Eagle Dental January 2019

BIRDSEYE VIEW

JAN 2019

eagleidahodental.com 151 N. StiermanWay, Eagle, ID (208) 939-4111

FROM SCARED ROOKIE TO CONFIDENT CAPTAIN

How You Helped Me Become a Better Dentist

I have a bittersweet confession to make, so I might as well get it out from the start: This will be my last newsletter for the foreseeable future. It’s been a joy sharing my life with you in this form over the past couple years, and I still plan to stay in touch with all of you in as many ways as possible. Our Facebook page (Facebook.com/ EagleDentalLLC) will be the place to go for updates and fun stories, and you can always visit our website (EagleIdahoDental.com) for information about our practice and treatments. Since this will be my final newsletter article, I want to use it to share what my experience at Eagle Dental Care has been like since I arrived. Spoiler alert — it’s been awesome. This practice has quickly come to feel like a second home to me. The credit for that belongs to the amazing team and patients who’ve made me feel so welcome and encouraged me at every turn. Truly, I could not have done it without you. When I first started at Eagle Dental Care, I was terrified and excited in equal measure. It was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I’d spent too long working as an associate at other offices without a place to call my own. As a result, I was stuck in a rut. I knew I needed to make a change. When I spoke with Dr. Courtial about taking over Eagle Dental Care, I felt like I’d found the perfect place to hang up my own shingle. My first year at the practice was all about getting settled and establishing myself. Dr. Courtial was wonderful and gave me his blessing, for which I will be forever grateful. It can’t be easy to turn your practice over to a new dentist, but Dr. Courtial managed it with grace. Brenda and Julie, who’ve been with the practice longer than I have, were also essential in creating a smooth transition. Once I had my feet firmly on the ground, I wanted to put my personal stamp on the practice. Dr. Courtial’s style of care and exceptional patient-service values were already sterling, so I didn’t need to upgrade anything in that regard. But the office itself needed a face-lift to bring it into the 21st century. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the remodel ended up being a larger and longer undertaking than I anticipated, but it was worth it once we — finally — finished it up. Every compliment we receive

about the new look means the world to me, especially because there are many days when I doubted it would ever be finished.

Speaking of kind words from patients, you more than anyone have helped make me feel comfortable in my new environment. I’m beyond thankful to everyone who’s stuck with the practice, and I’ve loved getting to know all of you over the past two-plus years. I only hope we can continue to build real bonds and become even better friends.

Eagle has been just as good to my family as it’s been to me professionally. We’re thrilled to call this town home and look forward to being here for many years to come.

In short, taking over Eagle Dental Care is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And for that, all I can say is thanks.

–Dr. Chris Thomason

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(208) 939-4111

MOM REALLY DOES KNOW BEST

3WIVES’ TALES PROVEN TRUE

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this fromMom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives’ tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. GARLIC CURES COLDS For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw

garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.

HEARTBURNMEANS A HAIRY BABY It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd are legitimate. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. JOINT PAIN PREDICTS THEWEATHER Did you ever look at your momwith skepticismwhen she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during stormweather causes pain in arthritic joints.

How To Have a Bright 2019

ADVICE FROM ASCHLI January is the perfect time to establish great oral care habits to last you the entire year and beyond. Everyone already knows you should be brushing and flossing regularly, but I wanted to offer a few tips to take your dental hygiene to the next level in 2019. Follow these tips and you’ll have plenty of reasons to smile.

UPGRADE YOUR TOOLS One of the best ways to improve your brushing habits is to purchase an electric toothbrush. Highly advanced options are available much cheaper than ever before, with features that will time your brushing and tell you if you’re scrubbing too hard. There’s also a new company called Quip that sends electric toothbrush kits and replacement heads right to your door. In terms of flossing, good old-fashioned string floss is perfectly effective, but many people find it cumbersome or uncomfortable. If you fall into that camp, consider switching to floss picks or a water flosser. Any device that will encourage you to clean between your teeth more often is a worthwhile investment. MONITOR SUGAR AND ACID When it comes to foods that have a negative effect on your teeth, those high in sugar and acid are the biggest culprits. These compounds create

an environment that bacteria flourish in, so it’s important to consume them in moderation. You should also try to eat them alongside other, more neutral foods to limit the impact on your mouth. GRAB SOME GUM Chewing gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, is a great way to neutralize the pH level in your mouth and inhibit bacterial growth. While you used to only find this type of gum in speciality shops, it’s now everywhere. Check the ingredient list the next time you pick up a pack. If you see xylitol, you’ll know it’s good for your teeth. SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS If you didn’t schedule your next appointment at the end of your last, it’s time to get on the phone. Give us a call today to set yourself up for a year of success.

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DOUBLE TROUBLE

CLEAN YOUR SMILE AND ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE FOODS

Who says multitasking is impossible? Well, brain science does. But dental science says you can enjoy a snack and get some dental cleaning done at the same time. Check out some of these treats that pull double duty as both yummy snacks and superfoods for your smile.

whites, aiding your saliva in its mission. As a bonus, the vitamins these veggies contain are great for your gums and bone health. (Though teeth are not bones, they are very similar in composition.) So, follow Peter Rabbit’s lead and get in a daily serving of teeth-brushing vegetables.

CHEESE, PLEASE (AND OTHER DAIRY TOO) In addition to providing your bones and teeth with calcium, cheese, yogurts, and other dairy products can be low in sugar. Dairy lowers the acidity level in your mouth and creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria looking to ruin your perfect smile. Plus, chewing cheese promotes saliva production, which is effectively nature’s toothbrush. As long as you don’t go overboard, dental experts say there’s nothing wrong with cutting the cheese.

THINK ABOUT YOUR GUMS Since the purpose of gum is to be mashed between our teeth for long periods of time, it’s natural to produce buckets of saliva while enjoying a piece. But dentists warn that in order to get the full benefits for your gums and teeth, you should be chewing sugar-free gum to avoid caking your mouth in enamel-gnawing sugars. Although the sugar content in most gum flavors isn’t high enough to completely outweigh the pros of the chewing motion and saliva production, it’s still wise to be mindful of the sugars your favorite gum contains.

A FEAST FIT FOR RABBITS Few people get excited about bland treats like celery or carrots, but your teeth just might. The physical action of eating carrots and celery stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva. Plus, the textures of these vegetables can help brush gunk off your gums and pearly

The best way to get the perfect smile is with regular dental cleanings, brushing, and flossing, but if you’re craving a treat,

you can’t beat one that multitasks for you.

BRUSSELS SPROUT HASH

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by Food Republic

Nothing matters more to us than kind words and recommendations from our patients. In order to say thanks for passing our name along, we’ve created a new referral program. It works like this: When an existing patient comes in for a cleaning, they can ask for a stack of referral cards. The patient can hand out these cards to friends and family members. When a new patient comes in with a card, they immediately receive $100 in credit toward any out-of-pocket expenses for treatments or cleanings. The existing patient earns a free gift as a thank-you for their referral, as well as being entered for monthly giveaways, which will be announced on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/EagleDentalCare).

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2 cloves garlic, minced

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4 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded

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1 sprig fresh rosemary

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4 eggs

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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

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1/4 cup onions, chopped

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Salt and freshly ground pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a cast-iron skillet or large sauté pan, heat oil to medium. 2. Once shimmering, add rosemary for 1 minute, then remove sprig. 3. Reduce heat to medium-low, add onion and garlic, and cook until onion softens, about 5 minutes. 4. Increase heat to medium-high, add Brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes. 5. Using a large spoon, create 4 wells for eggs. Pour 1 egg into each well and cook until set. 6. Carefully remove eggs and Brussels sprouts from pan and serve.

Thank you for all you do to spread the word about our practice. Be sure to inquire about our referral cards at your next appointment.

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(208) 939-4111

eagleidahodental.com (208) 939-4111

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

151 N. StiermanWay Eagle, ID 83616

My Journey at Eagle Dental Care page 1 page 2 page 2 page 3 page 3 page 4 INSIDE 3Wives’ Tales That Are True Aschli’s Tips for 2019 Foods That Clean Your Teeth Brussels Sprout Hash The Best Skiing Destinations in theWorld

3 OF THEWORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS

The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain High” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only

part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. ST. ANTON, AUSTRIA If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships.

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