celebrating their amazing influence on us! –Dr. Elkins
ElkinsDental.com | 1
KEEP YOUR VEGGIES AND YOUR WALLET HAPPY WITH THESE HACKS Say Goodbye to Food Waste
Say goodbye to tossing out forgotten veggies and stale bread because it's time to turn your kitchen into a waste-free wonderland! Most people don’t realize how many of their meals wind up in the trash can or how much money they lose in spoiled food. By utilizing ingenious storage hacks, being aware of what you have in the fridge, and using a little culinary creativity, you can make your food last longer and save money. Add Water Water can be a magic ingredient when preserving fresh fruits and vegetables.You can keep lemons for 1–3 months by placing them in a cup of water in the refrigerator. Similarly, you can keep herbs fresher for longer by
keeping them in a bouquet and submerging the bottom in water. Other veggies that do well when stored in a cup of water are spring onions, celery, and asparagus. To keep your berries fresh, soak them in water and vinegar. Rinse them well and dry them before storing them back in the fridge.
Cook Smart One of the best ways to reduce food waste is to manage the amount you prepare while cooking. Aim only to cook and serve the right amount for the number of people you feed. If you make a larger portion, eat the leftovers or use those ingredients to make something else. Produce that’s a little wilted can still be used in a soup, or you can turn stale bread bits into croutons. So, if you want to reduce the food you throw away, make the world a little greener, and keep your wallet fuller, these simple and effective tips can go a long way! From storing herbs in water to smart meal planning, you have the tools to turn the tide on food waste.
Plan and Sort Each week, inventory your fridge and
cupboard, noting what items you need to use first so they don’t spoil. Base your shopping list and meals on what you already have to save money and reduce the food you throw away. Check the expiration dates of products and put the items about to go bad up front in your fridge or on the shelf so you reach for them first.
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Root Canal Treatment: A Comfortable, Efficient Way to Preserve Your Tooth
Root canals are often intimidating to many patients, but they are common, simple, and not to be feared! The main goal of root canals is to save an infected or damaged tooth.
Filling the Root Canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber- like material to seal the space and prevent another infection from potentially forming. Temporary or Permanent Restoration: We then seal the tooth with a temporary filling or a permanent restoration, such as a crown. What to Expect After the Procedure After the procedure, patients may experience some mild discomfort and sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain medication will help to manage this pain and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. With proper care after a root canal, a tooth can last a lifetime. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to maintaining the health of the treated tooth and preventing future problems. It’s really that simple! By understanding what to expect, patients can approach the procedure with confidence and a positive outlook.
When the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth with nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed due to injury, decay, or repeated dental procedures, a root canal is often necessary to remove the infection and prevent further damage while preserving the tooth. What does a root canal involve? In our office, we do our best to make the root canal process as simple as possible. Here is what you can expect. X-rays and Diagnosis: Before treatment, the dentist takes X-rays to assess the severity of the infection and the surrounding bone structure. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Pulp Removal: The dentist drills a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged pulp is then carefully removed. Cleaning and Disinfecting: The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria. Sometimes, medication is placed inside the canals to ensure thorough disinfection.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
PERFECT PEACH COBBLER Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Ingredients
• • • • • •
6 cups sliced fresh peaches 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
JOKES DAD
What do lumberjacks shout at the start of fall? Sep-timberrrrrr!
Why shouldn’t you tell a secret in a cornfield? Because the corn has ears.
What’s the best band to listen to in autumn? The Spice Girls
DID YOU KNOW?
Tooth Facts Fun Our Mouth Hosts Over 700 Species of Bacteria! Here’s Why That’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
Interesting Facts About the Gray Wolf
Gray wolves, also known as timber wolves, are fascinating. At the top of their food chain, these apex predators have few natural enemies. They are famous for their howls and are beautiful animals. Let’s take a look at a few quick facts about gray wolves! Pack Animals Gray wolves live in tight-knit packs led by an alpha pair, often referred to as the alpha male and alpha female. The alpha pair is typically the only one that breeds, but sometimes, they have multiple breeding pairs. Speed and Stamina Wolves can run up to 36–38 miles per hour in short bursts and maintain a speed of around 5 miles per hour for longer distances, making them highly effective hunters. Heavy Eaters Don’t invite a wolf over for dinner! They are known to be able to eat up to over 19 pounds in one sitting. It seems the term“wolfing it down”holds some true meaning!
Did you know that your mouth hosts over 700 species of bacteria? It’s true!
While that number may sound alarming, not all of these bacteria are harmful. In fact, many of them play an essential role in maintaining your oral health by aiding digestion and preventing harmful pathogens from taking over. A healthy mouth hosts a diverse ecosystem, and the balance between good and bad bacteria is key to your overall well-being. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and attending regular check- up appointments are key to helping keep harmful bacteria in check.
ElkinsDental.com | 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Cherishing Friendships and Big Wins 2. Easy Tricks for a Greener Kitchen
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Perfect Peach Cobbler
4.
The Belgian Malinois Who Protected America
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
K-9 Sonya’s Distinguished Service Is Recognized A TAIL OF COURAGE
Security Response Team West in San Diego. Alongside her human partner, Sonya’s primary job was to detect and detract acts of terrorism in the U.S. She has performed more than 5,000 hours of explosives detection work and more than 8,500 vehicle sweeps. The pooch’s expertise has helped other local law enforcement agencies handle bomb threats in residential and federal buildings, and she has worked with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. One of the highlights of her career was when she found a firearm that was ditched during a high-speed pursuit that was later linked to multiple homicides. Her work ultimately helped to identify the suspect. Sonya has also had the opportunity to attend major events in the country, protecting guests and fans. Over her career, she worked security for four Super Bowls, the Rose Bowl,
the U.S. Track and Field Olympics, U.S. World Athletics, PGA tournaments, and many other mass public gatherings. Sonya has assisted in security for four U.S. presidents, high-ranking dignitaries, and world leaders. Sonya retired in 2023 and was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer, but she didn’t let it stop her from continuing to serve. Sonya worked as the Coast Guard’s first-ever canine recruiter until her passing in April. In a heartfelt message online, Sonya’s handler, Chief Petty Officer James Grant, paid tribute to his partner. “Sonya girl, you were a fighter until the end,”he wrote.“Your loyalty and love will be forever remembered. K9 Sonya, you were the greatest, most loving dog I have ever met.” Sonya’s brave legacy lives on and continues to inspire.
A national hero from the U.S. Coast Guard had a lot to wag her tail about this year! K-9 Sonya, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, was honored with the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal this March for her extraordinary heroism over the past nine years. The hardworking dog has a long list of achievements and continues to serve the Coast Guard proudly. Sonya was one of 18 explosive detection canines in the Coast Guard, assigned to two duty stations, the Maritime Safety and Security Team in Seattle and the Maritime
4 | Elkins Dental
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator