Check out our January newsletter!
FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM JANUARY 2026
LOCKER COMBINATIONS AND LATE-NIGHT SHENANIGANS Good Memories Are Made of This
Have you ever stumbled across a holiday that makes you stop and think, “Huh, that’s actually a great idea”? Well, Jan. 19 is officially Good Memory Day, a day to celebrate the brilliant, silly, and downright bizarre moments from the past while making room for more in the future. And it got me thinking … oh boy, do I have some stories. This past summer, I found myself back in my hometown of Fallon, Nevada, for my younger brother’s 30th high school reunion. Now, here’s the thing: My brother and I are only a year and a half apart, so basically, we grew up sharing the same best friends. One of our friends, Darren, absolutely stole the show with his memory. This guy doesn’t just remember his own high school locker combination. Oh no, he remembers mine, too, even though our lockers were on completely opposite sides of the campus. But the real gem of a story was rediscovered when another friend reminded us of one of those classic high school escapades that never loses its charm. It was my brother’s 14th birthday sleepover,
and a group of us were roaming the dark fields behind our houses, ready for mischief (or at least what we thought was mischief). Then we discovered the hole. It was a hole perfectly camouflaged by a bed of prickly tumbleweeds. One by one, we tumbled in, arms and legs snagged by the plant equivalent of a medieval torture device. It felt like falling into a field of goat heads, and yet somehow, we survived. After a lot of awkward wriggling and pulling out some thorns, we emerged, only slightly traumatized. But the night didn’t stop there. Fueled by adrenaline and questionable judgment, we decided to “visit” a friend a mile away. It was 11 p.m., completely dark, and I, for some inexplicable reason, grabbed a baseball bat, just in case. As we approached his house, headlights appeared, and my friends scattered into the bushes like tiny ninja warriors. I, however, thought it was a good idea to dive under a car. But that was a terrible idea because it just so happened that the car parked in the exact spot I had chosen to hide. For what felt like an eternity, I lay there, bat in hand, silently hoping for invisibility. The driver didn’t do anything. They just sat there. I slowly crawled out, still gripping my bat, and we all walked back, half expecting the cops to show up, but they never did. Looking back, it’s hilarious because we weren’t doing anything remotely dangerous or illegal. We were just kids being kids, exploring our world with the kind of reckless optimism only teenagers have. That story will always stir up a laugh. So, here’s to good memories, laughter, and finding joy in the little ridiculous adventures that make life memorable, and maybe, just maybe, to remembering locker combinations decades later … because that’s a real talent! –Dr. Elkins
ElkinsDental.com | 1
CREATIVE WAYS TO BREAK UP THE DAILY GRIND NO MORE ‘RINSE AND REPEAT’
Breakfast, school, work, dinner, rinse, and repeat. Busy weeknights often leave little room for quality family time. However, with a bit of creativity and intentionality, you can transform even the most hectic evenings into memorable bonding moments. Here are seven engaging, low-prep activities that fit seamlessly into your evening routine. Screen-Free Time After Dinner Designate a window of 30–45 minutes after dinner as a screen-free time for the entire family. This intentional time allows for uninterrupted conversations, taking a walk, playing a favorite sport outside, or enjoying each other's company without digital distractions. You can even create a “screen bucket/basket” for everyone’s phone or tablet during this designated time.
Ongoing Dinner Board Games Extend the dinner table experience by introducing a board game that spans multiple nights. You can pause and resume games like Monopoly or Clue over several evenings. It’s a great way to stay connected all week long! Dance Party Snack Break Inject some energy into your evening by turning snack time into a mini dance party. Play your family's favorite tunes and let loose together, creating joyful memories and a fun atmosphere. Living Room Obstacle Course Use pillows, chairs, and other household items to transform your living room into an obstacle course. This activity encourages physical activity and teamwork, all within the comfort of your home.
Family Storytelling Circle Gather the family in a circle and take turns adding sentences to a story. This collaborative activity sparks creativity and often results in hilarious and imaginative tales. Talk about memory-making! Impromptu Craft Sessions Keep a box of craft supplies handy for on- the-spot art sessions. Even 15 minutes of drawing, coloring, or simple DIY projects can provide a satisfying creative outlet for both kids and adults. Pajama Walks Under the Moon On clear nights, consider a short walk around the neighborhood in your pajamas. This simple activity offers fresh air, a change of scenery, and a unique way to end the day together.
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Your Guide to Dental Bridges
At Elkins Dental, we love helping patients feel confident in their smiles again, and when you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge is one of our favorite ways to do just that. A dental bridge is a custom piece that “bridges” the empty space left behind when a tooth is lost. It works by using strong support teeth on either side of the gap and connecting a natural-looking replacement tooth in between. As a result, the patient has a complete, healthy-looking smile that feels comfortable and secure. Missing teeth can impact everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, and even the way your bite fits together. When a space is left open too long, your other teeth may start drifting into it, creating alignment issues or trapping food more easily. A bridge helps restore balance by keeping your bite functioning properly. Types of Bridges Depending on your needs, we may recommend one of several bridge styles:
• Traditional Bridge: The most common type, supported by crowns on the neighboring teeth. • Cantilever Bridge: Used when only one natural tooth is available for support. • Resin-Bonded Bridge: Often used for front teeth and bonded with minimal tooth preparation. • Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth for exceptional stability. Bridge Appointment Expectations Getting a dental bridge typically takes a couple of visits. First, we shape the supporting teeth so crowns can fit comfortably. We take precise impressions to ensure your bridge blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. While your custom bridge is being crafted, we place a temporary version to protect your smile. At your next appointment, the final bridge is carefully fitted, adjusted, and bonded into place.
New Bridge Care A bridge can last many years with proper care. Brushing twice a day, cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders or interdental brushes, and keeping up with your regular cleanings all help keep your restoration strong and your gums healthy. We’re always happy to show you the best cleaning techniques. After all, that’s what we’re here for! –Ashlee, Grace, and Leah Registered Dental Hygienists
2 | Elkins Dental
Jalapeño Popper Soup
Ingredients
• 4 bacon slices, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces • 5–6 large jalapeño peppers, minced with stems and seeds removed • 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese • 1 cup shredded fresh cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cumin • 1 1/2 tsp salt
Directions
1. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy, then remove to a plate. 2. Add jalapeños and onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Add garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute. 4. Stir in chicken broth, cumin, salt, and potatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes. 5. Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and add 1 ladle of hot broth before mixing. 6. Add cream cheese mixture to the pot and stir. 7. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese and lemon juice, stirring until the cheese melts. 8. Pour into serving bowls, topping with bacon and more shredded cheese.
Inspired by TheRecipeCritic.com
JOKES DAD
Where do storm troopers go to warm up on cold January days? The Darth Mall.
What can you catch in the winter with your eyes closed? A cold.
Who helped Cinderella with her New Year’s Resolutions? Her Janufairy Godmother.
Did You Know? Fun Tooth Facts CROOKED TEETH, CROOKED FACE? The Truth About Facial Shape Sticky Notes and Superbrains: Fun Facts About Memory
Listen up! Teeth do much more than just help you chew or smile. In fact, they play a huge role in shaping your face! Your jawline, lips, and overall facial structure are all influenced by the alignment, size, and health of your teeth. When teeth are properly aligned, they provide support to the cheeks and lips, helping your face look balanced and youthful. Misaligned or missing teeth, however, can make your face appear sunken, aged, or asymmetrical. Your bite, the way your upper and lower teeth meet, also affects the shape of your jaw. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can subtly change the angles of your jawline and even influence your profile. Even the tiniest teeth-related issues can impact your expressions. Crooked or overcrowded teeth can affect how your lips sit, altering your smile and how others perceive your face. So, the next time you admire a smile, remember: Teeth are the small but mighty architects of your facial shape!
Our memory is full of surprises! Here are four fun and light‑hearted facts to keep in mind. • Your brain doesn’t store all memories in one spot. Instead, different kinds of memory live all over your brain, with some bits in the hippocampus and others in sensory or emotional regions. • Short‑term memory is a bit like a sticky note: It holds only a handful of items, and only for a short while. On average, people can juggle about seven “chunks” of info at once, like remembering seven digits of a phone number before you dial. • Memory isn’t perfect, and sometimes, it messes with us. Pieces of a real memory can shift, fade, or even morph into slightly different versions, which explains why two people can remember the same event differently. • Your memory is massive. While your short‑term memory is tiny, your brain’s long-term memory is practically limitless! This means a lifetime of birthdays, jokes, songs, smells, and random facts can all live together inside you.
ElkinsDental.com | 3
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
2. Bite-Size Family Activities That Fit Your Schedule
3.
4.
Locker Combos, Tumbleweeds,
Jalapeño Popper Soup
Find Your Flow and Fall Back in Love
and Late-Night Mischief
Tooth Facts
With Exercise
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
A Word From Ashlee, Grace, and Leah
208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com
Get Back on Track and Feel Stronger Than Ever Ease Back Into Fitness Without the Stress
an extra 1,000 steps daily, or squeeze in 20-minute workouts three times a week. Every little win builds confidence and sets the stage for bigger achievements, like hitting 10,000 steps daily or finishing a full-length fitness class. Schedule workouts around your life. Fitness should fit your life, not disrupt it. Figure out your prime energy hours. Maybe mornings fuel your focus, or evenings recharge your motivation. Even 15–20 minutes count when you’re easing back in. Start where you are, and gradually increase intensity. Remember, your stamina will grow alongside your consistency, not overnight. Reinforce motivation with retail therapy. A new pair of shoes, a matching workout outfit, or a fancy water bottle can make exercise feel like a reward rather than
a chore. Then, try a 30-day challenge to keep things interesting: a mile walk every day, one new workout a week, or short movement breaks during work hours. At the end of the month, reward yourself with a massage, a new gym bag, or a small Accountability is a game-changer. A workout buddy or group can push you to show up on lazy days, celebrate your wins, and keep the process fun. Studies show that having someone alongside you can boost your consistency, motivation, and happiness. treat to reinforce your progress. Buddy up for accountability. Getting back into exercise isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, celebrating small wins, and making fitness a part of your life again. Start small, plan smart, and enjoy every step of the journey.
Restarting your workout routine after a long break can feel like climbing a mountain, but you don’t need to scale Everest on day one. You should start small and start smart. Even one or two weekly workouts can reignite your energy and rebuild your confidence. The key isn’t intensity at first, but creating a rhythm you can stick to. Crush short-term goals. Small victories spark momentum. Instead of staring at a massive goal and feeling defeated, focus on micro-challenges: Walk
4 | Elkins Dental
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator