Calapooia Family Dental - April/May 2022

Calapooia Family Dental - April/May 2022

Terra Takes Over! CELEBRATING ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY WITH OUR ADMIN TEAM!

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

Calapooia Courier April/May 2022

At its most basic level, dentistry is about instilling good oral health habits and correcting unhealthy patterns. To successfully do that, we need an entire team of people who are committed to patients and their oral health concerns. This month, as we celebrate Administrative Professionals Day on April 27, I’m honored to hand over the duties of the cover article to Calapooia Family Dental’s office manager, Terra. Thanks to Terra and other members of our administrative team, our dental staff is able to deliver high-quality care to patients who need it most. Hi, everyone! I am honored to be the voice for the administrative team at Calapooia Family Dental. I’ve worked here since I was a junior in high school, and throughout that time, I have watched the ways in which this practice has grown and evolved. I now serve as the office manager, and I’m proud to work with the people I do. Whether it’s Nora and LaCreshia, who sit up front and greet our patients; Kim, who coordinates with the local hospitals; or Rebecca, who works in billing, each member of our team brings their own unique talents to our practice. And we really are a great team! I always tell people that the favorite part of my job is the people I work with. I know I can depend on each one of them. The administrative side of a dental practice may be more involved than most people realize. A part of it is what our patients see: It’s Nora helping schedule appointments or translating for a Spanish-speaking patient — or it’s LaCreshia managing referrals and collecting payments. We do that and countless other activities, like checking patients out or coordinating bill payments, but we do so much more, too.

For instance, Kim regularly works with our hospital partners to ensure we can best serve our patients who are in need of sedation dentistry. This is primarily used for patients with disabilities, who need just as much care as anyone else but may require more personalization in their service. Kim’s role in ensuring that happens is invaluable. Of course, there are other important components to what we do every day that many of our patients don’t see — a lot of it involves insurance work — and because of this, we have all developed so much knowledge. In fact, we’re all knowledgeable! At any given moment, we may be asked to step into a role that isn’t defined by our titles. We’re happy to do so, because we work so well together. That’s extremely valuable in our practice! This is a fast-paced dental office, and we have to be on our toes. I’m so proud to work with this team, and I know I can rely on them for anything. When I started working here in high school, I never dreamed this is where I would still be, but working with the team that I do, I’m glad I am still here. That goes for our dental staff, too. It sounds cheesy, but we really are a family here. And I’m happy to be part of it. –Terra

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Turn Your Rainy Day Around — With a Fort!

3 TRANSFORMATIVE BLANKET FORT TIPS

April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but when the rain keeps pouring, there’s only one thing for a family to do: Build a blanket fort! Blanket forts have been a low-cost, low-tech form of entertainment for centuries, and over that time, generations of enthusiasts have perfected them. Use these tips to transform your next rainy day into a family adventure: 1. Build heaviest to lightest. Once you’ve gathered your materials — including blankets, sheets, pillows, binder clips, and movable furniture — it’s time to build. Start “heavy” with the largest piece of furniture, like a couch or table. That will be the anchor of your fort. From there, arrange the other furniture in a circle around the anchor and drape it with blankets. Use heavier blankets for the walls and the lightest sheets for your roof to avoid a collapse. Use the binder clips to hold the sheets and blankets together! 2. Light it up. Light is crucial for you to do activities in your fort! Dig out your holiday string lights if you have them or bring a lamp or two into the space. You can also use flashlights and even glow sticks to make things especially fun! 3. Pick a theme — and a name . Is your fort in the jungle? On a beach? In the woods? Pick a theme and decorate accordingly! You can bring in beach towels and toys or cut leaves and trees out of construction paper. Don’t forget to name your fort, too. The more creative you get, the better. So, now you have your fort — what should you do in it? We’re glad you asked! The answers are almost unlimited, but here are a few favorites:

Would you ever send your child on a bike ride without a helmet? How about when they are in the car — would you let them ride without their seat belt on? Most parents would answer with a resounding “no!” That same sense of safety is necessary in sports equipment, too. As spring sports begin, it’s vital that parents order and update their children’s mouthguards. These devices vary from nightguards, which are designed to prevent grinding. Sports mouthguards are comfortable, light, and easy to make. We take impressions of the patient’s teeth and send those impressions to the lab. What returns is a custom-made mouthguard that can prevent painful dental disasters. There are at-home kits that require a boil-and-bite method. These can work in a pinch, but they are not as effective as custom-made guards from a dental professional. Our tools and expertise are more effective at measuring a patient’s mouth to ensure we get the optimum fit for the mouthguard. WHY MOUTHGUARDS ARE NECESSARY SPORTS EQUIPMENT PROTECT THE PEARLY WHITES!

So, why are these guards so important? The answer is in the aftermath.

Mouthguards are designed to protect your child’s teeth as well as their gums, cheeks, and jaw. After all, it’s often not just the pearly whites that are impacted with a blow to the mouth. A mouthguard provides the necessary cushion a mouth needs to limit the impact of these collisions, which can prevent larger, costlier, and more painful issues down the road. For instance, one of the causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain is trauma to the head. This can be a lifelong ailment that, while treatable, is often painful. A mouthguard could limit or negate this impact. Now, if you’re a parent who is constantly having to replace your rambunctious child’s items, you may be hesitant to pay for a professionally made guard. But there are a few ways in which you can increase longevity. It should be regularly rinsed with cold water, and you can use toothpaste if you need to clean it. Store the mouthguard in a hard container when it’s not in use and avoid leaving it in the sun or near hot surfaces. With a few precautions, your child’s mouthguard can last until next season! Mouthguards should be a necessary part of your child’s uniform. And they are for adults who mountain bike, do karate, or skateboard, too! Call us today at 541-926-3689 to schedule a very quick mouthguard appointment.

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Drink hot chocolate Tell ghost stories Read (out loud or separately!)

Make a craft project

Have a family jam session (if you’re all musical) Eat your favorite snack

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• •

Do a puzzle

Snuggle

Play a board game/ card game Pretend you’re on an adventure in another country

“Camp” overnight Perform a shadow puppet show

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OPEN WIDE, SPARKY!

3 STEPS TO A HEALTH PET ORAL CARE ROUTINE

There are few things pet owners wouldn’t do for their pets, but there is one crucial element of pet care that is often forgotten — until the doggy breath is so bad it could clear the room! When we think of pet care, we overlook the fact that oral health can be just as important to your pet’s wellness as it is for your own health!

as possible — once per day max — while giving them lots of praise and love. Keep up this habit, and your pet will love it! Find dental-friendly treats and toys. Pets are different from humans in that their teeth are built to be used as tools. And like any good tool, sometimes they need sharpening! Chew toys, scratchers, and dental treats are great tools for pet parents. These allow your pet to scrub, gnaw, and gently remove plaque from their teeth without brushing! This can be a great supplement throughout the week if you don’t intend to brush your pets’ teeth every day.

measures need to be taken. Furthermore, your veterinarian can recommend tools and techniques that will help your specific pet based on their breed and mannerisms. They may also suggest professional treatment to mitigate any major issues. Creating a pet oral health care routine starts with one thing: doing it! Don’t avoid this critical step in caring for your pet, and when the humans in your life need to schedule their regular dental appointments, call Calapooia Family Dental at 541-926-3689.

In the spirit of National Pet Week, here are some tips to help make this chore a breeze.

Create a brushing routine. Start by letting your pet sniff the

toothbrush and lick the toothpaste from your fingers. (Manufacturers have pet- specific paste that tastes like meat! Never use human toothpaste.) This interaction introduces them to the tools and allows you to enter their space slowly. Then, touch the brush to their teeth and gums. Go slow so you don’t intimidate or scare them. Now, gradually brush, starting with the front teeth. Repeat this process as often

Seek a professional’s help. If you have been avoiding your pets’ dental care for a long time, it’s best to start at the veterinarian’s office. They will pinpoint areas of concern and give you an idea of what proactive

One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies INGREDIENTS

SUDOKU

• 1 lb spring potatoes, halved • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) • 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved

• 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 2 5-oz salmon fillets • 1 handful fresh basil

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!

Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com

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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

Help Us Celebrate Our Admin Team! Turn Your Home Into a Playhouse Inside this Issue 1 2

Play Ball and Protect Your Teeth

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Dental Care Has Gone to the Dogs (Literally)! Baked Salmon and Veggies

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Strengthen Your Entire Body!

PADDLE YOUR WAY TO BETTER HEALTH BIG BENEFITS OF CANOEING AND KAYAKING

The weather is getting warmer, which means you can do more activities in the water. Canoeing or kayaking is an excellent way to get outdoors and be active. Besides looking at the beautiful scenery around you, taking to the water confers several physical and mental health benefits. Physical Benefits • Paddling can help improve your upper- body strength and muscle tone — because you’re using your arms to guide yourself through the water with the paddle. Paddling helps strengthen your arms, shoulders, chest, and back. • You use your legs to balance, maneuver, and change directions in the vessel. In turn, this movement helps strengthen your lower-body muscles . • While trying to stay centered and balanced on the water, you will develop more core

strength. Paddling helps work your lower back, abs, and oblique muscles. • It’s a form of cardiac exercise that will help your heart circulate more blood throughout your body. It will also improve your endurance , enabling you to go longer distances faster. Mental Benefits • While canoeing or kayaking, your body releases serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins from neurotransmitters. This

the largest portions of your brain that is responsible for verbal memory and learning. • If you have trouble sleeping, this activity can improve your sleep . Exercising during the day can make you naturally tired, which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. • Since you’ll be in the sun, your body can

produce more vitamin D . This vitamin is essential for strong bones and an effective immune system. Canoeing and kayaking are great outdoor activities to help you get your daily dose of physical

will help boost your mood and self-confidence and improve your focus .

• These activities can

enhance your memory and learning ability . This is because it exercises your hippocampus, one of

activity and a mental health boost. So, enjoy the warm

weather and be one with nature — this may be your new favorite summer hobby this year!

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