Eagle Dental September 2018

BIRDSEYE VIEW

SEPT 2018

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

A FAMILY SEND-OFF TO SUMMER

Before Back-to-School Begins

I can’t believe how quickly this summer flew by. The beginning of the season was all about moving into our new home and getting everything in order. As soon as that was finished, we started revamping the office, redoing the floors and paint and adding new equipment and decor. Both projects took a little longer (well, maybe a lot longer) than I had hoped, but that seems like it’s just the nature of construction projects. Regardless of the timelines, I’m very satisfied with how everything has gone. In between all of that, I’ve been finding every excuse I can to take my new pop-up camper out for a spin. Before the summer ends, I’ll be making two more trips in it. One is a trip to Leadore and the Continental Divide Trail to go bow hunting with my brother. We’ll be heading off in September with hopes to bring back an elk or two. It’s also special to spend time with my brother, far removed from modern technology and society. It’s a chance to reconnect, mostly by shushing each other when one of us thinks he’s heard an elk. Before that, though, we’ll head out for our big family campout in Grand Jean, Idaho. It’s an annual family event, though we normally hold it closer to Stanley. The big family campout always signifies the end of summer to me. Once school starts up, everyone’s schedules get hectic in a hurry. It’s very important to all of us to spend quality time together as an extended family, and these trips provide the perfect opportunity to do that. We’re also in the process of planning a second trip to Disneyland with Meredith’s family. We had a great time last year — though I’m not sure the kids are quite old enough to get the most out of the theme park. I’m sure it will be even better this time around. Here’s hoping that we’ll be a little more prepared to handle the lines and logistics now that we won’t be park rookies. As the kids get tall enough to enjoy all the rides and appreciate what Disney has to offer, the trips will only become more fun. After all the fun and travels, the headline event of the season will be sending Avy and Jett off to their new schools in Eagle. After letting them finish up the previous school year in Meridian, Meredith is very much looking forward to a shorter commute every day. Avy will be starting first grade at Eagle Elementary, and

Jett’s off to preschool at Seven Oaks. They’re not quite old enough to dread the end of summer vacation, but those days will come soon enough. I’m very excited to see how they acclimate to their new surroundings. I hope you’ve had the chance to savor the final weeks of summer. Whether you spend those days camping, riding roller coasters, or both, I think we can all agree that this time of year is best spent cherishing the moments you have with loved ones before the back-to-school routine kicks in.

–Dr. Chris Thomason

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NEED A PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO MANAGE YOUR KIDS’ CRAZY SCHEDULES?

life requires help. A great place to start is by establishing car pools with a parent group you trust. You can alternate drivers weekly, which provides the opportunity for you to focus your attention on other priorities — or if you’re lucky, have some freedom. THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB Technology makes organization easier and more accessible than ever. By using a tool like a shared calendar, you can coordinate the entire family’s schedule so you never miss a beat. And apps like Mealime and MealBoard give you the ability to whip up food that is cost-effective and delicious. TEAMWORKMAKES THE DREAMWORK While you’re busy trying to rally the troops at soccer practice, the scene at home resembles a horror movie. Laundry is piling up, food is spoiling in the fridge, and the dust bunnies around the house now have names. Housecleaning is a part-time job in its own right. The only way to stay on top of duties around the house is to work together. A chore chart with clear responsibilities is a great place to start. Whether you have one child or eight, everyone is capable of pitching in. You can have all the organizational abilities in the world, but the best way to manage life’s madness isn’t by directing day-to-day tasks; it’s by managing stress. Instead of using these tools to control life, look at them as a way to free up time so you can decompress and enjoy the things you love.

School has started. Youth sports are in full swing. Work is crazy. Food has become more about necessity than enjoyment. All of this can only mean one thing: Fall has begun. The crazy schedules this time of year can make it tough for parents to keep their heads on straight; making it through the insanity sometimes feels more like survival than life. But there are tactics you can employ to turn the tide and find more time for yourself. TAG TEAM There’s no reason to try to do everything on your own. The phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” exists because managing the stressors of

KARA’S CORNER

Making Sense of Mouth Rinse

Alcohol-based mouthwash, which has been around since the 18th century, was once used almost universally. Today, however, you’ll find just as many varieties of mouth rinse at the pharmacy as you do toothbrushes or toothpastes. The ingredients and purposes of these different rinses vary, so it’s important to choose the one that’s best for your needs. While you don’t need to know all of the components in a mouth rinse, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basic categories. Fluoride- containing rinse helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening your enamel, much the same way that fluoridated toothpaste does. Cosmetic rinses contain substances that can extrinsically whiten your teeth. And then there are therapeutic rinses, which are specifically designed to treat conditions like gum diseases, inflammation, and dry mouth. In addition to understanding the major varieties, there are a few other elements to consider. If you have dry mouth, it’s best to avoid alcohol- based rinses, as they tend to pull moisture out of your mouth. When purchasing rinse for children, you should always read the bottle for age limits and instructions. Kids under the age of 6 have a habit of swallowing their rinse rather than spitting, so you’ll need to give them a hand until they learn the right habits.

No matter the rinse that’s right for you, it’s a good idea to add regular rinsing to your oral care routine. Mouth rinses help remove the biofilm (plaque) from your teeth, make your breath smell better, and can even help remineralize damaged areas. Remember, though, that a mouth rinse is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. All three add up to a comprehensive plan for daily dental care. Oh, and let me add one pro tip before I sign off for the month: If you rinse before bed, try not to drink water after. That way, the rinse can do its job for a longer amount of time.

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TAKE STEPS NOWTO PROTECT YOUR TEETH DON’T LET TOOTH DECAY RUIN YOUR ORAL HEALTH

BACTERIA-FIGHTING SUBSTANCES Some sugar alcohols, like xylitol, are highly effective at fighting oral bacteria. Chewing xylitol gum is a delicious way to hinder the bacteria’s production of acid. Essential oils like clove, myrrh, thyme, peppermint, rosemary, and oregano also remove bacteria and prevent inflammation. Add six drops of oil to one cup of water to pull toxins from your mouth and prevent gum disease. Protecting your teeth and gums at home is just as crucial as going to the dentist. Use these three tips to keep your mouth — and the rest of your body — healthy.

Going to the dentist regularly is incredibly important in keeping your oral health in tip-top shape. But you shouldn’t rely solely on your dentist to keep decay-causing bacteria at bay. Take steps at home to keep your mouth clean and healthy. It’s easy! BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH Taking proper care of your teeth is important. Plaque buildup in your mouth creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive. Those bacteria produce acid that damages the enamel of your teeth and allows cavities to form. Brush three times per day (preferably right after meals) and floss at least once a day to reduce the plaque buildup in your mouth. Using fluoride toothpaste is a good way to strengthen your enamel, and getting your teeth cleaned twice a year at the dentist ensures that any hard-to-reach plaque is removed. EAT A TOOTH-HEALTHY DIET The more sugar you eat, the more plaque you’ll have in your mouth. Sugar encourages bacteria to grow, causing more acid to be produced. To avoid this, it’s best to minimize the amount of sugary foods in your diet, including candy, soda, and other processed carbohydrates. After meals, drink water to help remove any leftover food debris and give your saliva a chance to break things down, limiting the amount of acid produced.

LAUGHING GAS

LATE-SUMMER PANZANELLA

Panzanella, a Tuscan favorite, is a salad that features hearty chunks of bread instead of leafy greens as its base. What could be better for a late-summer cookout?

INGREDIENTS

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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

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1 small loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (6 cups)

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1 cucumber, sliced into rounds

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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

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20 basil leaves, chopped

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Salt, to taste

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2 large tomatoes, cubed

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Vinaigrette

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2 red bell peppers, seeded and cubed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large sauté pan, set to medium-low heat and add olive oil. Add bread and 1 teaspoon salt, and toss often for 10 minutes or until toasted. 2. In a large bowl, mix vegetables and herbs. Toss in bread and your favorite vinaigrette and mix again. 3. Serve immediately or let sit up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

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Inspired by Food Network

(208) 939-4111

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

151 N. StiermanWay Eagle, ID 83616

Ending the Summer With Family Fun page 1 page 2 page 2 page 3 page 3 page 4 INSIDE 3 Tips to Help Organize Your Crazy Life How to Choose and Use a Mouth Rinse Fight the Bacteria in Your Mouth Late-Summer Panzanella Have You Heard About Mauritius?

MARVELOUS MAURITIUS A Secret Island of Adventure

WALK THROUGH HISTORY More than a tropical escape, Mauritius is an island full of history and culture, so there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the island’s layered past. You can visit one of the historical rummeries or explore Mauritius’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also check out Aapravasi Ghat, the Immigration Depot, and Le Mourne Brabant. TASTE THE MEMORIES A day spent playing on an island is always better with great food. Influenced by its French, Creole, Indian, and Chinese heritage, Mauritius offers a vast menu of delicious dishes to try, from curry to dim sum. And the rich soil and bountiful ocean provide more than enough fresh fruit and seafood to go around. Despite its amazing vacation potential, Mauritius is all but unheard of to people in the United States. This means travelers can find amazing five-star resorts at unbeatable prices! With this in mind, isn’t it time you got to know the island of Mauritius?

Just over 1,000 miles off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean lies the small island of Mauritius. The island is often overlooked by the rest of the world. Most people are more likely to have heard of the island’s most famous extinct occupant, the dodo bird, than the island itself. This is shocking when you discover howmuch fun there is to be had in this tropical wonderland. ADVENTURE AWAITS Looking for fun in the sun? Start your trip to Mauritius with a hike up the lush Lion Mountain, or take time to snap a photo of the Seven Coloured Earths, where volcanic soil has created sand dunes of seven distinct colors. And what’s a trip to an island without the beach? Beautiful coral reefs surround Mauritius, keeping sharks away from the pristine beaches. Island guests and locals can fearlessly scuba dive around the brilliant reefs, swimwith dolphins, kite surf, and find lots of other ways to enjoy the warm ocean waters.

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