Calapooia Family Dental - August/September 2021

Calapooia Family Dental - August/September 2021

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

Calapooia Courier Aug./Sept. 2021

20 Years Later THE PARALLELS (AND HOPE) OF COVID-19 AND 9/11

It was 20 years ago this month that I woke up to complete chaos. It was 6 a.m. here in Oregon, which meant that just 14 minutes before I had woken up for the day, a plane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years since Rebecca and I sat in our living room that morning, completely stunned by what we saw on TV, but as we (hopefully) climb out of another devastating time in our history, I can’t help but find parallels. After hearing the news about 9/11, Rebecca and I said our goodbyes for the morning. She had to work, and I went to work at my biology lab. No one was paying attention, with our eyes glued to our computers. I’ll never forget the panic of one of my labmates who had a friend who worked in one of the towers. He sat in the corner with his knees to his chest in full panic because he couldn’t get through to his friend. We would later learn that no one could get in contact with people in New York, but in that moment, I witnessed how deeply personal this attack had been. (His friend survived.) I was living in Eugene, Oregon, at the time, and though we were far removed from New York City, so many of our favorite events were canceled for safety precautions and out of respect for what had happened. However, the Eugene Celebration was planned shortly after 9/11, and its committee made the then- controversial decision to host the parade to celebrate life and honor those we had lost in the attacks and those who fought to protect us. As I sat outside a coffee shop, watching the parade go by, I remember getting teary- eyed seeing the first responders walk in

the parade. I realized we could all just be moments away from having our lives saved by those who selflessly put theirs on the line every day. There were a lot of moments of realization after 9/11 for all of us. Our lives changed after 9/11. In the days and months that followed, we all came together in a way I had never experienced. There were no political groups or polarization; we were all just Americans who were scared, mourning, and in pain.

I think we can all relate to that today.

In yet another (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime scenario, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unimaginable tragedy to our country. We asked first responders and health care workers to put their lives on the line for us again, and our entire world has changed because of this horrible virus. To start to find some finality with this pandemic, my hope is that we can come together like we did after 9/11. Both of these tragedies are dark days in American and global history, but there is hope and unification within each event. I hope we can remember the silver linings we were given as a result of this pandemic and embrace each of our sacrifices and humanity. Some day, we’ll look back on the 20th anniversary of the pandemic. My hope is that we’ll see a world that is better and stronger than the society that was ravaged by a pandemic. My hope is that we can come together again.

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THE EVERYDAY PEOPLE WHO SAVED COUNTLESS LIVES ON 9/11 Remembering the Heroes Amid the Tragedy As we approach its 20th anniversary, Sept. 11, 2001, remains one of the darkest days in American history. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives when terrorists flew passenger airplanes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. The infrastructural damage was severe, but the damage done to thousands of families across the country was even worse. While 9/11 remains a day of remembrance of these tragic events, it should also be a day to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to save others. These are just a few of their stories. Betty Ong and Amy Sweeney After five al-Qaida terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 11, Ong and Sweeney, two flight attendants, used the crew phone to call their colleagues and give them information about their attackers, including what they looked like and what seats they had been sitting in. Both attendants perished, but the information they shared helped the FBI jump-start their investigation. Rick Rescorla A Vietnam veteran who had earned a silver star for his service, Rescorla was no stranger to stressful life and death situations. As the head of corporate security for Morgan Stanley in the South Tower, he defied orders from Port Authority to stay put and instead escorted 2,700 people out of the building before it collapsed. After that, he headed back in to look for stragglers. That was the last time anyone saw him. Passengers of Flight 93 While two planes hit the World Trade Centers and one plane hit the Pentagon, another plane that headed for the White House never reached its destination. That’s because passengers aboard this flight, upon learning their plane had been hijacked, decided to rush the cockpit and overtake the terrorists. They caused the plane to crash in an empty field in Pennsylvania, saving the White House but killing everyone on board. Sad though their deaths may be, these heroic men and women continue to inspire people even 20 years later. We should never forget the tragedy of 9/11, but we should also remember these regular people who decided to take extraordinary lengths to save others.

Give Your Teeth a Boost

WHY GUM IS AN EASY WAY TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLEAN

Here’s something you may not know: Your dentist wants you to chew gum!

There are many easy ways in which you can take care of your teeth and gums, including regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, attending dental appointments, not using your teeth as tools, and eating healthy, whole foods. But you can also reap the benefits of a clean smile with minimal effort when you chew gum. Here’s how!

Why is gum good for you?

Gum can clean your teeth after snacks or meals, but there is a caveat: Your gum has to be sugar-free . Full-sugar gum will only coat your mouth in teeth-eating bacteria, whereas sugar-free gum doesn’t have these nasty side effects because it’s sweetened with xylitol. This compound has been shown to limit the growth of bacteria that decays teeth. Furthermore, the act of chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the production of saliva, which is nature’s toothbrush. So, the xylitol works to prohibit tooth decay, while the extra saliva cleans bacteria away! Should I just chew gum instead of brushing? It seems way easier! Chewing sugar-free gum is merely a trick, not a replacement. Think of it this way: You drink warm liquids when you have a sore throat caused by a cold, but this doesn’t cure your ailment. The warm liquid soothes the pain and swelling, while your immune system fights the virus that’s causing the sore throat. Sugar-free gum is the same. It should never replace brushing and flossing habits because these are the best way to prevent cavities and improve oral health. Sugar-free gum merely offers a boost!

When shouldn’t I chew gum?

While chewing sugar-free gum is a great addition to oral hygiene for most people, some patients may find it counterintuitive. If you have a history of jaw pain — such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) — wear oral appliances or braces, or find chewing gum uncomfortable, talk to a dental professional about alternatives. Xylitol comes in other forms, and there may be better alternatives for you.

We have many great teeth tips for the whole family! Discover these secrets at your next appointment. Call us today to get scheduled!

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YOUR PILLOW MAY BE CAUSING YOU PAIN THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Hi, everyone. It’s Dr. Summers again, and I want to know if you’re like me: I am extremely picky when it comes to finding the right pillow. It has to be just right, or else I can’t breathe right, my neck will hurt, and I’ll wake up with jaw and head pain. However, it’s not all in my head (or your head)! Your pillow can impact the quality of your sleep, causing pain and potentially other issues if you suffer from sleep apnea or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain — or jaw pain.

keep their shape well and hold the head up. Stomach sleepers should opt for soft pillows, but this may not be the best position for the back!

For Those With TMJ Pain

When you have jaw pain, common tasks like eating, talking, and sleeping can be painful. To combat sleep pain, you have options. Unlike sleep apnea sufferers, sleep on your back, which will take pressure off your face and your jaw. Side sleeping may be fine, but you should always avoid sleeping on your stomach. As for your pillow, opt for a firm yet soft pillow. Your pillow should hold your head in a neutral position with your spine, so your head is cradled without craning too far forward or downward. Your goal is to get your head to relax as much as possible to avoid tensing your jaw and head. The right pillow can help you sleep better, but the only way to effectively treat sleep apnea and TMJ pain is to seek professional treatment. My team at Calapooia Family Dental has the expertise to help, and I have an extensive background in treating jaw pain. Call today to set up a consultation!

For Those With Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is an obstructive airway disorder that causes you to stop breathing as you sleep. The result is a lot of tossing and turning as your heart jolts you awake to keep you breathing. The right pillow — along with a proactive treatment plan — can help. For starters, avoid sleeping on your back. This position causes your tongue to drop into your throat and obstruct your airway. Instead, use a pillow that’s best for side- or stomach-sleeping. Side sleepers want firmer pillows that

SUDOKU

One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt, divided • 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided

• 3 sweet

apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices • 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish

• 1/2 cup apple cider • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 4 tsp olive oil, divided

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider-mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!

Inspired by WellPlated.com

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

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

Remembering the Heroes of 9/11 Inside this Issue 1 2 The Easiest Way to Protect Your Teeth: Gum!

Looking Back at 9/11 — 20 Years Later!

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Jaw or Sleep Apnea Pain? Why Your Pillow May Be Guilty

One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken

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Willie the Parrot: The Ultimate Danger Alarm

WILLIE THE PARROT: THE ULTIMATE DANGER ALARM

Willie the Quaker parrot was a pretty remarkable bird. Like many parrots, he had a knack for mimicking certain sounds and words, including barking dog noises, human kissing noises, and a fair share of swear words. However, what made Willie a hero one day was not just what he said, but also when he said it. Meagan Howard, Willie’s owner, brought him over to her friend Samantha Kuusk’s house while she babysat Kuusk’s little daughter, Hannah. Hannah and Willie were both in the kitchen while Meagan prepared a Pop-Tart for Hannah’s breakfast. After placing the Pop-Tart on the table, Meagan stepped away to use the bathroom.

While she was away, however, Hannah got her hands on the Pop-Tart and began to scarf it down, lodging a piece in her windpipe. She started choking and was unable to signal to Meagan that something was wrong. Luckily, Willie came to the rescue. Willie began squawking and shrieking, saying the words “Mama! Baby!” over and over again. In a matter of moments, Meagan knew something was wrong. She rushed to the kitchen to find a very frantic Willie and a very blue Hannah. Meagan jumped into action. She grabbed Hannah and performed the Heimlich maneuver until the Pop-Tart piece dislodged itself and shot out of her mouth.

Meagan may have been the one to stop Hannah from choking, but she insists that Willie was the real hero of the story. If he hadn’t used his unique mimicking skills to get Meagan’s attention, she doesn’t

know what would have happened. It’s worth noting that before that incident, Willie had never used the

phrase “Mama! Baby!” before. He knew something was wrong, and he knew how to get help. Shortly after the incident, Willie received the local Red Cross chapter’s Animal Lifesaver Award for his heroic actions.

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