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FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE
ELKINSDENTAL.COM DECEMBER 2024
OUR CHRISTMAS MORNING ‘CHOO CHOO TRAIN’ A Family Tradition Like No Other
Christmas traditions are, hands down, some of my favorite parts of the holiday season. While the word "traditions" might make some people groan, they keep things fun and meaningful in our family and always bring plenty of laughs. Each Christmas morning, around 7 or 8 a.m., we have a tradition that never fails to make us smile. Once almost everyone is awake (sometimes the older teenagers are still asleep!), my wife and I kick off a family “choo choo train”around the house. We start by linking up with each other, hands on shoulders, and then go room to room and pick up each of the kids as we march along while making the“choo choo”noises. It’s such a fun way to start the day, and it brings back memories of my own childhood — this is exactly how my parents used to wake us up on Christmas morning.
As a kid, I remember thinking this tradition was pure torture. My dad would make us snake around the house before finally heading to the living room where the Christmas tree and presents were. He got a kick out of making us wait a bit longer to open our gifts. But as I got older, I realized the anticipation was part of the fun — it was torture, sure, but it built up the excitement. So, I decided to continue the tradition with my family, hoping my kids will keep it alive someday, too! My wife had never experienced it before, but she ended up loving it. Now, it’s a must-do tradition in our house — there’s no skipping it! We enjoy Christmas morning so much — it’s a huge event. We take turns opening gifts, one person at a time so everyone can watch, appreciate, and celebrate each present. It takes hours because we pause to admire each gift, talk about how perfect it is for that person, and enjoy the reactions. Then suddenly, we’ll realize it’s been 4 or 5 hours, and we’re rushing to finish because lunchtime is just around the corner! About 10 years ago, I grew out my beard near Christmastime. Eventually, it got itchy and annoying, so I decided to shave it into a big, silly handlebar mustache on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for fun. The following year, I did it again, and a tradition was born! Now, every Christmas, I grow out a beard and then shave it into some wild mustache style. Over the years, it’s become a highlight
for the kids — each Christmas morning, they can’t wait to see what crazy mustache I’ll reveal. There was even one year I forgot I still had it and went to the gym the day after Christmas, wondering why everyone was giving me strange looks. Then I remembered — the mustache! We love our holiday traditions! I’d encourage you to start some if you don't have any. In our family, traditions have become our inside jokes and something we all look forward to. They bring us closer and create memories that connect us year after year. I wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season! –Dr. Elkins
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SWEETEN THE SEASON WITH A COOKIE SWAP!
Leave Your Guests Smiling and Satisfied
For many Americans, the holiday season is all about family and tradition. We decorate our homes with garlands and lights that bring us holiday cheer, prepare for family visits, go ice skating, and maybe even send a letter to Santa. However, another special tradition spans generations and excites every family member — baking holiday cookies! Many will bake cookies just for their immediate family to enjoy along with their favorite holiday movie, while others will bake up a huge batch to bring to the big family get-together of the season. If you want to try something fun and unique this year, consider hosting a holiday cookie swap with your loved ones. This tradition will allow you to try all sorts of new and delicious cookies — there are so many different kinds of holiday cookies, and
every baker has their own specialty. Start by determining whom you want to invite, setting a budget, and determining how many cookies everyone should bring to the event. This ensures that nobody outshines anyone else through sheer volume or expensive ingredients alone. It’s a time for bonding, not competition. Once you have the ground rules and guestlist set, you need to get the decorations for the event. Treat it like a party. At your local party store, pick out decorations that fit the season's theme. You can get unique napkins, mugs, stirring spoons for hot drinks, and anything else you think captures the holiday spirit. This is also a good time to procure all your baking essentials, such as chocolate chips or unique cookie cutters.
All that’s left is hosting the party and ensuring everyone has a good time. If you want, you can even hold little contests to increase the excitement — each guest can vote on the prettiest or tastiest cookies and offer small prizes to the winner. As long as those attending enjoy themselves, your event will be a success. Plus, everyone who attends will have plenty of delicious cookies to get them through the rest of the holiday season!
A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee Canker Sores 101
Have you ever had a canker sore?
Over-the-Counter Treatments Many drugstores carry topical creams or gels designed to numb canker sores, such as benzocaine-based ointments. These provide temporary relief and can be reapplied as needed. Mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide may also help reduce pain and inflammation while keeping the area clean to prevent infection. Salt Water Rinse Gargling with a saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Salt acts as a natural antiseptic, helping to keep the sore clean and relieve some discomfort. Baking Soda Paste Applying a small amount of baking soda mixed with water to the sore can help neutralize acid in the mouth and reduce inflammation to promote faster healing. Leave the paste on for a few minutes before rinsing.
Avoiding Irritants Steering clear of acidic, spicy, or rough-textured foods while the sore heals can prevent further irritation. Foods like citrus, tomatoes, and nuts may trigger or worsen the sore. Vitamin Supplements If you frequently get canker sores, taking vitamin B12, folic acid, zinc, or iron supplements may help address potential deficiencies. In most cases, canker sores are not serious and will heal without treatment. However, if sores persist for more than three weeks, recur frequently, or are unusually large, it’s a good idea to consult a health care professional to rule out underlying conditions and explore more robust treatment options.
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow sores in the mouth or on the lips, tongue, or cheeks. Unlike cold sores, they’re not contagious; since a virus doesn’t cause them, they don’t appear on the outer lips. Though the exact cause of canker sores isn’t known, a variety of factors can trigger them, including stress, minor mouth injuries (like accidentally biting the cheek), acidic or spicy foods, and nutritional deficiencies, especially a lack of vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron. Food allergies, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system may also increase the risk of developing these painful sores. Canker sores typically heal on their own within 1–2 weeks, but their discomfort can make eating and speaking a challenge. Luckily, several things can speed up the healing process and reduce pain.
–Cheyenne & Ashlee Registered Dental Hygienists
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HOMEMADE EGGNOG Better than store-bought, this flavorful homemade eggnog is perfect for the whole family this holiday season!
Ingredients
• 3 cups whole milk • 1 tbsp vanilla extract • 3 eggs, room temperature • 4 egg yolks, room temperature • 1/3 cup sugar • 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups heavy cream • 1 1/2 tsp nutmeg For topping • Whipped cream • Ground cinnamon • Extra nutmeg
Directions
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and vanilla, swirling occasionally until it starts to steam. 2. In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is thickened. Slowly add milk and whisk to combine. 3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring for about 6 minutes. 4. In another large mixing bowl, place heavy cream and nutmeg. Strain egg mixture into the cream and cool in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When chilled, fill a glass with eggnog and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and extra nutmeg!
Inspired by AheadOfThyme.com
JOKES DAD
How does Santa avoid getting sick before Christmas? He uses hand Santa-tizer.
What do you call a snowman who works out? An ab-dominal snowman.
Why did the woman wear one boot and one shoe? She heard there was a 50 percent chance of snow.
Tooth Facts Fun THE POWER OF SALIVA Nature’s Way of Remineralizing Your Enamel
DID YOU KNOW?
The Secret Superpower of Elephants
Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health, particularly through its ability to remineralize enamel. Enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, is exposed to acids from food, drinks, and bacteria all day. This can lead to demineralization or the loss of minerals that keep enamel strong. When enamel loses these essential minerals, it becomes more susceptible to decay and damage. Saliva helps counteract this process through its natural buffering capacity. The average pH of saliva is about 6.7–7.4, which is neutral to slightly alkaline. This pH level helps neutralize the acids in the mouth and create a balanced environment that prevents further demineralization. Thanks, saliva!
Elephants can“hear”through their feet — it’s true! They can pick up sub-sonic rumblings in the ground through special receptors in their feet, allowing them to detect distant threats or locate other herds. This unique adaptation is beneficial in their natural habitats, where communication over long distances is important. With this unique ability, they can detect thunder or incoming rain from many miles away or respond to alarm calls and the approach of predators like lions. This incredible sensory ability is just one example of how intelligent elephants really are!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. Inside Our Favorite Christmas Traditions 2. ’Tis the Season to Swap Cookies A Word From Cheyenne & Ashlee
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3. Homemade Eggnog
4.
Unravel the Myth of the
16th-Century Rocket Cat
Tooth Facts
1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617
Did You Know?
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The Feline-Flying Military Tactic That Never Took Off CAT-APULTING INTO HISTORY enemy territory — and start a blazing inferno. One can
Throughout military history, you'll find strategic experiments ranging from the genius to the downright bizarre. But few can top the zany brainchild of Franz Helm, a 16th- century German artillery aficionado whose bright idea left historians — and cat lovers — utterly bewildered. Let's set the scene with Helm’s magnum opus, the "Feuer Buech," published in 1584, a treasure trove of (literally) explosive innovations in warfare. Imagine this: a battlefield in the Renaissance, not just filled with the clang of swords and the thunder of cannons, but also — wait for it — flying, flaming cats.Yes, you read that right. Franz Helm's groundbreaking military tactic involved jetpacks for cats. Picture a kitty, strapped with a sack of gunpowder, zipping through the air like a furry missile aimed at enemy strongholds. The hope? These feline projectiles would scamper back to their homes — presumably in
only wonder about how they would train cats to become arsonists. The method was straightforward: kidnap an enemy cat, strap it into a gunpowder-laden backpack, light the fuse, and hope Mr. Whiskers doesn't get cold paws about blowing up its evil overlords. Preserved for posterity at the University of Pennsylvania, the "Feuer Buech" reminds us of the lengths human creativity can go — especially when combined with a profound misunderstanding of cat behavior. As any cat owner will tell you, cats have their own agendas. The chances of a cat completing its fiery mission are about as high as it bringing you the morning newspaper.
Thankfully, we have no evidence that this pyrotechnic plan ever came to pass. Considering cats' notorious independence, we can rest assured that no self-respecting felines took part in these explosive escapades. So, next time you're cuddling with your cat, be thankful its biggest inclination is to knock pens off your table rather than infiltrate enemy castles with fire.
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