Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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When Is It Time to Visit the Dentist?

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Guest Columnist
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Pain in your mouth is difficult to ignore, especially when it affects everyday activities like speaking, eating, or sleeping. Here are some of the most common reasons to visit your dentist.

The first sign to visit your dentist is a persistent toothache. Sometimes our teeth can hurt temporarily due to things like teeth whitening or sinus issues. However, if a toothache does not go away, or goes away and then comes back, this is a good sign to visit your dentist to identify the source of pain.

Pain or soreness in your jaw (especially when that pain is accompanied by a headache) can point to bruxism, which is the repeated clenching or grinding of your teeth. Treating bruxism is often as simple as prescribing a custom fit mouth guard which separates your teeth, hence preventing any clenching or grinding. Severe bruxism can wear down or break teeth, which may need to be fixed by your dentist.

If you are experiencing any swelling in your gums or jaw, this is a good indicator of an infection in your mouth. An abscessed tooth is also a signal of an infection. Treatment ranges from draining the abscess, a root canal, or even pulling the tooth. Antibiotics can sometimes take care of an infection in your mouth, but leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.

Gums that are red, swollen, and bleed every time you brush or floss your teeth could signal periodontal disease. This is an infection in the tissues that hold your teeth in place. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bone loss around the teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.

If you crack or chip a tooth, you should also see your dentist as soon as possible even if the tooth does not hurt. A crack or chip in the tooth can spread over time and may further worsen the condition of the tooth. The sooner the crack or chip is addressed by a dentist, chances are far better of a successful tooth repair and an increase in the longevity of the tooth.

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out, immediate dental attention is strongly encouraged. If a tooth is knocked out, in many cases the damaged nerves and blood vessels cannot be saved. A tooth should not move in a healthy mouth, so any signs of movement such as a wiggly tooth usually have an underlying cause that should be assessed by a dental professional.

Finally, any bumps or sores in your mouth that don’t clear up in a few weeks should be checked by your dentist. Some bumps or sores, like canker sores, should clear up on their own. Other persistent or painful sores could be a sign of oral cancer and should be checked by your dentist as soon as possible.

In conclusion, we strongly encourage patients to schedule an appointment with their dentist with any dental related questions or concerns. The best way to catch any dental issues early on is to visit your dentist on a regular basis for preventive dental cleanings and checkups. Regularly scheduled dental appointments and diligent home care are the best ways to keep your smile healthy.

John Bisson, DDS is a dentist and owns Bisson Dental in Brookings, SD. Dr. Bisson is originally from Sturgis, SD but moved to Brookings in 2015 and opened Bisson Dental in 2018. For more information about Bisson Dental head here, https://www.bisson-dental.com/. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook featuring on call with the Prairie Doc a Medical Q/A show.

providing health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central.

“A Hidden Issue”

By
Guest Columnist
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Mental health treatment within the criminal justice system plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role in both the well-being and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. This is often overlooked by the general population due to attitudes against the incarcerated and the lack of overall media attention. It is my belief that change needs to take place.

Firstly, while many in society have negative outlooks on incarcerated or previously incarcerated individuals, most fail to realize that approximately 45% of Americans have had an immediate family member incarcerated. These individuals are not unknown strangers, they are, have been, and will be your own family members. Furthermore, the vast majority of incarcerated individuals will be released from their correctional facilities at some point in time. This is where the importance of rehabilitation needs to be stressed in order to prevent a revolving door back into the criminal justice system and to promote safer communities. One way this can be done is through consistent and quality mental health treatment for incarcerated individuals.

Access to mental health services can profoundly affect not only an individual’s experience behind bars but it can also reduce the likelihood of recidivism (reoffending). Many incarcerated individuals grapple with various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues are often exacerbated or even created by the stresses of incarceration itself. Providing quality and consistent treatment can alleviate suffering and enhance coping mechanisms, thus fostering a safer and more humane environment within correctional facilities and beyond. The research is clear, untreated mental health issues increase the risk of reoffending. Access to mental health treatment aids in equipping individuals with tools to not only effectively manage their conditions within the walls but also reintegrate into society upon release.

How can we increase access to mental health treatment to incarcerated persons? Firstly, we need to acknowledge the issue. Secondly, we need to recognize and take on the systemic barriers that hinder the delivery of mental health treatment within correctional facilities. These barriers include but are not limited to the attitudes surrounding incarcerated peoples, attitudes surrounding the criminal justice system itself, overcrowding, lack of staff, and insufficient funding resources. While we also need to focus on the implementation of quality education in terms of mental health, interpersonal skills, and coping skills within our homes and our educational facilities to aid in the prevention of incarceration, we also need to support incarcerated individuals following their release from correctional facilities. This requires a multifaceted approach, including investment in community mental health resources, diversion programs, and reentry support.

In conclusion, the prioritization of mental health treatment within the criminal justice system is essential for the promotion of individual well-being, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society. This approach is not soft on crime,” it instead embodies the ability of empathy and accountability to co-exist. The road to a safer and happier community takes all of us. We must not forget about those out of sight.

Leah Hendrickson specializes in treating individuals who are currently or formerly incarcerated. She also provides outpatient counseling services for adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, abuse, stress management, cultural diversity, interpersonal issues, and trauma related to sexual

violence. Her eclectic therapeutic style incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, strength based therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy skills, solution focused therapy, and mindfulness techniques. She currently works at Avera in Brookings, SD and can be contacted by phone at 605-692-2790. Follow The Prairie Doc® at www.prairiedoc.org and on Facebook and Instagram featuring On Call with the Prairie Doc® a medical Q&A show celebrating its 22nd season of health information based on science, built on trust, streaming live on Facebook most Thursdays at 7 p.m. central

Breaded Tomatoes

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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The next couple of weeks I’m going to be featuring my dad, Jerry’s favorite recipes. I remember mom making this delicious dish for pop and he enjoyed it so very much. Mother found the dish totally unappealing. That didn’t stop her, nope, she loved her partner and would do about anything to bring joy into his day. Guess whose favorite dish it is now? Mine! Bring Ervin and I a serving of this yummy southern favorite and we are in heaven.

The last time I presented this recipe was around 2021, (I think). Here are a few of my former comments on this recipe. I would highly recommend staying with white bread, flip it to whole grain, and disappointment is going to follow. If I flipped it to another bread, it would definitely be sour dough. You will notice I have a small amount of cheese in mine. Of course, you could go with plain old American, but my other choice would be smoked Gouda, smoked by yours truly. I’m a little headstrong about my smoked Gouda. Store bought doesn’t have enough umph to it and the flavor seems to dissipate. When I smoke cheese, the flavor is much stronger, which means it will be noticed in the dish. I didn’t say it would take over the dish! I like to make mine with the heavy cream, which lifts it to another level. If you don’t want the calories eat a smaller portion or switch it to milk, which my mother almost always did.

I didn’t chatter a great deal about sugar, like my spaghetti sauce, I like to use just a small amount to cut the acid. Some of the older recipes suggest using brown sugar, which brings in an undertone that is quite complimentary. The amount of sugar is going to be different for each cook. I would start with just a teaspoon and see what you think.

Butter & Bread: Some like to toast the bread, and butter it, before implementing into the recipe, take note that I don’t butter my bread I just put the butter into the dish, but I also think by buttering the bread after toasting it will enhance the outcome too. (This would mean bringing in a bit more butter into the dish too.)

In the summer the addition of herbs, onions, peppers and various spices can ‘gussy’ up the dish. I like to see the top of my breaded tomatoes a bit crunchy, but that’s just me, again!

The week has been a journey for me. I’ve traveled back home unexpectedly, to be with my dad as he transitions towards glory. What a day that will be!

Until next week, readers. Simply Yours, The Covered Dish. Now the recipe:

Breaded Tomatoes

2-3 tablespoons butter to sauté onions

1 small onion, diced fine to medium chop

1 pint or one (15 oz.) can chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup salsa, homemade is a great choice.

May add a teaspoon of white or brown sugar

6-8 slices of bread, dried and crumbled

1/4 to 1/2 cup parmesan cheese or your favorite

1 cup heavy cream,

Salt and Pepper to Taste.

Options: Garlic, chopped celery, peppers or fresh basil. Half and Half instead of Heavy Cream, could use milk too. May omit cheese, which is a bit sacrilegious anyway!

Spray 1.5-quart baking dish with vegetable spray or rub on butter. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan sauté the onions in the butter. Add all the ingredients together except for the heavy cream. If you are fearful of the dish being runny you could always add 1 or 2 beaten eggs? Slowly add the heavy cream and blend, place in the baking dish. I have been known to cook this in a deep-dish pie pan too. It’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Get Outta’ Jail Free

By
Lee Pitts
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Well, the weather changed again today. Today we reached 68 degrees while yesterday it was 65. That’s global warming for you. (Had the temperature gone down that would have been climate change too.)

Based on the ‘butterfly effect’ that means the three degree rise in temperature could cause an earthquake somewhere in Uganda. What, you’ve never heard of the butterfly effect? It’s a term used by members of President Biden’s green advisory team and his Cabinet members. (I’ve seen better cabinets at IKEA.) Bureaucrats who are trying to legislate the weather endorse the ‘butterfly effect’ that theorizes that a single butterfly flapping it’s wings in Phoenix can cause a typhoon in Japan.

Lee’s amendment to the ‘butterfly effect’ states that any scientist who believes in the ‘butterfly effect’ is nuttier than a wood rat.

Everything is being blamed on climate change these days. If too much rain falls that’s climate change. If not enough rain falls that’s climate change. According to the Internet, climate change has caused trees to die, sheep to shrink, birds to lay less eggs, birds to lay more eggs, more fatal shark attacks, snowfall in Baghdad, severe acne, an ammo shortage, more suicides in Australia, altered taste in beer, a faster spinning earth, more kidney stones, larger spiders, more heroin addicts, an increased number of UFO’s, more flatulent cows and at least one fist-fight at a wedding. One study even concluded that global warming is causing global cooling. I kid you not.

Just because arctic seals haven’t shown up on Hollywood sidewalks doesn’t mean that the ‘experts’ past predictions about the dangers of global warming were wrong. And we shouldn’t laugh when their dire forecasts about floodwaters separating California from the continent and sliding down to become part of Mexico, didn’t come to fruition. The Mexican government is probably counting their lucky stars that the lefty loonies stayed right where they are. The error of their ways merely means that some scientists were, in the words of one Mexico City newspaper, “muy lunitica”.

Climate change has caused the scientist’s predictions to change too?

That’s when it dawned on me… climate change is the perfect excuse when scientists and politicians are wrong! They can use climate change like a ‘get out of jail free card’. It’s the perfect defense. Miss an appointment? No problem. You were so distressed about climate change killing the planet that you traded in your gas guzzler for a Smart Car® and when you hit a skunk it totaled the Smart Car® and landed you in intensive care. Now your not-so-Smart car is one smart-and-smelly car.

I was daydreaming about all the things I could blame on climate change when I looked up to see flashing lights in my rearview mirror. Initially I thought the highway patrol lady looked like a pushover so I didn’t want to waste my “go to” excuse so I used the old reliable, “With all due respect mam, how can you expect me to read the speed limit signs when it’s so foggy?”

It turned out that the female officer wasn’t quite the pushover I first thought she was. So I tried an excuse that has rarely failed me: “I’m so sorry but I only went faster after looking at my gas gauge, seeing it was on ‘E’, and so I sped up to get home before I ran out of gas.”

I was shocked when that excuse didn’t work either.

So I thought I’d try out the climate change excuse for the first time. “You got me officer, I’m guilty. I admit I may have been driving a little too fast but you strike me as a highly intelligent person and I’m sure you’re aware that some scientists say that a car emits fewer greenhouse gases per mile when driven at a faster speed. So I was merely trying to be green by doing 65 in a 35.”

It seems the officer was exceedingly offended by my climate change excuse. She turned purple in the face and I’m sure she raised the earth’s temperature by at least three degrees. And the greenhouse gases in the steam she was emitting out the top of her head couldn’t have been good for the environment.

Believe me, I didn’t have nearly as much green after I paid that ticket.

We, the government

By
John Marshall
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john marshal

In our town, like others, people are the government. It’s the arrangement set out by our founders and it’s worked well here for more than a century and a half.

We know many of those who keep us safe and healthy, who keep the lights on, the water flowing, the streets clean and smooth, the pool open and the parks trim, among other services.

In Lindsborg, the mayor and city council hire a city administrator who supervises the management of notable municipal agencies. They include the Parks Department, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Community Development and Neighborhood Services, Public Safety (police, fire, ambulance), Public Works (streets, electric, water and wastewater treatment), Recreation (swimming pool, golf course, dozens of activities programs), Communications (keeping people informed) and more.

We select and elect those who serve us; they seek no glory, no riches, no beds of clover. They are at their jobs because they believe in community, that they can help it be a better place. They make a difference.

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In recent years, polls and surveys have revealed a trend of disrespect for public service. This is fueled almost daily by reports of politicians who play fast and loose with public funds, who sell their influence for a cause or barter it for favors or trade it for glory, usually short-lived. When they are not busy promoting themselves they spend time demeaning public servants up and down the line.

In contrast, we see others ‒ especially the young ‒ step out, seeing themselves as world citizens eager to find ways that they can be involved and engaged.

There have been signs:

Fifteen years ago Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a massive bipartisan economic stimulus bill. This countered an economic crisis brought on by banking and real estate mortgage pirates. Billions in federal aid went to state governments, Medicaid was saved, and local governments were helped to survive revenue shortfalls.

In 2021 the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, became law, authorizing $1.2 trillion for transportation and infrastructure spending and $550 billion for new investments and programs, a lot it for electric vehicle charging stations.

These and a few others offer at least some marks of shared purpose in a Washington otherwise soiled with grievance, grudge and self-interest.

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But we count on ourselves. Government begins at home. We choose the people who manage things in our cities and counties. In Lindsborg this means friends, neighbors, acquaintances and those we don’t know personally but trust to do well.

This covers a lot of ground. It includes the street department and crews from the water and electric departments in a mission to keep the city clear, clean and safe no matter the routine or the challenge.

The vigilance of police, fire and ambulance services leaves a secure feeling. The Parks Department and Recreation managers, the Convention and Visitors Bureau ensure a brighter and more lively way of living, and are proud to show it. Managers and assistants at City Hall keep the teams moving, collect the funds and pay the bills, manage the budget and plan for the next month, the next year and beyond.

They are from us. Those who get their kicks and think they get their popularity by bashing public service only spin insults at their own kind. They

mock the very citizens who have elected the servants and selected the managers. They deride their own, the very citizens who comprise that government.

Our government starts and ends with us, the People. Those who seek to find fault might first look in a mirror.

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