Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
AUGUST 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
www.texassedationdental.com
A wet nose, endless energy, and unconditional love — dogs are the best. They bless our homes with so much love and laughter and truly are man’s best friend. August is often called the “dog days of summer,” a time when the heat is intense, and the days seem to never end. After all, we all know there’s nothing worse than the summer heat in Texas! However, while it’s unbearably hot out there, this phrase has a special charm that reminds us of the joy and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives. With every pant, tail wag, and bark, dogs can transform even the hottest days into moments of happiness and laughter. Our sweet yellow mixed-breed, Lincoln, is named after Lincoln, Nebraska, home of the Cornhuskers. A unique blend of Great Dane and Dalmatian, Lincoln had a tough start as a mistreated pound pup. Despite his gentle nature, he can be anxious and craves love and attention. Thankfully, he found the perfect home with us, where he receives all the affection he needs. Our other furry baby is Mabel Jean, a petite 8-pound, 1-year-old black and tan dachshund. Mabel Jean infuses our household with boundless energy. She’s always up to something mischievous and loves playful wrestling matches with her cat sister, Pina. Her happy- go-lucky spirit keeps us on our toes and fills our days with laughter. Dogs are the best companions. They have an amazing ability to sense our emotions, offer comfort, and bring a smile to our faces even on the toughest days. Their loyalty and unconditional love make them cherished members of our families. MEET LINCOLN AND MABEL JEAN Dr. Gengel’s Furry Family Members
In the Gengel household, our vivacious family pack ensures there’s never a dull day. Lincoln’s gentle presence and Mabel Jean’s spirited antics strike the perfect balance. We feel incredibly lucky to share our home with such wonderful pups who make every day the best day! Here’s to the dog days of summer!
-Rayann Gengel and Dr. Timothy Gengel
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EXPLORING THE FARMERS MARKET
Enjoyable Activities for the Whole Family
This time of year, we harvest fruits and vegetables in abundance, and farmers markets across the country are brimming with locally grown goods. Taking advantage of these wonderful events where local farmers and artisans sell the fruits of their labor is a great way to support local small businesses and explore all your area has to offer. Moreover, it is a perfect opportunity to share some wholesome fun with your family, as there are activities and attractions at farmers markets suitable for all ages. LEARNING FIRSTHAND Your local farmers are a treasure trove of agricultural know-how. Many farmers will happily talk with you or your children about their favorite crop, what’s in season, and their recommendations for recipes that
incorporate their produce. It’s a great way to grow your kids’ social skills and get them interested in gardening and farming. SCAVENGING FOR SAMPLES There is no shortage of variety regarding the fruits and vegetables offered at farmers markets. Engaging your family in a scavenger hunt to discover various produce among the local farmers’ stands is a great way to broaden their minds and keep them entertained. Plenty of farmers will offer you and your kids samples of their wares, allowing you to try before you buy. GROWING PRODUCE AT HOME After enjoying the farmers market, you may want to take what you learned home. Starting a small garden and growing starter plants
with your kids is a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Growing and caring for plants and vegetables is a wonderful experience for children and helps them connect more with nature. Do yourself and your family a favor: Explore the farmers market and discover the flavor of your local area.
Keep Your Smile Bright FOODS AND DRINKS TO AVOID
TOMATO-BASED SAUCES Tomato-based sauces, including marinara and ketchup, are acidic and deep red and can lead to deep stains. The acidity can erode enamel, which makes it easier for the pigments to stick to your teeth. To reduce staining, try eating a salad or serving of vegetables before a red sauce-based meal to coat your teeth, and don’t forget to rinse with water afterward! BEETS Beets — some people love them, and some can’t stand them, but they’re another highly pigmented food that can ruin your white smile. After eating beets, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth to minimize staining. To help your pearly whites maintain their sparkle, you don’t have to eliminate these foods and drinks from your diet, but it will help to consume them in moderation, rinse and brush afterward, and practice good oral hygiene! Happy Smiling!
Your morning coffee or a comforting bowl of spaghetti may be doing more than just providing fuel and nutrition to your day — many different foods and beverages, especially those with a dark pigment, can stain your teeth over time. So, which foods should you avoid or consume in moderation to keep your smile white and bright? Let’s take a look! COFFEE AND TEA Both coffee and tea contain tannins, which are compounds that can lead to staining. The dark pigments in coffee and some teas can cling to the enamel of your teeth, causing yellowing over time. To reduce the impact, try drinking these beverages through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinsing with water after you take that last sip! RED WINE The deep color of red wine, combined with its acidic nature, can stain your pearly whites. Like coffee, the tannins in red wine can attach
to the enamel and leave a lasting mark. To minimize the effects, alternate sips of wine with water and practice good oral hygiene. SODA AND SPORTS DRINKS These beverages are not only acidic but sometimes contain artificial colors that can stain teeth. The high sugar content in these drinks also contributes to the growth of plaque, which can make stains more pronounced. Opt for water or milk as healthier alternatives, and if you do consume these beverages, be sure to use a straw and rinse out your mouth or brush your teeth afterward. BERRIES While berries are healthy and packed with antioxidants, their deep colors can lead to teeth staining. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even cranberries can discolor your teeth. If you enjoy berries, try eating them with a meal rather than on their own, and brush or rinse your mouth with water immediately.
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Recognize and Act
Packed with nutritious ingredients and savory spices, these peppers are a wholesome meal that’s satisfying and easy to prepare — perfect for any weeknight dinner. LEGENDARY STUFFED PEPPERS
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it’s predicted that about 58,500 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2024. Oral cancer is a serious, sometimes life-threatening, condition that can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Just like many other forms of cancer, early detection is key for successful treatment and can significantly improve survival rates. Spotting Early Symptoms of Oral Cancer
• 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded • 1 lb ground beef • 1 onion, diced • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tsp chili powder INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
• 1 tsp cumin • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 cup cooked rice • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Here are some early symptoms to be on the lookout for:
PERSISTENT SORES One of the most common early signs of oral cancer is a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks. These sores are often painless initially but can become irritating as they grow. Pay attention to areas in your mouth where sores persist or recur frequently. RED OR WHITE PATCHES Red or white patches can appear on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining. While not all red or white patches are cancerous, one of our dental professionals should evaluate those that do not go away or become larger over time. UNEXPLAINED LUMPS OR SWELLING If you have lumps or random swelling in your mouth, throat, or neck that lasts longer than a few weeks, this may be a cause for concern. Even if these lumps are painless at first, they can potentially interfere with normal functions such as swallowing or speaking. PAIN OR DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING Some forms of oral cancer can cause difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, pain, or a burning sensation when chewing or swallowing. Some people may feel like food is stuck in their throat or experience a persistent sore throat. UNEXPLAINED BLEEDING If you ever start bleeding from the mouth without an explanation, such as injury, brushing, or flossing, it’s important to seek medical attention and advice, for this could be a warning sign of oral cancer. Remember: proactivity is better than reactivity! Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly improve outcomes, so do not ignore persistent or unusual changes in your oral health. If you notice any of these signs or are concerned about an area in your mouth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment to check it out! Give us a call right away.
2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat. 4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
TAKE A BREAK
BACKPACK BEES MELON MOON MUSTARD OLYMPICS PEACH SANDCASTLE SCHOOL TWINS
VACATION ZUCCHINI
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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3665 US HIGHWAY 259 N LONGVIEW, TX 75605
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1
The Pups of the Gengel Household
2
Fun Farmers Market Activities for Families
Say Goodbye to Stains — Avoid These Common Culprits
3
Spot the Signs of Oral Cancer Before It’s Too Late
Legendary Stuffed Peppers
4
Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart A FLUFFY GUARDIAN ANGEL
How a Dog Saved Its Foster Family From Disaster
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher
and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat.
“If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said.
The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today.
“What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said. Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
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