Elma Family Dental

04/29/2026

Mayo Clinic has a podcast episode all about why your mouth is basically the gatekeeper of your entire body...and it's weirdly fascinating!

Turns out your teeth have three layers and they're technically not bone, oral bacteria can potentially travel to your heart, and your smile plays a way bigger role in your mental health and social life than most people realize.
Next time someone asks why dental checkups matter, just send them this episode.

🎧 Worth a listen!

We all want a bright set of pearly whites, but teeth are so much more than meets the eye. Your mouth and teeth are also…

04/27/2026

360-861-8318

04/25/2026

Allergy season is here and your teeth hurt. Must be sinus pressure, right? 🤧

Maybe. But maybe not.

Sinus pressure CAN make your upper teeth ache. It's real, it happens, and it's annoying. But a cracked tooth, a cavity, or an infection can feel exactly the same way. And waiting it out when it's actually a dental issue? That's how small problems turn into root canals.

Here's how to tell: sinus pain usually hits several upper teeth at once and gets better when your allergies do. But if the pain is sharp, focused on one tooth, or sticking around after your Claritin kicks in...that's not your sinuses talking.

Don't play the guessing game with your mouth. Let us figure it out for you! 🦷

04/23/2026

This week we celebrate the amazing ladies who keep our office running smooth. Their dedication behind the scenes does not go unnoticed! We truly appreciate all they do for our team, and our amazing patients. Thank you Katie, Suzsen, Amanda and Miranda.

04/15/2026

We need to talk about the F word. 😬⁠

No, not that one. We're talking about "FINE." As in, "my teeth are fine, I don't need to come in."

Meanwhile your mouth is out here hiding cavities, early gum disease, and who knows what else all without a single symptom.⁠

Pain is a late-stage warning sign, not the starting line. Routine visits exist to catch problems while they're still small, easy, and way less expensive.⁠

So the next time you catch yourself saying "I'm fine"...book an appointment instead!

04/09/2026

There's a reason your dentist looks under your tongue, feels your neck, and checks the inside of your cheeks...
We're screening for oral cancer. And according to new ADA guidelines released this month, that hands-on clinical exam is still the #1 most reliable way to catch it early.
Here's the thing most people don't realize:
👉 Oral cancer rates have been rising steadily since the mid-2000s
👉 Early detection is the biggest factor in improving outcomes
👉 Your dentist is uniquely qualified to spot the warning signs often before you even notice them

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and this is your reminder that your routine dental visit does so much more than check for cavities. It could save your life.

https://adanews.ada.org/ada-news/2026/march/ada-reaffirms-importance-of-clinical-exams-in-early-oral-cancer-detection/

Due for a checkup? Give us a call 360.861.8318

The recommendations, published in JADA, are the first to be released as part of a living guideline on oral cancer detection.

03/31/2026

Your dentist might know more about your sleep than you think. 😴

New research from the Journal of the American Dental Association shows that dentists are playing a bigger role in managing sleep disorders like sleep apnea and snoring. Turns out, what's going on in your mouth can directly affect how well you rest at night.

If you're snoring, waking up tired, or dealing with jaw tension, it might be worth bringing it up at your next visit!

Read the full article at

Dentists play an increasingly important role in the management of sleep health and disorders.

03/19/2026

If your toothbrush looks like a crime scene every morning, this one's for you. 🔍 Swipe for the truth about bleeding gums and why it's way easier to fix than you think. Link in bio to book your visit!

03/04/2026

Most people meet Dr. Kathie when they’re sitting in the dental chair… but her story actually started long before Elma Family Dental. 🦷⁠
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Before becoming the dentist many of you know today, she worked her way through almost every role in dentistry. She started as a dental assistant, became a hygienist, went back to dental school, and even served as a dentist in the U.S. Army at Fort Lewis caring for troops and their families.⁠
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Safe to say… she knows teeth from every angle.⁠
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Around here, she’s known for her calm approach, her experience, and the way she truly cares about this community. She’s also a proud mom, and if you’ve been in the office you might have seen her son Geored, who works here as a dental assistant.⁠
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When she’s not helping patients smile brighter, you’ll probably find her traveling or hiking with her husband Mike.⁠
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We’re lucky to have her leading the team and caring for the Elma community. 💙⁠
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Swipe through to get to know Dr. Kathie a little better!

12/31/2025

Trust isn’t something we ask for.
It’s something we earn.

It’s built when you feel heard instead of rushed.
When your questions are answered without judgment.
When you know we’re focused on prevention, comfort, and care that actually serves you.

As we step into 2026, trust is the foundation we’re standing on.
Thank you for choosing us with your smiles, your families, and your confidence!

12/30/2025

Almost every patient says one of these…

12/29/2025

Nothing fancy. Just the basics done really well!