Calapooia Family Dental - April/May 2021

Calapooia Family Dental - April/May 2021

Tales From the (At-Home) Operating Table THE JOY OF WATCHING YOUR CHILDREN’S INTERESTS GROW

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

Calapooia Courier Apr/May 2021

Every parent can relate to the mixed feelings that come with their child’s milestones. It’s fun to watch them develop into their own person, even if it feels a little sad knowing how fleeting those moments are. That’s what it’s been like for Rebecca and I as our children started to develop their own interests. I love science, so it makes me happy to see my children take such an interest in the natural world. Eldon doesn’t let a day go by without adopting a pet slug or finding leaves for his slug’s home. Like any little kid, he loves to splash and play in the mud, and he’s always asking questions about the world around him. He just wants to explore and learn about it! It’s common for Norah and Eldon to play “dentist” too. They have their own play dental kit, and they love to work on my teeth and “fix” whatever “issues” they find. When we’re not in our at-home “dental chair,” Eldon likes to play pretend surgery. He’ll place an anesthesia mask he was given after one of his own surgeries on his “patient’s” face and pretend to operate. Norah plays along, too. Since they both have had to undergo medical procedures in their short lives, it’s interesting to see what they remember and how they perceive what happened. Just before my knee surgery this last year, we got out Catchphrase, a game that has a timer that sounds a lot like an EKG machine. (That’s the device that monitors your heart.) The beeping in the game speeds up as time runs out, so as Eldon was operating and the beeping intensified, we were teasing him that he was “losing me!” There was a lot of excitement, though perhaps that’s not the most comforting game to play before surgery. Norah is also starting to talk about what she wants to do when she grows up, and we’ve had some great conversations as a result. Previously, she used to say that she wants to be “just a nurse,” and one day, her use of the word “just” hit me. “Norah,” I said, “You know you can be a doctor if you want, right?” She looked a little puzzled, and then I saw the wheels in her mind turning. She really only knew doctors to be men and nurses to be women, so it didn’t occur to her it was possible for her to be a doctor — or

any form of medical provider — if that’s what she wants to be! It may not be as prevalent anymore, but sexism is still easily perceived in the medical field. Norah is still too young to have any idea of what she truly wants to do when she grows up, but the conversation about her ability to become a doctor inspired me to provide her and her brother with as much information as we can. I’ve had some exciting conversations with the nurses, surgeons, and doctors I work with at local hospitals. (As a reminder, I perform sedation dentistry at hospitals in our region, so I know a lot of medical providers!) When it’s safe to do so, we’re going to take Norah in to observe what the medical teams at these hospitals can do and what the job really entails. Of course, I would be proud if Norah or Eldon became dentists, too! They ask dental questions on a regular basis, and usually after three minutes of explanation, they believe they’re experts. But regardless of what they choose to do or the interests they form, I just hope Norah and Eldon are as excited about it as they are when we play surgery or dental visit at home.

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As April showers arrive, how do you stay dry when dashing from place to place? Luckily, wearing a raincoat doesn’t mean looking like Paddington Bear anymore. Here are several raincoat styles you’ll love so much you’ll be praying for rain. No. 1: The Everyday, Lightweight Hoodie Raincoat There’s something satisfying about wearing a black hoodie and not having to make other decisions about an outfit that day. The same applies to your everyday, lightweight black hoodie raincoat. Beautifully simple, you can wear it over anything you own — but until the rain comes, you can leave it rolled in your bag or pocket. Yes, it’s that compact! Check out Rain’s Ultralight Jacket on US.Rains.com , which fits the bill perfectly. No. 2: The Confident, Classic Trench Raincoat Just because you have a trenchcoat doesn’t mean it’s rainproof anymore — so why not buy a fashionable, elegant trenchcoat you can wear rain or shine? A high- quality trenchcoat is super practical, and it’ll also give you a classic, on-trend look for years to come. Find yours on Zappos.com , which has beautiful coats that’ll last a lifetime at a decent price. No. 3: The Practical, Stylish Poncho Ponchos are a rainy day favorite because they’re affordable, easy to put on no matter how bulky your clothes are, and generally easy to store once you’re done wearing them. If you live somewhere that doesn’t rain often or you just prefer the feeling of a loose wrap, then a light poncho might be your best option. Some even include pockets, making your life a little easier wherever you’re headed! Try Amazon.com to find diverse styles at various price points. Of course, we cannot ignore the popularity of Sherlock Holmes. Will his raincoat, the Inverness cape, be the next sensation? Combining elements from a poncho and trenchcoat, the Inverness cape is a unique style that’s fashionable and practical! No matter which style you prefer, these coats prove that looking good while staying dry is possible. Trending Raincoat Styles for 2021

Keeping Us Going

OUR STERILIZATION TECH, KENZIE SHORT, MAKES OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Proper sterilization has always been vital to safe, effective dental care, but it has never been more important that we remain diligent to it than in the COVID-19 era. At Calapooia Family Dental, we’re proud to offer a clean, healthy environment for your whole family, but this wouldn’t be as easy without the help of our newest team member, Kenzie Short. Kenzie joined our office in November 2020 for our newly created position as a sterilization technician. Kenzie helps dental hygienists ensure every tool they need is

sterilized and properly stored. She also helps our dental assistants prepare for procedures and assists our front office staff with any extra work that needs to be done. You could say she does it all! Soon, Kenzie will be able to say that. Kenzie is currently applying to schools to study dental hygiene, and she hopes to enroll in classes this year. She currently holds an associate degree and has been studying a lot to make this dream happen. With a lifelong affinity for dentistry, Kenzie says her favorite part about this field is the connections she makes with people every day. Plus, there’s always something new to do or learn. “I really enjoy the interactions with people,” she says. “I like being able to talk to people and seeing a lot of recurring patients … I really like the people I work with, too. They make Calapooia fun to work at.” Kenzie grew up in Roseburg, Oregon, and likes to spend time with her boyfriend and her friends. In particular, she enjoys going to concerts — although this has been virtually impossible for more than a year now. Like many people, she can’t wait to enjoy concerts with her friends again! For now, Kenzie is studying hard for her next big step, and we’re thrilled to have her working with our team as she begins this journey. We can’t wait to watch you develop your craft, Kenzie! Thank you for all your hard work.

If you would like to learn more about our sterilization process and COVID-19 safety protocols, please call 541-926-3689.

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No More Dog Breath

ORAL HEALTH TIPS FOR THE FAMILY PET

Our furry, feathered, and scaly friends provide endless entertainment and emotional connection, and they truly proved to be man’s best friend in 2020. As more people opted to adopt a new pet during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelter Animals Count reported a 43% drop in shelter euthanasia as a result. That means more animals have found loving forever homes! As we look to celebrate National Pet Week May 3–9, our oral health experts want to provide oral health tips for family pets, new and old! Brush Their Teeth Regularly Like humans, dogs and cats can develop plaque buildup, and this can cause disease and infection in the teeth and gums. These conditions can result in pain, decay, and tooth loss. Avoid this by regularly brushing your pet’s teeth. Ideally, this should be done every day, but that may not be feasible. At a minimum, experts recommend brushing your pet’s teeth at least three times each week, and eventually, your pet will enjoy it — or at least learn to tolerate it. Start slow, be encouraging, and listen to their signals of distress. Be mindful of how you brush and be

sure to use pet-friendly products. Seek professional guidance if you struggle with this task.

Provide ThemWith Plenty of Toys Your pets are going to love this one. Animals like to gnaw and chew on things, and this just so happens to have a tremendous impact on teeth. Much like how carrots and apples can scrub away plaque from a human’s mouth, playtime

and chewing can clean your pet’s teeth. Look for durable rubber toys or soft bones, which will prevent choking but provide oral health benefits. And always monitor your pet when they are chewing on a toy.

Improve Their Diet What your dog eats is just as important as how often you scrub its teeth. Pet treat companies have created treats that can protect your dog’s teeth from decay. In particular, Dentastix makes low-sugar treats that are just hard enough to scrub away at a dog’s teeth. (There are kitty versions, too!) Wet food may be easier for animals to chew, but the additives in these foods could be detrimental to their oral health. Look for nutrition information on the label and discuss your options with your pet’s veterinarian to find the right choice for your pet.

• 1 1/2 lbs potatoes, any type • 1 cup plant-based mayonnaise Vegan Potato Salad INGREDIENTS

SUDOKU

• 3/4 cup celery, chopped • 3 green onions, chopped • 1 kosher dill pickle, chopped • Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 tbsp yellow mustard

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, add the potatoes and cover with water. On high heat, bring potatoes to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook until tender. 2. Drain the water and let potatoes sit for 15 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, celery, green onions, pickle, salt, and pepper. Place in the refrigerator until ready for use. 4. Once the potatoes cool, slice them into 1-inch pieces. 5. Add the potatoes to the dressing and mix gently to avoid mashing the potatoes.

6. Add more salt and pepper to taste. 7. Cool the dish for 1 hour before serving.

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Inspired by ThisSavoryVegan.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Brian R. Summers DMD, PhD Patrick V. Hagerty, DMD

1070 24th Ave SW Albany, OR 97321 541-926-3689 CalapooiaFamilyDental.com

Tales From the (At-Home) Operating Table Inside this Issue 1 2 This Spring’s Trending Raincoat Styles

Meet the Person Keeping Our Office Clean!

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Oral Health Tips for Pets Vegan Potato Salad

A Tail That Inspired Thousands

WINTER THE DOLPHIN A Tail That Inspired Thousands

Winter the dolphin was only 2 years old when rescuers found her with a crab trap line wrapped so tightly around her tail it was cutting off the circulation to her flukes. Unfortunately, this led to the eventual loss of her tail. In most cases, dolphins can’t survive without their flukes. When Winter first arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, her caregivers worried about her overall health. The infection that had taken over her tail due to loss of circulation was spreading, and if it reached her spinal cord, they knew she would die. Fortunately, her spinal cord remained untouched. Winter adapted to her situation, but then a new problem arose. Without flukes, Winter began moving her body side-to-side to swim, which caused scoliosis in her spine. However, an expert created a custom prosthetic tail for her, enabling her to swim normally again without impacting her spine. Since then, Winter has thrived!

The story of what Winter went through, her struggle to recover, and how she fought to live has inspired thousands of people. Children and adults who have lost their limbs or were born with disabilities travel from around the world to meet her. She encourages people to keep fighting, and many feel that if Winter could overcome her obstacles, they can, too. There was even a film made about her called “Dolphin Tale.” In fact, many of the scenes from the movie were shot at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Winter starred as herself. The film captures her triumphant story and chronicles how she inspires people around the world. To learn more about Winter, read inspirational stories, or donate to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, visit CMAquarium.org. And, of course, “Dolphin Tale” is a great film for your next movie night!

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