Sabal Dental Rockdale - December 2019

Sabal Dental Rockdale - December 2019

December 2019

307 Childress Drive Rockdale, TX 76567 |

sabaldentalrockdale.com | (512) 446-5886

Hands-On Experience Dr. O’Malley: From Mechanic to Dentist

There are few things I enjoy more than working with my hands. In another life, before I became a dentist, I was a mechanic. In fact, I went through school while working as a mechanic and a truck driver. To this day, I still enjoy detailing my cars. There’s something satisfying about being able to create something with your own two hands. Few people realize how much mechanics and engineering play a role in dentistry.

“With over 30 years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned what it takes to help my patients leave the office smiling again.”

When I was in college, my girlfriend at the time inspired me to look into dentistry. She was dead set on becoming a dentist herself, so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I liked how dentists got to help people while still working

I was pleased to find a position open at Sabal Dental this past June and have greatly enjoyed meeting my new patients. Plus, the team is fantastic. It’s good to work with such a kind group of experienced professionals. I know a number of patients have been surprised to see a new face when they get into the chair, but I can assure you I’m committed to providing you and your family with the best possible care. With over 30 years of experience under my belt, I’ve learned what it takes to help my patients leave the office smiling again. It feels good to be able to restore people’s teeth, getting their smiles back and improving their oral health. The way we make dentures or restore the bite calls for a lot of creative engineering, and I always enjoy the challenge. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, I recommend bringing sunglasses next time you’re in the office. I wear loupe lights to help me see clearly and provide that extra level of quality care. A good mechanic knows that you need to be able to see what you’re doing in order to get the job done right. –Dr. Patrick O’Malley Sabal General Dentistry • (512) 446-5886 • 1

with their hands. It’s a lot like being a medical doctor, but instead of diagnosing problems and sending patients somewhere else to be fixed, dentists are able to help their patients get better themselves. In 1986, I graduated from Loyola University in Illinois. Immediately after graduating, I enlisted in the Army and spent four years stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. It was a good experience, mostly because it got me out of Chicago, but after I was discharged, I returned home. I spent most of my career practicing in the Windy City. Then about six years ago, my wife Leatha and I realized we were tired of being cold all the time. We came down to Texas in search of warmer weather and haven’t been disappointed. I love the weather in Texas, even in the middle of summer. I’d rather be hot beneath the sun than freezing in the ice and snow. We came to Rockdale earlier this year looking for another lifestyle change. Most of my life has been spent in big, crowded cities. Both of my kids are out of the house, pursuing careers in medicine themselves, so Leatha and I were ready to slow down. We made our way into the country, where there’s less traffic and things are more laid back.

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MORE THAN JUST ‘YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!’

In 1983, one movie

lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. Kids won’t believe in magic forever. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season. Sometimes ‘disasters’ lead to new adventures. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.

introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet- clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season

with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and

kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Your kids are listening to you (oh, fudge!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a

Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!

“These folks are just the best. While I’ve never been thrilled to go to the dentist (and most likely never will be), I do look forward to seeing everyone there and catching up on what’s new in their lives. And I have great faith that I’m getting expert care there. They are friendly and professional. What could be better?” –Ro Blain “Always very welcoming and accommodating. I’m not a person who likes to go to dental appointments, but they always make you feel comfortable. I love Kelly Kovar; she always keeps me relaxed. All the staff takes care of us. Thanks for all y’all do!” –Dawn Morton “I absolutely love going to Rockdale Smile! Everyone is so friendly, has a smile on their face, and it’s a welcoming feeling. They get to know their patients and take pride in what they do! Amazing staff. You can definitely count on them to take care of you!” –Kayla Louk OUR PATIENTS SAY IT BEST

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damage your teeth. Opt for a straw if you want the seltzer to bypass your teeth completely. Keep in mind that this recommendation is for those who have a low-acid diet. If you regularly consume grapefruits, oranges, and lemons, then seltzer water may not be the craze for you. Note: Seltzer water is different than club soda in that seltzer water is purely carbonated by carbon dioxide. Club soda is comprised of other vitamins and minerals, giving it that unpleasant salty taste. Consider your dietary restrictions before you reach for one or the other.

FIZZLED OUT?

How Seltzer Water Affects Your Oral Health

The latest craze to hit store shelves, bars, and patrons’ glasses is seltzer water. Whether it’s alcoholic or alcohol-free, these light, bubbly drinks have become the go-to for health- conscious consumers who want to elevate their drinks with a little fizz. Health experts have sung seltzer water’s praises for offering the same level of hydration as regular H2O, but dentists haven’t been as quick to agree. Non-Alcoholic Concerns Even though your teeth are protected by hard enamel, the items we ingest can damage or destroy it, and seltzer water isn’t innocent. The carbonation that gives these drinks their bubbles also inflates their acidity. Dentists point to a high-acid diet as a contributing factor to enamel erosion, which includes sodas, citrus fruits, and — you guessed it — seltzer water. However, don’t be too quick to throw away your LaCroix. Consuming seltzer water in moderation, a maximum of once per day, and drinking regular water afterward will do little to

Alcoholic Concerns If you enjoy the occasional alcoholic seltzer drink, you may have more to worry about than just enamel damage. Alcoholic beverages, including those made with seltzer water, often include high amounts of sugar. These sugars sit on your teeth and eat away at the enamel, causing tooth decay, cavities, and pain. For oral and overall health reasons, you should limit your consumption of these drinks. When you do indulge, opt for a straw and rinse your mouth with plain water to remove the fizz and sugar.

Have a Laugh

Potato Latkes

Ingredients • 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters • 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp black pepper • Safflower or vegetable oil, for frying

Directions 1. Using either a food processor with a coarse grating disc or the coarse side of a box grater, grate potatoes and onion. (If using a food processor, halve or quarter potatoes.) Once grated, wrap in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much moisture as possible. 2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. 3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan containing 1/4-inch of oil over medium-high heat. Use a heaping tablespoon to drop batter into the hot pan, working in batches. Use a spatula or spoon to form them into discs. Fry about 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. 4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain, and serve alongside applesauce and sour cream.

Sabal General Dentistry • (512) 446-5886 • 3

Hours: M–F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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307 Childress Drive Rockdale, TX 76567 SabalDentalRockdale.com (512) 446-5886

Inside This Issue

How to Engineer a Great Smile Page 1 Lessons Families Can Learn From ‘A Christmas Story’ Page 2 Hear From Our Happy Patients! Page 2 How Your Teeth React to Seltzer Water Page 3 Potato Latkes Page 3 Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest Page 4

Glamping in Beautiful Locations YURT SWEET YURT

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. Treebones Resort, California For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day. Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this

backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come

home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and

decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold. Falls Brook Yurts, New York

For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

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