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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM FEBRUARY 2025
MY BOY SCOUT BUDDY SURE DID! Do You Believe in Bigfoot?
Are you on Team Bigfoot?
Of course, we burst out laughing.“Bigfoot? Are you sure you didn’t just see a bear?” “No, it wasn’t a bear,”he insisted.“It was Bigfoot. He was eating a pine cone, and when he saw me, he shook the trees and ran off.” At this point, we were intrigued. We had to see the“Bigfoot sighting”for ourselves. So, armed with our flashlights and a bit of skepticism, our group of six or seven hiked out to the spot. When we got there, our friend pointed to the remnants of a pine cone that had been shredded to bits.“See? He was eating that!” he exclaimed. We rolled our eyes but started to feel a little uneasy. The forest was eerily quiet, and how he described Bigfoot grabbing and shaking the trees was enough to make us glance over our shoulders. Just as we started piecing together our theories (bear? really hungry squirrel?), something happened that spooked us all. A deer bolted out of the brush and ran directly through our group. Not around us — straight through us. We screamed like little kids and stumbled all over each other in panic. For a split second, we were all convinced Bigfoot had come back for round two. Even now, when I reconnect with my friends from the Scout troop, this story comes
Happy 100th Birthday to my amazing grandma, Wanda Limb! Some of you might even know her —
Looking at the calendar, I noticed that Feb. 8 is National Boy Scouts Day. For those who have worn the uniform, it’s hard not to look back at those early years with a smile (or a chuckle). And speaking of chuckles, I want to share one of my favorite — and funniest — memories from my time in the Boy Scouts. It was the summer of Scout camp, an annual tradition full of earning merit badges and plenty of free time for teenage mischief. We camped, built fires, and hung out for an entire week — what a time to be alive. But the most fun we had was the time roaming around, bonding with our troop, and, of course, finding ways to entertain ourselves. One day, one Scout wandered off into the woods by himself. When he returned, his face was pale, and he was practically shaking.
she lived here in Emmett for so many years. My mom grew up just down the road from the office, and I love driving by that house every day!
up. And, yes, the friend who claimed he saw Bigfoot still swears he did. He vividly remembers the pine cone, shaking trees, and the dark figure. Who are we to argue? Whether you believe in Bigfoot or not, these memories make Boy Scouts so much fun. During some of the best years of my life, I created friendships and shared experiences, and I can still roll on the floor laughing about years later. So, here’s to all my Scout buddies! And, if you’re ever out hiking and spot a shredded pine cone, well ... you never know, I guess! –Dr. Elkins
“What’s wrong?”we all asked.
“I ... I saw Bigfoot,”he stammered.
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A Guide to Decluttering Sentimental Items LIGHTEN THE LOAD
Decluttering sentimental items can often tug at the heartstrings, turning a well-intentioned clean-up session into a stroll down memory lane (without decluttering anything). However, with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of organization, you can transform this emotional task into a fulfilling journey. Here’s how to declutter with joy and without regrets! Sentimental Sorting With Strategy When it comes to sentimental clutter, every item seems to tug at your heartstrings. To navigate this emotional landscape, employ the three-box method: one for keepsakes, one for giveaways, and one for those undecided items. For the keepsakes, focus on functionality. If an item can be used regularly rather than stored away, it makes the cut. This method clears your space and ensures your items are meaningful and useful. Then, follow
through, donate the giveaways, and commit to reexamining the undecided items in the future. How to Evaluate Emotional Value Not all treasures are worth their weight in storage space. When deciding on items like family heirlooms, consider their stories and significance. Are they precious family artifacts or just items passing through generations without purpose? Understanding the history of an item can clarify its importance, or lack thereof, in your life. If it's valuable beyond sentiment — think antiques or rare collectibles — getting a professional valuation can guide your decision on whether to keep, sell, or donate. Repurpose With Purpose What to do with those memory-filled items that don't quite fit anywhere? Get creative! Transform old T-shirts into a cozy quilt, or turn
drawings into framed art. Repurposing gives these items new life and a place in your home beyond the attic. If you’re not ready to part with something, consider photographing it for a digital memory book. This way, you keep the memories alive without the physical clutter. Embrace Space Over Stuff It's easy to fall into the "what if I need it someday?" trap. Here's a little trick to help you move past this hurdle: Ask yourself if the item is easily replaceable and whether it costs less than $50 to replace. If yes, it’s probably safe to say goodbye. Chuckle at the chaos, dance through the piles, and remember that every item you let go of is a step toward a lighter, more joyful living space. Let’s make room for new memories, minus the mess!
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Understanding TMJ
If you or a loved one has ever experienced jaw pain or discomfort, you may have heard the term“TMJ”tossed around. But what exactly is TMJ, and what causes the discomfort associated with it? Let’s take a look. What is TMJ? TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the hinge-like joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. This joint helps you talk, chew, yawn, and perform all those other jaw-related movements we often take for granted. When this joint doesn’t operate correctly, it can lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), although many people commonly refer to it as TMJ. Identify common symptoms of TMJ issues. TMJ disorders can present in various ways, including: • Jaw pain or tenderness • Difficulty opening and closing your mouth • Popping, clicking, or grating sounds when moving your jaw • Facial pain • Headaches or earaches • Jaw gets stuck in open or closed positions What causes TMJ issues? There isn't always a clear cause of TMJ disorders, but several factors can contribute:
Stress and Jaw Clenching: Stress can lead to teeth grinding or jaw clenching, which puts extra strain on the TMJ and surrounding muscles. Injury or Trauma: A blow to the jaw or head can damage the joint, leading to pain and dysfunction. Arthritis: Similar to other joints, the TMJ can be affected by arthritis, leading to inflammation and stiffness in the area. Dental Problems: Issues like misaligned teeth or an improper bite can create uneven pressure on the TMJ. Muscle Overuse: Frequent gum chewing or nail-biting can overwork the jaw muscles, leading to discomfort. Know when to seek help. Mild TMJ discomfort often improves with rest, relaxation techniques, or simple adjustments like avoiding hard-to-chew foods. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, it’s time to contact a health care professional. Treatments may range from physical therapy to custom mouthguards and, in some cases, medical or surgical interventions.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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Fabulous Flourless Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
• 1 cup chopped dark chocolate • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted • 3/4 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 4 large eggs, separated • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
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. Directions
Inspired by EasyDessertRecipes.com
JOKES DAD
What month is the best for coffee? Feb-BREW-ary.
What do you call a cold puppy? A chili dog.
Why do sweaters tend to hang out together? They're pretty close-knit.
Tooth Facts Fun Pearly Whites, Big Insights Teeth Tell Your Health Story
DID YOU KNOW?
Your pearly whites aren’t just great tools for chewing. They tell us a lot about your diet and overall health — how neat is that? Foods rich in sugar and starch can leave a mark on your teeth. These substances feed harmful bacteria in your mouth, which produce acids that can cause cavities. However, a diet high in calcium and vitamin D promotes strong enamel and healthier teeth. Even the types of beverages you enjoy, like coffee, tea, or red wine, can stain enamel and hint at your drinking habits over time. Beyond what you eat, teeth are excellent windows to your health. Gum disease, for example, is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Chronic stress or anxiety often leads to teeth grinding, which wears down enamel and can cause jaw pain. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin C, might even manifest as gum complications, while white spots on teeth can signal excessive fluoride intake during childhood.
The Legend of Bigfoot
The myth of Bigfoot dates back centuries, long before the name "Bigfoot" became popular in the 20th century. The legend began in 1958 when large footprints were discovered in California and sparked widespread curiosity. Reports of sightings, blurry photos, and grainy videos have kept the legend alive ever since. Why do some people believe in Bigfoot? For many, it’s about the allure of the unknown. Bigfoot represents a mystery waiting to be solved, a taunting hint that the natural world might still hold secrets. Others are drawn in by supposed evidence — footprints, hair samples, or sightings — from seemingly credible witnesses, just like Dr. Elkins’ friend. They enjoy the thrill of believing in something extraordinary!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Bigfoot Crashed My Boy Scout Camp Sentimental Items Without Regrets 2. How to Declutter
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3.
4. The Unsolved Mystery of
Fabulous Flourless
Chocolate Cake
the Exploding Teeth
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
DENTAL DETONATIONS FROM THE PAST The Bizarre History of the Bursting Teeth
People love unsolved mysteries, as shown by the steady stream of new podcasts and TV shows about cold cases. Now, to the annals of mysteries like“Who invented Bitcoin?”or“What really happened to Amelia Earhart?”add this riddle for the ages:
In a third case, in 1855, a woman reported that one of her canine teeth spontaneously split open with“a sudden sharp report,”again leading to instant relief, the article said. Correspondence published in the British Dental Journal told of similar cases, including one recorded in 1871 by a different American dentist. He reported treating a woman whose molar“bursted (sic) with a concussion and report that well-nigh knocked her over”with a sound loud enough to deafen her for a few days, the correspondence said. The cause of these dental detonations isn’t clear. The Pennsylvania dentist who reported the three initial cases suspected that a buildup of gas within the teeth may have triggered the eruptions, but modern experts say that notion arises from a misunderstanding of what causes tooth decay. Some suggest that a mixture of metals in dental fillings may have caused a buildup of pressure, but there is little evidence to support that hunch. Or, the patients may simply have been exaggerating their symptoms. But without other explanations, the mystery of the exploding teeth remains unsolved.
What caused the mystery of the exploding teeth?
About a half dozen times during the 19th century, people were beset by agonizing dental pain followed by an explosion of a tooth, according to scientific journal articles reported by the BBC. In the first case, a clergyman in 1817 reported an ache in a canine tooth so intense as to drive him wild, according to a Pennsylvania dentist’s journal article. The reverend ran around trying to escape the pain, drilling his head into the ground and immersing
it in a cold spring, to no avail.“All at once, a sharp crack, like a pistol shot, burst his tooth to fragments, giving him instant relief,”the article said. In another case, a woman a few miles away suffered severe pain in a tooth that ended“by bursting with report, giving immediate relief,”the dentist wrote.
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