Calapooia Family Dental - June/July 2022

Calapooia Family Dental - June/July 2022

We’re Listening GREAT DENTAL WORK STARTS WITH COMMUNICATION

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

There’s a phenomenon in dentistry that really irks me. It’s most common in new patients, who, upon my team examining their mouth and recording the history of their care, will say, “You know, I really don’t know why that was done.” It’s shocking, really. I can’t imagine anyone having their hip replaced or going for a hernia procedure without knowing why or what their doctor was doing. We’re often stunned when we hear this, and we never blame the patient. Instead, we’re disappointed with an industry and professionals who have allowed this to happen. As we approach World Listening Day in July, this is something that is on the forefront of my mind. I like to think I’m a good listener, and while I know there is always room for improvement, listening is absolutely necessary in my profession. In dentistry, you have to listen — as well as communicate and respond appropriately — in order to make your patients feel heard and to prescribe effective treatment. This is something we emphasize at Calapooia Family Dental. We don’t take hiring lightly, going so far as to tell each candidate and new employee that communication is the No. 1 priority of our practice. We even examine this in our regular employee reviews because it’s the basis for great dental care! I discovered this as I was studying dentistry. I think it begins with the overall feeling most people have at the dentist’s office. There is a lot of anxiety when it comes to dental care, and when your dentist or hygienist isn’t listening to your concerns or story, that anxiety is heightened. The best thing you can do as a dental provider is to listen to the story your patients want to tell. Sometimes it’s the whole truth, and sometimes they leave parts out, either unintentionally or intentionally. But the best thing you can do is listen fully and develop an actionable plan that mitigates their concerns. To achieve this, I often approach how I listen to patients similarly to how I approach parenting. Now, hear me out!

Calapooia Courier June/July 2022

(Pun intended.) This isn’t to say that patients are like children but that patients come to our practice looking to us as the experts. When you’re a parent, your child relies on you to be their expert and support. They are presenting you with their own version of what happened, and you have to listen as best as you can in order to respond effectively. The same goes for caring for patients. Patients, like children and everyone else, just want to be heard. My goal is to build trust with the people I treat, and the best way to do that is to be an effective listener. I often explain that dentistry is also about 50% counseling, because dental issues can be taxing. We have to help patients solve the root of their oral health concerns, and that can take a mental toll. My goal is to never contribute to that mental taxation they have been through. Listening is a skill I am always trying to improve, both personally and across my team. If there is anything we can do to make your experience at Calapooia Family Dental better, please let us know. We’re listening.

541-926-3689 1

m

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

The summer season is officially underway and many Americans are planning to take a trip to the beach to celebrate the occasion. If you’re going on a family vacation to the ocean for an extended period of time, you may be worried about keeping everyone entertained. That’s why we put together a list of some of our favorite oceanside activities to try this summer. Your summer vacation will be filled with fun and excitement after trying some of these great activities! Get active. There’s nothing more relaxing than sitting on the beach and listening to the calm repetition of the waves, but maybe you want a little more excitement by the ocean. If that’s the case, there are plenty of sports to try. You can bring a football and throw it around in the water or on the beach. You can buy a net and set up a game of beach volleyball to get everyone involved, or you can try one of the many new beachside sports hitting the market like tidalball, pickleball, and spikeball. Tidalball is the beach version of cornhole so if you haven’t played it yet, you definitely want to check it out. Experience nature. The wildlife and environment of the beach are most likely drastically different from what you can experience back home, so make an effort to see all you can. At many beaches, you’ll be able to see dolphins, whales, and sea rays from the shore. You can also look in the sand for crabs and small crustaceans. By simply standing still and taking in all of the sights and sounds of the ocean, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the surroundings. Ride the waves. You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to venture into the water on a board. Of course, you can take surfing lessons at many beaches, but you can also get in the water on a bodyboard for a thrilling experience. Additionally, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards if you want to be on the water, but not necessarily in it. Oceanside Activities the Entire Family Can Enjoy

A healthy mouth is a healthy body, and oral care is an important part of our well-being. The secret to healthy oral care isn’t expensive or even a mystery — it’s about getting the care you deserve! Life can be sweet, but good oral care and regular reminders can go a long way in helping achieve and keep the smile you have always wanted. Daily Reminders A good toothbrush is always your first line of defense when it comes to oral health care. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles and keeping your brush at a 45-degree angle is ideal. It is universally known that the general recommendation is to brush your teeth twice a day, but one of the most important aspects of that is brushing before bed. The germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day can sit in your mouth for hours on end. It’s best to brush before the day is over so you can wake up feeling clean and fresh. Being a boss with floss is also a great way to keep your oral health in check. When using floss, always remember to use a light touch and be careful not to snap it when curving it around your teeth. Repeat this process for all your teeth, and don’t forget about the ones in the back! Reminders With Chronic Conditions For those with chronic conditions, it can be much harder to maintain a healthy mouth. For example, people with diabetes can face a higher risk of oral health problems because of their link between high blood sugar. When blood sugar levels are high, this contributes to more bacteria in the mouth. If you have a chronic condition, don’t worry! With the right care and commitment, you can keep your mouth clean. Another good tip when visiting your dentist is to plan your appointments around your meals, such as after breakfast. Being sure your glucose levels are under control helps transition smoothly into appointments. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is also a key factor. Let your dentist know you have diabetes so they can plan accordingly. Speaking with your dentist and discussing options when it comes to antibiotics or procedures beforehand will help navigate your healing process as well. Keep your smile bright and healthy with oral health care reminders — your teeth will thank you for it! For details regarding oral health care, visit CalapooiaFamilyDental.com for more information. A GREAT SMILE STARTS WITH A HEALTHY MOUTH KEEP YOUR SMILE LOOKING BRIGHT

2 CALAPOOIAFAMILYDENTAL.COM

DAIRY KEEPS YOUR PEARLIES WHITE

Maintaining strong bones and healthy teeth varies with age, but the need for milk always starts early. Dairy products are packed with nutrients, such as Vitamin D, that are vital for health and maintenance for your body. These types of products also offer an accessible source of calcium, one of the most common minerals found in our bodies — and a great percentage

those products are tough on the teeth. It is suggested to drink milk after consuming any sugary or acidic products because it acts as a refresher, lowers the acidic levels in your mouth, and protects your teeth from cavities. Cons of Dairy As with any food containing sugars, flavored dairy products are likely to nullify the benefits. Items such as flavored milk, ice cream, or sugary yogurts aren’t ideal when it comes to oral health care. It’s best to stick with dairy products in their most natural states to lessen the chances of any oral infections or decay. Though drinking a glass of milk before bed seems harmless, it can actually have a negative effect on your teeth. As you sleep, the sugar from milk can linger in your mouth and can give bacteria a place to thrive, causing tooth decay and cavities to form. If you plan to drink milk before bed, make sure you brush your teeth thoroughly afterward to be safe.

of which is stored in our teeth. There may be some drawbacks, but overall, consuming dairy products can be an important part of oral health care.

Pros of Dairy Dairy products like milk, cheese, and sugar-free yogurt can play an important role in dental health. These types of products contain protective nutrients that have decay- fighting properties. Many of these nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorus, not only aid in re-mineralizing the teeth enamel but also forming the protective film over them.

A great smile starts with a healthy mouth, so contact Calapooia Family Dental to schedule your next appointment!

Though they still contain lactic acid, dairy products can be a great alternative for orange juice or soft drinks, as

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw INGREDIENTS

SUDOKU

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Saute the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set aside the slaw. 3. On the grill, cook your chicken dogs according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and piling in the chicken dog and slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.

Inspired by RachelRayMag.com

541-926-3689 3

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

The Power of Being a Good Listener Inside this Issue 1 2

Oceanside Activities to Try This Summer

Give Your Oral Health the Attention It Deserves

3

Pros and Cons of Dairy for Your Teeth Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw

4

Encourage Your Children to Learn

A LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS AT HOME

When you were growing up, you probably dreaded going to school as much as any other kid until your parents taught you the value of education. And now, your child may be going through that same phase. Perhaps they’re struggling to understand specific concepts, or they’re falling behind their peers and are embarrassed. Whatever the case may be for your child, you can use summer to teach them how to love learning and value education as much as you do. First, you can start by explaining the reasons why education is vital in a relatable way. Use examples from your own educational journey to show how your school experiences developed your critical thinking skills, enhanced your creativity, and put you on a career path that was best for you. If your child enjoys more hands-on activities to learn, engage them in projects or field trips that allow them to touch and interact with materials alongside others so they can develop a love for learning in a mode that connects with their ideal learning style.

Another way to instill the value of education in your child is to cultivate their passions while teaching them. Take them to the library and check out books about what they love. If they’re interested in a certain animal, take them to the zoo or to an aquarium to see it in real life. You can even take them to museums to explore science and history. Keep in mind that your child is going to mimic your behaviors, so be open-minded when it comes to education and learning. Read your own books alongside your child to motivate them to continue reading independently. Talk about the zoo animals and museum exhibits with your child to further encourage fun conversations about each topic to keep them interested. Finding activities that encourage your child to grow as a young learner will benefit them, no matter what time of year it is, but fun summertime educational experiences will keep your child entertained and prepared for the next school year!

4 CALAPOOIAFAMILYDENTAL.COM

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com