Elkins Dental - February 2022

Elkins Dental - February 2022

FOR A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY SMILE

ELKINSDENTAL.COM FEBRUARY 2022

LOOKING BACK 23 YEARS A Valentine’s Day Proposal

OnValentine’s Day 23 years ago, I proposed to my wife, Beth. While she was attending school in Rexburg, Idaho, and I was going to school in Utah, we took turns driving every weekend to see each other. While we knew that we wanted to get married and spend our lives together, we hadn’t yet made it official — that part was up to me. We had a friend in Idaho who had a jewelry business, and we had actually picked out a ring together. However, the ring would not be ready byValentine’s Day, and Beth knew that. Our friend worked some magic and had the ring ready before Valentine’s Day, but I wasn’t able to make the trip to get it. So, I had my sister pick it up for me and package it like a present. Before Beth left to visit me in Utah for Valentine’s Day, my sister gave her the“present”for her to bring to me. So, Beth didn’t know it, but she actually delivered her own engagement ring to me without even realizing it! It was a chilly morning in Utah, and I had set up an area in the park where I planned to propose with a blanket, some roses, and my guitar. I was planning on playing her a song I wrote for her and because it was so cold, I wore gloves to keep my fingers warm enough to play. This was something I never did, and right when I picked Beth up, she called me out on it, knowing that something was up.

This was a fantasticValentine’s Day memory for both of us. On this day, we were officially engaged. Unfortunately, we didn't have cellphones with cameras on them to capture the moment and we certainly didn’t have anyone hiding in the bushes. However, the day I proposed to the love of my life is a great memory for both of us.Valentine’s Day also happens to be the day that my sister got married a year later so we sometimes share memories with my sister and brother-in-law as we share a certain fondness for the day. Today, we prefer to seeValentine’s Day as a day of love for everyone and not just your significant other. Rather than buying each other expensive gifts, we take the money that we would have spent on gifts and donate it to a charity and spread the love that way. We still always celebrate by going out to dinner, but we make it a point to celebrate our own love constantly throughout the year rather than just designating a single day to it once a year. –Dr. El kins

The day I proposed to the love of my life is a great memory for both of us.

I told Beth that I needed to make a quick stop in the park and as soon as she noticed the blanket with the roses and my guitar, she knew what was happening but was a little confused because she thought I didn’t have the ring. I went ahead and played her the song and afterwards, I proposed to her, surprising her by pulling out the ring. When she found out that she was the one who transported the ring, she thought it was great!

ElkinsDental.com | 1

THE POWER OF LOVE Love Really Can Be a Drug It’s crazy to think that being head over heels, madly in love with someone can benefit your body in the same way that broccoli can, but it’s true! Science has proven that being in love comes with myriad health benefits. Fewer colds and natural pain control?Yes, please! Love triggers the“feel good”hormone, dopamine. When you first fall in love — and the butterflies are flying uncontrollably — dopamine is at very high levels, and mentally, you’re happy, healthy, and positive. As the relationship matures, oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone, blends with dopamine and reduces stress. We all know that stress can lead to a number of health complications, so the less stress, the better! New research has found that just being around someone you love can act as a natural pain reliever. Research has also determined that married people complain less about headaches and back pain. When your mind is happy, your immune system is stronger, making you less prone to getting a cold or stomach bug. Some research has even shown that happily married couples live longer than those who are not happily married. The hormone vasopressin helps to control your blood pressure. Being in love releases vasopressin into your body, keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. Both your heart and lungs are also impacted by the love you have for another.

If you aren’t in love, you can still reap the benefits through a strong and healthy social support system. When you have friends who bring you joy and happiness, even just a hug may help to release positive hormones and keep your health on track. Take time to invest in positive relationships to keep your heart and body healthy and happy, both literally and figuratively.

So, what are you waiting for? Let the love flow!

A Word From Cheyenne

Using Mouthwash to Make Yourself More Kissable for Valentine’s Day

It’s the month of love, and you never know when you’ll be cozying up to your partner for a kiss.Valentine’s Day or not, using mouthwash is important, but it’s even more important to understand its uses and benefits.

•

Freshen up your breath

•

Reduce and prevent gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease Slow down the buildup of tartar, the hardened plaque on the surface of your teeth

•

There are two different types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. Therapeutic mouthwashes contain active ingredients that work to control bacteria in your mouth and reduce plaque, bad breath, cavities,

Most importantly, keep in mind that mouthwash should never replace your daily brushing and flossing routine. It should be used in addition to the hygiene routine that you already have in place. Also, remember that children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash as it can be dangerous if swallowed. Mouthwash is able to get in between the tiny spaces between your teeth and can help to:

and gingivitis. They may also contain fluoride. Cosmetic mouthwashes may only temporarily control bad breath. This is why it is important to do some research on the mouthwash you choose to use daily!

–Cheyenne, RDH

•

Reduce plaque, the thin bacteria film that forms on your teeth

•

Control and prevent tooth decay

2 | Elkins Dental

VEGAN RED VELVET CAKE Share this luscious red velvet cake with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

Ingredients

•

2 cups flour

• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 cup soy milk • 2 tsp vanilla extract

MOUNTAIN RANGES Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, we don’t have to go far to find mountaintop winter activities. If skiing or tubing is your idea of winter fun, Bogus Basin is just a short drive away, and heading to McCall makes a fun weekend getaway. ... AND RIVERS Not only are we surrounded by the Payette and Boise rivers, Idaho is also home to the deepest gorge in North America: Hells Canyon. Take that, Arizona! • 1/2 cup canola oil • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar • 1 tsp red food coloring (gel works best) • Frosting of choice

GOOD CHEER Beer lovers, rejoice! Idaho is the world’s largest hop producer, and more and more people are taking advantage of our agricultural bounty by opening breweries in the Treasure Valley. Share a few of these treasures with visiting family members and their only question will be “How did we not come here sooner?”

Out-of-town relatives who are visiting for the holidays might wonder what makes Emmett so special. But we already know the Treasure Valley is full of gems — and we don’t just mean the rocks. Here are some additional reasons Emmett and The Gem State are great. WE’VE GOT SUNSHINE On average, we have 210 sunny days per year. Compare that to 144 rainy days in Portland and we can feel pretty happy about all our free vitamin D. Directions • 1 cup white granulated sugar • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease baking pans of choice. Line bottoms with parchment paper. (Two 8-inch round pans work best.) 2. In a large bowl, sift flour and mix in sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. 3. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and soy milk. Leave the mixture to sit for about a minute so it can curdle into buttermilk.

4. Add milk mixture, vanilla, oil, vinegar, and food coloring to the flour mixture, stirring well to break up large clumps. 5. Pour batter into pans and bake for 20 minutes. 6. Cool cakes completely before frosting with icing of choice.

JOKES DAD

Imagine if you walked into a bar and there was a long line of people waiting to take a swing at you. That's the punch line.

February is ending today, but that’s ok. We’ll March on.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tooth Fun

History Behind the Iconic ‘Sweethearts’ Candies Facts "Sweethearts," those heart-shaped, chalky and sweet candies containing little loving messages on them, actually started out as lozenges. In 1847, a pharmacist, Oliver Chase, was credited with creating the machine that made making lozenges much easier.

Back in this time period, apothecary lozenges (sugar mixed with medicine) were popular. He then shifted his focus away from lozenges and his machine was quickly transformed to a machine to create candy. Oliver then went on to found The New England Confectionery Company, or Necco.

Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against bacteria, but after time, bacteria can build up on it! According to the CDC, you should be replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If it hasn’t quite been three months but your bristles are worn out, you should invest in a new toothbrush a little earlier. If you have an electric toothbrush, don’t forget to switch out your toothbrush head as well! When the bristles on your toothbrush become frayed, they are less effective at removing plaque and can damage your gums. In between switching out toothbrushes, you can sanitize your toothbrush by boiling it in hot water. What is the Lifespan of Your Toothbrush?

In 1866, Chase’s brother then came up with the idea to print little messages on the candies. In 1901, "Sweethearts" got their heart shape.

ElkinsDental.com | 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1.

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2. Health Benefits

3.

4. Include Mother Nature in Your Next Date

A Valentine’s Day Proposal

Vegan Red Velvet Cake

of Being in Love

A Word From Cheyenne

Tooth Facts

1110 S. Washington Ave. Emmett, ID 83617

Did You Know?

Happy Valentine's Day From Elkins Dental!

208-369-4532 · ElkinsDental.com

YOU, ME, AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS 3 Outside Date Night Ideas

Did your significant other leave it up to you to come up with a romantic date idea thisValentine’s Day? Luckily for you, there are tons of date activities that are easy and affordable for you to enjoy with Mother Nature. While the possibilities are endless outside, here are three popular outdoor date ideas!

can easily see the stars, take advantage of the peaceful privacy with your loved one. Maybe you’ll spot a shooting star you can wish upon while you’re out there! HIT UP A DRIVE-IN MOVIE. If you’re looking for a way to be extra comfy while still sitting outside, a drive-in movie is the best destination! The best part about a drive-in is that you can view both new and old movies as well as bring your own snacks and drinks. If the weather permits and if you have a truck, you can load the bed with blankets and pillows and have a cozy night while watching a movie.

WATCH THE SUNSET. Sunsets are intuitively romantic: The sun paints the sky

in calming reds, pinks, and purples, creating a beautiful backdrop. While watching the sunset, you and your partner can have a romantic picnic with the sky in view. Or you can embrace the scenery with your other half and create memories you both will never forget.

These date night ideas are perfect for Valentine’s Day, but they don’t have to be limited to just the holiday!You can also consider these for any date that you have with your significant other. Nothing brings couples closer like being together with nature.

GO STARGAZING. If you live in the city, stargazing is a good chance to escape for the night and get away from the light pollution in the city. If you already live in a location where you

4 | Elkins Dental