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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM DECEMBER 2025
THE CHILDHOOD GIFTS THAT NEVER GOT OLD The Christmas I Hit the Jackpot
You know that moment when someone asks a simple question, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in nostalgia, smelling pine needles and hearing the faint jingle of Christmas morning? That’s exactly what happened when I pondered the question “What’s your favorite Christmas gift you’ve ever received or given?” It fired up the time machine and took me back to my 9-year-old self, grinning ear to ear over the best gift ever. For me, that memory starts with a scooter on Christmas morning. It wasn’t the sleek, lightweight kind kids zip around on today, but a solid, old-school scooter with mini bicycle tires with actual inner tubes and everything. It was tough and built to handle more than a smooth sidewalk. My younger brother and I each got one that Christmas, and we were unstoppable. We lived on a dead-end road just outside of town, which for kids meant freedom. We had wide open space with hardly any cars and plenty of uneven pavement to test our scooters. The road wasn’t your typical smooth asphalt either; it was that rough, tar-and-gravel mix that would shred modern scooters in minutes. But those chunky tires handled it perfectly. We spent hours racing each other, trying to see who could glide the farthest or hit the biggest bump without wiping out. We rode those things until they were practically falling apart.
It’s funny now, as a parent, thinking how rare it is for a kid’s toy to actually hold their attention for more than a week. But those scooters lasted for years, which, in the world of childhood gifts, is a miracle. I think that was one of the first times my parents really felt like they nailed it at Christmas.
Somehow, they managed to do it again the next year.
When I was 10, my brother and I unwrapped matching remote control cars. Within minutes, we were outside, building makeshift ramps out of whatever scraps we could find and racing those cars until the batteries gave out. Then we’d plug them in, wait impatiently for the recharge, and do it all over again. We ran those RC cars into the ground, literally. The tires eventually wore bald, and the batteries got to the point where they’d only last a few minutes. Replacement parts weren’t easy to come by, so once they were done, that was it. But while they lasted, those cars were everything. Looking back, I can see how much those gifts must’ve meant to my parents, too. Buying presents for kids is always a gamble: Half the time, the toy ends up forgotten before the New Year. But those scooters and RC cars were definitely a win. They got us outside,
away from the TV, and doing something active and creative. Now that I’m a parent, I get it. My wife and I go through the same routine every year while trying to find something that’s not just “cool” for five minutes but that they actually use. Sometimes, we guess right, sometimes not so much. Children have short attention spans, and their wish lists change just as quickly as the weather. But every once in a while, you land on a gift that sticks. Those are the gifts you remember decades later, not because they were expensive or trendy, but because they pulled you into moments that mattered. For me, it was a scooter with fat tires and an RC car with fading batteries. Those were the days! –Dr. Elkins
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Strange Events You’ve Probably Never Heard Of NOT YOUR AVERAGE OLYMPIC SPORT
During the last Summer Olympic Games, Australian breakdancer Rachael Gunn’s performance caught the world off guard. After watching the event, many Americans wondered why breaking was added to the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is responsible for choosing the events, and they consider a wide range of criteria when considering adding or removing events. They look at how long the sport has existed, its popularity within the host country, the cost to broadcast the events, and whether an international federation governs the sport. Breaking was a hit at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics and was added to the 2024 Paris Games to drive engagement with a younger audience. The IOC has already announced that breaking will not return for the 2028
games in Los Angeles, joining a list of other sports dropped from the Olympic stage. Think breaking was a little outside the box? Then you won’t believe some of the events from past Olympics. Plunge for Distance (1904): Plunging was a sport in which participants dove into the water from a spring 18 inches above the surface. They floated for 60 seconds without propelling themselves forward, and whoever went the farthest won. Only five individuals competed in the event, and all were American. Ballooning (1900): Technically an unofficial event at the 1900 games, ballooning consisted of various hot-air balloon-related activities. They held competitions for the farthest distance traveled, longest time
traveled, greatest height achieved, and landing closest to a target. Motor Boat Racing (1908): Competitors got in their boats to travel five laps around an 8-nautical-mile course in the Southampton waters of England. This event was a complete disaster. Multiple boats would start each race, but in almost every instance, only one would cross the finish line, as strong winds heavily affected the others. Ski Ballet (1988 and 1992): While never an official Olympic event, ski ballet was demonstrated at two Olympic Games, anticipating its potential as a real event. Imagine figure skating on skis instead of skates. Competitions required participants to complete a choreographed routine in 90 seconds on a smooth slope.
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Early Oral Cancer Detection Saves Lives
Sometimes, oral cancer can feel like an invisible threat: something happening inside your mouth or throat that you may barely notice until it becomes serious. But it’s helpful to know that being informed and proactive can make a difference! Let’s walk through what oral cancer is, why it matters, and what you can do to stay ahead of it. Oral cancer refers to malignant growths that can start in the lips, the front two‑thirds of the tongue, the gums, the floor or roof of the mouth, and the inner lining of your cheeks (the “oral cavity”). Another set of cancers occurs in the throat region, specifically the oropharynx, which includes the area at the back of the tongue, the tonsils, and the upper part of the throat. Why should you pay attention? Because early detection improves outcomes significantly. Every year, tens of thousands of people are diagnosed in the U.S., and sadly, many deaths could be avoided if the disease were caught sooner. While none of these mean you definitely have cancer, here are some cues that you
should give us a call and schedule an appointment to get checked out right away. • A sore or irritation in the mouth that doesn’t go away (two weeks or more) • Red or white patches on your gums, tongue, or the lining of your mouth • Pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or lips • A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw • Loose teeth or dentures that don’t fit the way they used to • Feeling like something is caught in your throat, changes in your voice, or hoarseness When it comes to risk, some people are more vulnerable than others, but the good news is that many risk factors are modifiable. Using tobacco, whether it's smoking or smokeless, is a major one. Drinking alcohol heavily adds to the risk. Also, certain infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to cancers in the throat and oral region. Age or small area that looks unusual • Difficulty chewing, swallowing,
and gender also play a role, with men and older individuals being more at risk. Your dental appointments are incredibly important. We will examine all the relevant areas: lips, cheeks, gums, tongue (front and back), the roof and floor of your mouth, throat and tonsils, and the neck for any swellings. This kind of exam can catch something early, often before you even notice a symptom. So, keep an eye on your oral health, attend regular dental visits, and if something seems off and doesn’t fix itself in two weeks, don’t wait. Early detection can make a significant difference when it comes to oral cancer. –Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
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Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
Ingredients
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves
• 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving. Directions
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
JOKES DAD
What is it called when a snowman has a temper tantrum? A meltdown.
How do sheep say Merry Christmas to each other? Fleece Navidad.
Who is a Christmas tree's favorite singer? Spruce Springsteen.
Fun Tooth Facts No 2 Tongues Are Alike THE FASCINATING SCIENCE BEHIND TONGUE PRINTS
DID YOU KNOW?
Americans Are Set to Spend $1,000 Each on Holiday Gifts
Did you know your tongue has its own unique “print”? Just like fingerprints, the shape-and-surface pattern of the dorsal (top) surface of the tongue is distinct to each person. Scientists studying “tongue prints” have found that even identical twins, who share nearly identical DNA, have tongues that differ in shape, texture, and groove patterns. How neat! This is because the tongue’s surface is covered
As the festive season approaches, Americans are getting ready to spend around $1,000 per person on gifts for Christmas and other holidays. One survey found the average was $1,012 in late 2024. Gifts dominate the holiday budget: About 65% of the average U.S. Christmas spending goes toward presents for family, friends, and coworkers, compared to about 23% on food, candy, and decorations. But not all gift-giving goes perfectly: Nearly 37% of Americans admit they spend more on gifts than intended (often trying to impress), and 42% say they regift to save money. Lastly, online shopping is now a significant factor, as around 63% of American holiday gift shoppers plan to buy from online- only retailers, surpassing traditional department stores and warehouse clubs.
with papillae (those tiny bumps you feel when you glance at the mirror), and the muscle and tissue beneath it vary subtly from person to person. These features create a pattern of ridges and valleys that biometric systems are only just beginning to explore! That means your tongue is not just for tasting or talking, but it might one day be part of how we verify identity, access systems, or even help in forensic investigations!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. 2 Christmases, 2 Perfect Presents
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2. The Olympics’ Most Unusual Events
3.
4.
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
Your DIY
December Calendar
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah
Tooth Facts
Did You Know?
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 20 – JAN. 4.
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Simple Ways to Spark Holiday Cheer With Your Family SLEIGH EVERY DAY THIS SEASON
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: a calendar packed with family fun and zero pressure to find a pear tree! Why save all the holiday excitement for one day? This year, make every day in December merry and bright with simple, joyful activities the whole family can enjoy together. From crafting homemade ornaments to creating the ultimate yuletide playlist, every idea is a chance to connect, create memories, and experience why the best gifts
everyone in your family pitch in. Kick off December by decorating the tree together. Throughout the month, sprinkle in Christmas crafts like homemade ornaments, painted Christmas cards, paper snowflakes, or a DIY wreath. These activities get everyone’s creativity sledding along and are a fantastic way to adorn your
a big bowl of popcorn to pass around. Collect holiday songs from every family member over a week, and then choose a day to have a holiday dance party. SNOW MUCH FUN OUT Go out and explore your community this month, from touring Christmas lights and displays in your neighborhood to visiting Santa Claus for a family photo. Part of what makes this season so special is how the holiday spirit lights up every corner of your city. Bundle up and grab some hot cocoa for a round of caroling, or give back to a charity by donating toys and essentials for those less fortunate. Whether you’re gathering around to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or getting into the holiday spirit with arts and crafts, there’s holiday cheer to be found every day this month!
home with unique decorations that spark happy memories. FESTIVE NIGHTS IN Celebrate Christmas cheer the cozy way with activities that keep everyone nice and toasty inside. Create a letter-
don’t come wrapped under the tree! They’re the moments we spend with our loved ones. Get ready for your daily dose of holiday cheer! DECK THE HALLS DIY Transform your home into a winter wonderland with a personal touch by having
writing station and pick a night for everyone to write to Santa before bed. You could also host a home movie marathon of your family’s favorite holiday films with
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