Sabal Dental - Airline - August 2021

Sabal Dental - Airline - August 2021

2222 Airline Rd., Suite A4, Corpus Christi, TX 78414 | www.SabalDental.com | (361) 853-8999 | August 2021

Meet Tess and Sadie!

The Loyal Pets Who Have Become Dr. LaPointe’s Family

I didn’t know anyone when I went to dental school in Dallas. I had grown up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and short of driving six hours south to visit my family every weekend — that would be impossible — I had to make my own friends in this new, very large city. Thankfully, I had two “friends” at home to keep me company. My loyal dog Tess and my cuddly cat Sadie have been with me since those late-night, stressful dental school days, and I will always appreciate the comfort and connection they brought me during that time and continue to provide today. Since August is considered the dog days of summer, I thought you would like to meet my beloved companions. Sadie was the first pet to join my home. It was my second year of dental school, and for my birthday, a friend surprised me by paying for the adoption fees for a cat. (My friend was worried I would be too lonely living alone!) So, we went to the shelter, and that’s where I found this little long-haired kitten just begging for a home. Little did I know just how lucky I would get by adopting her. I brought Sadie home that day, and she’s been a great companion ever since. She loves to sleep right by my neck at night, and she never claws or bites. She likes to climb and play, but I never had to worry about her destroying my home or arms when she was a kitten.

She soon became a great travel companion, too. When I would travel back to Corpus Christi, Sadie would take every opportunity to sunbathe on the dash. We would be driving down the interstate together with Sadie on the dash. She didn’t make a peep! Whether it’s hiking with Tess or napping with Sadie, having my pets in my life provides a little piece of comfort when I’m at home.

When we brought Tess into the home, they became best buddies overnight.

I also adopted Tess from the shelter during dental school. Her breed is a bit of a mystery, but she’s definitely got some lab or a hunting dog in her. She’s medium-size, too. Tess loves to go on walks or go camping, and she’s always ready for an adventure! She even accompanied me on a hike where I got lost! I was so thankful to have Tess by my side as I found my way back to the trailhead that day. Now, with Sadie at 10 years old and Tess at 9 years old, we’ve become a little family. Thankfully, Tess and Sadie never once had an issue with each other. They spend almost every night curled up together in Tess’ bed, and Tess also frequently grooms Sadie. (Sadie will usually give Tess a good slap once she’s had enough of the bath.) I never have to worry about fighting or if they will bite a guest. They are always so well-behaved and kind. As I look back on my years with Sadie and Tess, I’m grateful. They kept me company during dental school and eased some of the stress that came with it. Whether it’s hiking with Tess or napping with Sadie, having my pets in my life provides a little piece of comfort when I’m at home. They’re my family.

–Dr. Jessi LaPointe

Sabal General Dentistry • (361) 853-8999 • 1

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3 NOODLE HACKS YOU HAVE TO TRY AFTER POOL SEASON Don’t Throw Away Those Pool Noodles!

You may only have a few more weeks of great pool weather left, so soak it up while you can! Afterward, you may find yourself taking stock of the pool toys that survived this season or notice an end-of-season sale on pool noodles. Don’t scoff! These fun pool toys can also be handy tools around the home.

every spring. Then, cut the noodle pieces lengthwise and fit them over the springs. You may need to replace the noodles every few months, but fingers and hair will be protected from those sturdy metal jaws. Relieve Pain As we age, life takes its toll, so why not have a little cushion? A pool noodle is an easy solution for this. You can cut a pool noodle the length of your keyboard, and then cut it in half to create a soft and affordable wrist guard at your desk. Try the same method with ladder rungs to protect your knees and shins or cover handles with noodles for an easier grip!

Check out these affordable life hacks that are all thanks to the common pool noodle.

Protect Your Vehicle Create extra padding and prevent scratches and dings just by manipulating a few pool noodles. If you have a tight garage space, cut pool noodles lengthwise and slide them over garage beams, work benches, or other items that are frequently hit by your car door. The noodle will take the blow, and your car won’t get dinged! Another easy way to protect your car is to attach pool noodles to the top of a vehicle’s luggage rack. This will prevent your cargo from scratching the top of your vehicle! (Just be sure to strap everything down so it doesn’t slide off.) Stop the Pinch Pool weather may be ending, but trampoline season is still in full swing. Despite how fun trampolines can be, they can be risky. But pool noodles can help relieve some of your fears. Simply measure the length of a single spring on your trampoline and cut pool noodles into same-length sections so you have one piece for

Need a few more noodle hacks in your life? Reader’s Digest has you covered. Check out their extensive list online at RD.com.

OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST

“I truly have anxiety when it comes to the dentist. However, I can say with a huge sigh of relief that Sabal Dental Airline took really great care of me and made me feel at ease. Dr. LaPointe and her hygienist were amazing. If you have anxiety towards dentists, please go see them and let them help you!” –Stacie “Lil Biter” M. “I LOVE the entire staff here! They are so friendly, professional, and courteous. They really take the time to listen to your needs. Such a fun, relaxed atmosphere too. They really make you feel like family. I always walk out feeling exceptionally cared for, and leave laughing and smiling every time.” -Katie D.

“This is a wonderful staff and well-run office. I never had a billing issue. They were upfront with their charges and good with working with my insurances. My tech was friendly and skilled in her field. Dr. LaPointe loves her job and it shows! Thank you so much!” -Elizabeth S.

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What’s That Smell? HOW TO GET FRESH BREATH!

Happy (maybe belated) National Fresh Breath Day! Unless you’re a dentist or in dental marketing, you may have no idea that this seemingly small, strange holiday even exists, but it does — on Aug. 6, to be exact. It’s wise not to ignore this day, as it can serve as an important reminder to keep your mouth clean, fresh, and balanced. So, what is bad breath? Those noxious fumes wafting from your mouth could be the result of any number of scenarios. Simply eating or drinking something potent, like coffee, garlic, or onions, can produce sulfides, which cause the smell to linger. You could also be eating too many sweets. The bad bacteria in your mouth love to feed on these sugary morsels, and the plaque buildup

could start to stink. Other factors include drinking too much alcohol or smoking and chewing tobacco. Some people may also struggle with chronic halitosis (chronic bad breath). In some serious cases, this could be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, an allergy symptom, or the result of medication. If you’re concerned, let us know. We can help you find the cause! Ew! How do you fix it? As with any dental issue, the best way to prevent and treat smelly breath is to regularly brush and floss your teeth. This removes stuck-on food particles, sugar, and plaque buildup, all of which could be contributing to your bad breath. (Don’t forget to brush your tongue and replace your toothbrush regularly!)

If you can’t brush your teeth the moment you catch the smell, popping a piece of sugar-free gum or a mint into your mouth could do the trick. Try rinsing with water, drinking more water, or eating mild food, like carrots or bell peppers, to scrub away at your teeth and gums. Treatment for more chronic cases of halitosis could mean changes to your diet and lifestyle choices and potential adjustments to your treatment for serious medical conditions. Before doing this, please consult with dental professionals. We can help you find a solution that fits into your lifestyle and restores the balance of smell in your mouth!

Have a Laugh!

Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!)

Inspired by BonAppetit.com

Bon Appétit magazine calls tomato and watermelon “soul mates,” and they’re right! This surprising gourmet salad will be a hit at your next barbecue.

Ingredients • 1 tsp peppercorns, coarsely crushed • 1 tsp coriander seeds, coarsely crushed • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • 1/2 tsp turmeric • 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, rind removed and cut into 1/2- inch cubes • 2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • 8 oz feta cheese, cut into 1/2- inch cubes • Sea salt, to taste

Directions 1. In a small saucepan, sauté spices and herbs in the coconut oil for 3 minutes over medium heat to create turmeric oil. Take the pan off of the heat, then let it cool. 2. Combine the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta on a large platter or in a bowl. Drizzle with cooled turmeric oil. Now, simply sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy!

Sabal General Dentistry • (361) 853-8999 • 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

2222 Airline Road, Suite A4 Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Hours: M–F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Inside This Issue

Meet Tess and Sadie LaPointe PAGE 1

Save Your Pool Noodles for an Easier Life PAGE 2

Hear From Our Happy Patients! PAGE 2

Fresh Breath Is Easier Than You Think! PAGE 3

Tomato and Watermelon Salad (Yes, Really!) PAGE 3

Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog PAGE 4

precious items as they could. Unfortunately, their flock of goats wouldn’t fit in the getaway vehicle — and their goat-herding dog, Odin, refused to abandon them. Great Pyrenees are prized livestock guardian dogs that will do anything to protect their charges, and Odin lived up to his breed.

Meet Odin, the Fireproof Dog

“I said, ‘Okay, Odin, take care of the goats. You’ll be fine,’” Roland Hendel told ABC News.

This Great Pyrenees Guided His Goats Through a Wildfire

Both Hendels were sure they were seeing their dog for the last time. Their hearts sank even further when they heard their home had burned down completely. But on a trip back to examine the ashes, something amazing happened.

“In the distance, I saw Odin’s tail,” Roland told ABC. “Sure enough, there was Odin coming at the head of all his goats.”

Not only did Odin survive the fire and run right up to the Hendels for belly rubs, but he also kept every single one of his goats safe! A few wild deer even joined the goats, and he shepherded them through unscathed. The incredible story made the news, and Odin became a local legend. Unfortunately, even legends don’t live forever. This April, Odin passed away after a long life of tail-wagging, treat-eating, and goat-saving. In his honor, Great Pyrenees Rescue of Missouri gifted the Hendels two new Great Pyrenees pups: Buddy and Snowflake. They’re following in Odin’s pawsteps, protecting the goats he loved so much.

In October 2017, California was in flames. One of those blazes was the Tubbs Fire, which charred its way through 36,800 miles of forests and vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma County. More than 5,600 buildings were destroyed, and 22 people were killed. But when the flames finally died, a four-legged hero emerged from the ashes: Odin, the Great Pyrenees dog. Odin belonged to Ariel and Roland Hendel, two farmers in Sonoma County. When the Tubbs Fire threatened to char their home, they packed up as many of their animals and

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