Dentistry with Country Lakes Family Dental

DENTAL ESTHETICS

Achieved Through Healthy Methods

by Dr. Matt Artho, Owner of Country Lakes Family Dental

Not too long ago, we all experienced an incredible act of nature in a winter storm that presented both mayhem and beauty. Though the hasty weather change brought forth the vision of a fantastic winter wonderland, it also seemed to come at a cost of comfort and even safety. The price of our health, wellness, and beauty is not all that different. It is important to look at wellness as a way to improve and maintain our health in ways that are not destructive. This is true in dentistry, as well, as we look to balance both esthetics and function.

Many people think that to have a great esthetic smile, it requires extensive dental cosmetic work. In some cases, this is true. Teeth damaged by decay, erosion, or wear require “restorative” treatment that repairs them to their normal healthy state. This can be accomplished in an esthetic way that may involve reshaping and recoloring teeth to create a bright, healthy smile. However, this may require the removal of enamel or other structures to create the desired outcome. In other instances, a less intrusive method may be possible to reach the esthetic goal. By simply moving teeth using orthodontic or Invisalign treatment, a major difference is achieved without major restorative work. Also, a little whitening can go a long way when trying to improve your smile.

Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing more rewarding than completing a cosmetic veneer or full mouth case that gives a patient a new, confident smile. Most major cosmetic cases I complete are just that — meeting a restorative need that improves an overall lifestyle. However, it is important to consider the options and plan ahead before taking irreversible steps.

In today’s dentistry, the vast majority of treatment keeps in mind an esthetic outcome. But remember that it is essential to always keep in mind the benefit of health and function. Consult with your dentist to ensure you understand your options and the comfort and capabilities of your dentist.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT WELLNESS AS A WAY TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN OUR HEALTH IN WAYS THAT ARE NOT DESTRUCTIVE.

940.455.7645 | COUNTRYLAKESDENTAL.COM | 74 MCMAKIN RD., STE. 200 • BARTONVILLE, TX 76226

CAUTION REGARDING COVID-19 PRODUCTS &

SUPPLEMENTS

by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics

If you see a treatment or cure for influenza or COVID-19 that looks too good to be true, it probably is.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns about unapproved products that claim to protect people from catching the flu (influenza) or COVID. These products could be unsafe. They include herbal teas, dietary supplements, mouthwashes, essential oils, tinctures, colloidal silver, and air filters.

Wording To Watch For:

The FDA has not approved any over-thecounter medications or products that can prevent or cure influenza or COVID-19. These phrases often are on fake products:

• Reduces the severity and length of illness

• Boosts your immunity

• Is a safe and effective alternative to the vaccine

• Treats a wide range of diseases

• Contains secret ingredients

• Includes personal testimonials

What About Covid-19 Test Kits?

The FDA also is warning people about COVID-19 test kits sold for at-home use without its approval. The FDA has approved one at-home test for people ages 14 years and older who have a doctor’s prescription. Other ways to be tested for COVID-19 are to contact your health care provider or visit a testing site.

People also should be cautious about using online pharmacies that offer antiviral prescription medication at low prices without a doctor’s prescription. These pharmacies usually are not in the United States. The medications may have harmful ingredients. If you use an online pharmacy, make sure it is legitimate.

Check With Your Pediatrician

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or influenza, call your pediatrician. They decide the best way to care for your child. Common symptoms of both illnesses include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, extreme tiredness, muscle or body aches, headache, stuffy or runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. One symptom more likely with COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell.

There are still a lot of unknowns regarding all aspects of COVID-19 and the new variants as well as rapidly changing guidance regarding COVID. If you have questions or concerns, your best resource is your doctor’s office.

940.455.7200 | LantanaPediatrics.com

74 McMakin Rd., Ste. 100 • Bartonville, TX 76226

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT! RAPID AND PCR TESTING AVAILABLE

Things5TO TRY

POBLANO MEATBALLS

1845 Taste Texas, Flower Mound

If you are looking for an appetizer that can substitute as an entrée, then this dish is sure to satisfy. These meatballs are smoked, fried, and served with jalapeño jelly and honey ranch, garnished with green onions and cilantro, and are sure to keep you coming back for more! photo courtesy of facebook.com/1845tastetexas MARGARITA

Magarita’s Restaurant, Justin

Experience a true Mexican margarita that’s delicious and authentic. Made with top shelf tequila, fresh juices and served in an ice cold glass. Perfect to pair with any of their excellent Mexican dishes whether you are enjoying date night or a fun dinner with the family. photo courtesy of facebook.com/margaritasmexicanrestaurante

EXOTIC & GOURMET DONUTS

Sara’s Donut Story, Flower Mound

If you are looking for warm donuts, that are custom, fun and exotic, for the whole family to enjoy? Then this place is a MUST! They offer a wide variety of & are also famous for their Happy Birthday donut box, that is sure to delight anyone celebrating their big day! photo courtesy facebook.com/sarasdonutstory CRAB STUFFED JALAPENO POPPERS

Mrs. Lively’s Cajun Konnection, Lake Dallas

Cajun Crab Stuffed Jalapenos are stuffed full of cream cheese, fresh crab meat, cheddar cheese, and bacon. This spicy appetizer is wonderfully creamy and cheesy with plenty of kick & perfect to go along with all of their amazing seafood dishes.

BURGER AND FRIES RG Burgers, Denton

RG Burgers & Grill makes world-class hamburgers the old-fashioned way. They have over 20 different types of burgers, including their FAMOUS King Kong Burger. It’s a FOUR decker hamburger loaded with bacon and cheese. AND if you eat it in 30 minutes, you get a free “King Kong” shirt....PLUS.... ALL BURGERS ARE SERVED WITH UNLIMITED STEAK FRIES. photo courtesy of RG Burgers

TeamsBASEBALL & SOFTBALL Back! ARE

by Steve Gamel

Marcus baseball coach Jeff Sherman didn’t just think he had a good team heading into the 2020 high school season. He knew that he had a state champion ball club in the making, and you couldn’t convince him otherwise.

“Man, I had six [pitchers] deep — all throwing 90 plus. I could put anyone in at any time, and, offensively, no one could hold us down. We were 11-2 and had already faced 11 or 12 Division I pitchers. So, we had faced everyone’s best up to that point,” he said. “We were primed and ready — all seniors and juniors. They were ready to beat everyone.”

Sadly, the Marauders never got a chance to prove their coach was right. After just 13 games, both the baseball and softball seasons were shockingly canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There’d be no chance to play the game they loved. There’d be no district championships or deep playoff runs.

More importantly, no champion would be crowned. “It was just so numbing because of how great we were playing,” Sherman said. “I remember us coming back from a tournament in California, and it was over. It was gut-wrenching to see all of that get taken away.”

Marcus wasn’t the only program affected by the pandemic. No one played, including other teams right here in Denton County. Teams in the Murray Media coverage area include Flower Mound, Guyer, Argyle, The Colony, Hebron, Liberty Christian, Lake Dallas, Justin Northwest, and Byron Nelson. Overall, that’s 20 teams between baseball and softball.

No one can go back and fix the past. But as everyone turns the page to the 2021 season, several area coaches are speaking on behalf of their players — all of whom are eager to make up for lost time. Both the baseball and softball seasons are officially underway, with many teams planning to win big as district play starts in mid-March.

“I have guys who are now in college at Rice, etc., sending me texts,” Sherman said. “They are excited for us.”

Guyer softball coach Keith Medford agreed.

“I’d be lying if I said we didn’t get knocked to our knees by this last year,” he said. “Not getting to complete a full season makes us very appreciative for this season. We are thrilled to death to be competing again.”

Argyle baseball coach Ricky Griffin added his own take. And rightfully so. His team was coming off an unbeaten run to the Class 4A state title in 2019 and had many of the same pieces in place to defend that title before the season was ended.

“Obviously, everyone is looking forward to getting back on the field,” Griffin said. “I felt really good about our chances last year with the team we had, and having it cut short was disappointing. We weren’t the only ones in that boat, though. A lot of people, especially early on, have hopes of winning the whole thing. When it’s all taken away, it’s tough. It was strange.”

Thankfully, Denton County — and really, the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area — is still loaded with talent. Two years ago, Argyle and Liberty Christian won state titles in baseball. Several more, including Guyer’s softball team, Flower Mound baseball and softball, and teams at Hebron, are perennial playoff favorites. These programs tend to reload rather than rebuild, which will make for some exciting games over the next three months.

“I’ve basically got most of my varsity back except for the 12 seniors, and that was basically our pitching staff,” Sherman said. “It’s interesting getting back into the fight and feeling the emotions during the game.”

Griffin agreed. The Eagles still have their top pitcher, Trevor Duck, along with quite a few arms in the pitching rotation. A slew of stars join them, including Tyler Abrego and Ethan Gonzales. “We have about five or six who were on the field quite a bit last year, plus a few move-ins who will help us out,” Griffin said. This is an unusual situation for us because, for one, prior to the past six or seven years, I could have told you our entire starting lineup. Secondly, the season was cut short last year. What that means is that I have a lot of kids who haven’t seen a varsity baseball game yet. We still have the talented players, though. It’s a different team, but there are a lot of kids who we are really excited about.”

After missing out on an entire season, that’s all you can ask for — and a chance to compete for a title.

“NOT GETTING TO COMPLETE A FULL SEASON MAKES US VERY APPRECIATIVE FOR THIS SEASON. WE ARE THRILLED TO DEATH TO BE COMPETING AGAIN.”