Elkins Dental - May 2024

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MAY 2024

Transcending Generations and Galaxies

The Magic of ‘Star Wars’

“Star Wars”— how nostalgic!

right from my theater seat. It was this movie that truly cemented my love for the“Star Wars”saga. It’s surely my favorite, not only because it was my first“Star Wars”movie, but also because it’s an amazing one! A few years later, when Blockbuster became a thing, I caught up with the rest of the movies — the experience was magical! But nothing compared to the firsthand excitement of "Return of the Jedi." I remember sorting through silent photos of the first movie that my dad had taken with his 8 mm camera, but nothing compared to watching the movies from beginning to end! In last month’s edition, I shared memories from our recent family trip to Disneyland. Hands down, my favorite part of the entire experience was Star Wars Land — especially because the last time I visited, it wasn’t there! The land’s newest attraction, "Rise of the Resistance," was unreal. I wish I could have captured every moment on video; I think I was in a bit of a state of shock, and my mind couldn’t fully process actually being there and all the amazing details. The ride was so well crafted that it felt as though I was part of the unfolding space drama. I’m confident it was the best theme park ride I've ever experienced. “Star Wars”is more than just a personal favorite — it runs in our family. My wife’s parents saw the original“Star Wars”movie on their first date, and today, our children also share our passion for the saga. It’s so fun to get lost in the action and rewatch the movies and spin-off series! So, to all fellow fans, May the Force Be WithYou this month! Enjoy the adventures, the nostalgia, and the continued journey through one of cinema’s most beloved sagas. Happy“Star Wars”Day!

These movies transcend generations and touch the hearts of millions around the world, including mine (as many of you likely know). The epic tales of good versus evil in a galaxy far, far away are gold. For many, like myself, the connection to“Star Wars”is not just about the movies themselves but about the memories they evoke. I remember being 7 years old when "Return of the Jedi" hit the theaters. It was a big event in my life, not because I was a“Star Wars”fan — I hadn’t seen the earlier movies yet — but because I was going to watch it in a theater. And not just any theater, but one owned by my best friend’s father, which meant we could watch it for free! My mom, eager to see the film herself, was so excited for me and made me promise to tell her all about it when I got home. Truth be told, I was completely unaware of what awaited me. I was captivated. I absolutely loved it. The action, Ewoks, and characters had me hooked. That day,“Star Wars”didn’t just show me a movie; it offered me an experience and adventure I lived

–Dr. Elkins

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YOUR HEALTH ROUTINE Spring Into Wellness

REFRESHING WAYS TO REVITALIZE

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, so there’s no better time to revitalize your health and wellness routine. New routines can boost your motivation and keep you engaged. From workouts to diet, it’s time to get out and take advantage of the sunshine!

to the pool. Nature is full of challenging and fun activities, so take advantage of the warm weather before the next winter arrives. Spice Up Your Routine If you’re into yoga or weight training, try new exercises. A new routine ensures you won’t miss any muscles while keeping you engaged. When the treadmill becomes a dreadmill , do your cardio on an elliptical or stationary bike. Grab some free weights if you’re starting to find weight machines dull. There’s always an alternative to keep things interesting.

partner can keep you safe if you're weight training. Consider enrolling in a class if you have trouble finding someone to work out with. Not only can you learn new fitness tips and tricks, but you can also make friends. Springify Your Diet Winter typically involves plenty of warm comfort meals, such as soups and hot chocolate, but spring is blooming with other options. It offers an array of refreshing and delightfully light dishes. Strawberries, pineapples, and avocados are best these months, along with many other delicious foods perfect for salads and smoothies. Shake up spring and keep to your regimen. There’s no better time to build healthy habits, especially in May’s warm weather. Take a jog with a friend, and afterward, enjoy a strawberry smoothie, and you’ll surely have an exceptional season.

Get Outside Winter is fierce, unrelenting, and notorious for derailing outdoor fitness routines. It’s finally warm enough to exercise outside, so mix things up and get outside. Jump on a bike and ride through the wind. Slip on your jogging shoes and run through the neighborhood. Put on your swimsuit and head

Find Friends A workout buddy can keep you invested in your routine. They’ll keep you motivated and accountable — it’s much harder to skip a workout if someone’s relying on you. Even better, a

A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Suffering From Sensitive Teeth? Find Out Why and How to Treat It

Have you ever taken a bite of a popsicle or ice cream or a sip of hot tea or coffee and felt a sharp ping or pain? Or perhaps brushing and flossing sometimes make you cringe? If so, you may be suffering from sensitive teeth. Several factors can contribute to tooth sensitivity, including: • Tooth decay (cavities) • Eroded tooth enamel • Cracked or fractured teeth • Exposed tooth roots • Worn-out fillings • Gum disease In healthy teeth, the crowns (the part above the gum line) are protected by enamel, while cementum covers the tooth root below the gum line. Beneath the enamel and cementum is a layer called dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and

Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated, and the appropriate method depends on the underlying cause. Potential treatments include:

• Desensitizing Toothpaste: This contains ingredients that block the transmission of sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve and may require several uses before effectiveness is noticeable. • Crowns, Inlays, or Bonding: These procedures can repair flaws or decay that may be causing sensitivity. • Fluoride Gel: When applied in a dental office, this treatment strengthens tooth enamel and lessens sensation transmission. • Surgical Gum Graft: If gum tissue has receded from the root, this procedure can cover the root, protect it, and decrease sensitivity. • Root Canal: For severe and persistent sensitivity that can't be addressed with other treatments, a root canal may be necessary to resolve the issue. Proper oral hygiene is the best way to safeguard your teeth from painful sensitivity. If you have concerns about tooth sensitivity or your daily oral hygiene routine, give us a call today!

cementum and contains tiny tubules (small hollow channels). When the protective enamel or cementum is worn away, these tubules allow external factors like heat, cold, or sugary foods to stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, potentially causing pain. Dentin can also become exposed due to receding gums, leading to increased sensitivity.

–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists

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Grilled Red Curry Beef Satay With Peanut Sauce Inspired by StarTribune.com

Ingredients

MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! Directions • 1 1/2 lb flank steak • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 2 tbsp lime juice • 1–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp fish sauce

For sauce: • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 1 tbsp brown sugar

GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?” • 1 tbsp fish sauce • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter • 1 tbsp lime juice

Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D.

1. Freeze flank steak for 30 minutes. Cut crosswise, against the grain, into thin slices. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, curry paste, and fish sauce. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 8 hours. 3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut milk, curry paste, brown sugar, and fish sauce. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add peanut butter and stir until well blended. Remove from heat and add lime juice. 4. Thread the marinated meat onto 12 long skewers. Grill until beef is medium rare, 1–2 minutes per side. 5. Transfer satay to a platter and serve with peanut sauce.

JOKES DAD

Singing in the shower is fun until you get soap in your mouth. Then it becomes a soap opera.

Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use a honeycomb.

What do you call 26 letters that went for a swim? Alphawetical.

‘Star Wars’ Trivia DID YOU KNOW? Tooth Facts Fun

TEETH AREN’T BONES! Due to their specific structure and composition, teeth, unlike bones, cannot repair or rebuild themselves after damage. Unlike bones, which contain cells responsible for forming new bone tissue, teeth are comprised mostly of dentin, enamel, and cementum. Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body, created by cells called ameloblasts. However, once our teeth are fully formed, the ameloblasts are no longer present, and any damaged enamel cannot regenerate. Dentin, the layer beneath enamel, does have some capacity for repair through a limited response by cells called odontoblasts, but this is not enough to restore a tooth to its original state. The absence of a significant blood supply to the enamel makes it even more difficult for our teeth to repair themselves. So, once decay, physical trauma, or wear damages teeth, you’ll need fillings, crowns, or implants!

Did you know that the iconic sound of a lightsaber was created by sound designer Ben Burtt, who combined the hum of an old television's picture tube and the buzz of a film projector's motor? It’s true! Check out these“Star Wars”Fun Facts!

• Yoda originally had a first name —“Minch”!

• The Ewoks’language is a combination of Tibetan and Nepalese.

• Chewbacca’s voice is a mix of bears, lions, walruses, and badgers.

• Jabba the Hutt was operated by three puppeteers inside his body.

• Until the release of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Star Wars" was the highest-grossing film of all time.

May the Force Be WithYou!

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. May the Force Be With You!

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2. Rejuvenate Your Routine With 4

3. Grilled Red Curry Beef

4.

Paws and Paths!

Spring Wellness Changes

Satay With Peanut Sauce

1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617

A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee

Tooth Facts

Did You Know?

MAY THE BE WITH YOU FOURTH

208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com

Gear Up Your Pup for a Hiking Adventure PAW-SOME ADVENTURES

be necessary is crucial, especially on a trail where natural water sources may be scarce. An ample supply of dog-friendly food is also essential, with the quantity adjusted based on the hike’s duration. A collapsible bowl will be handy for feeding your canine companion during breaks. First-Aid Kit Safety should always come first. A dog first-aid kit is indispensable for addressing unexpected issues on the trail. These compact kits typically include dressings, bandages, and tools for removing ticks or thorns. Being prepared for minor injuries ensures you can safely complete the hike without making any injury worse. Boots While some dogs may resist wearing boots, they can be a lifesaver in challenging terrains. Opt for boots that protect without compromising comfort. Though you likely

may avoid trails with terrain that could harm your dog’s paws, having boots in your pack is, at least, a proactive measure for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your canine companion’s paws are protected if needed. Waste Bags Be responsible out on the trail. That means bringing poop bags. Attach them to the outside of your backpack or tote bag for convenient access once your dog has completed its business. The“leave no trace” practice will help maintain the pristine beauty of the trail for everyone to enjoy. Emergency Harness Preparedness is critical, and an emergency harness adds an extra layer of safety. A proper harness will allow you to carry your dog on your back in an emergency. This versatile harness ensures that you can provide assistance in challenging situations.

Setting out on a hiking adventure with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but ensuring their safety and comfort on the trail requires careful consideration of essential gear. Before heading out, consider your dog's unique needs and preferences so it’s an enjoyable and bonding adventure for you both. Here’s an introduction to some must- have hiking gear for your canine companion. Food and Water One of the most important aspects of hiking is staying well-nourished and hydrated. Packing more water than you think may

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