Delicious Holiday Cookies for Braces Wearers

The holiday season is a great time to enjoy a wide variety of foods including your own favorite cookies. But kids and adults who wear braces should avoid hard cookies, cookies with hard nuts and other holiday foods that can damage braces and even teeth.

Fortunately, wearing braces does not mean you are prohibited from enjoying the holidays and all the food and fun they offer. However, you want to make sure that your braces aren't damaged, and you are able to continue your orthodontic treatment way past the holidays and towards the beautiful, healthy smile you always wanted.  For this reason, we do recommend Ginger Bread Cookies as they are delicious, soft and safe for those with braces. Baking them is very easy and can be lots of fun. Here is a recipe from ”The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love” by authors Pamela and Brenda Waterman.  

Ingredients

·         One half cup of sugar.
·         A half cup shortening.
·         Half cup of molasses.
·         One quarter cup of water.
·         Three-quarter teaspoon of salt.
·         One half teaspoon of baking soda.
·         Three-quarter teaspoon of ginger.
·         One quarter teaspoon of nutmeg.
·         Two and half cups of all-purpose flour.
·         An extra 1/4 cup of flour for cutting and rolling.
·         A rolling pin and some cookie cutters.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.  

In a big bowl, mix sugar, molasses, shortening and water. Use an electric mixer and beat until creamy.  Mix in salt, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg and flour. The dough will feel stiff. Divide dough into two mounds and wrap each one in wax paper or in a sealed container. Chill them for a minimum of one hour.  Use your counter or cutting board, and dust them with flour. Place one of the chilled mounds of dough in the center. Sprinkle it with additional flour.  Use your rolling pin and roll out dough until it is about a quarter inch thick. Use the cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Roll out and use scraps until dough has been shaped.  Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for seven minutes. Decorate your cookies with frosting and store them in a covered container. 

Happy Holidays from all of us at Texas Orthodontics!

Happy Thanksgiving

There are so many things to be thankful for year round, but isn’t it great that there’s a day designated just to giving thanks? We think so. We want to start a little early this year though, since we have been abundantly blessed. Here are some of the things we are most grateful for and you should be too!

1. Teeth – seriously, what would we do without them? The way we eat and speak would be radically different without our chompers.
2. Braces – as great as teeth are, sometimes they need a little help reaching their full potential. For that, we’re grateful for braces that help them get there.
3. San Antonio – this great city of ours just gets better every year. It’s our home and it’s a wonderful, beautiful one.
4. Freedom – this is easily one of the most taken for granted gifts of all. The fact that you’re able to go to the church of your choice on Sundays, vote for whichever candidate you’d like, and roam the internet freely to find this blog is no small thing. Many around the world don’t enjoy the same freedom.
5. A blue sky – isn’t it lovely? Have you looked up today to appreciate it?
6. Turkey – there always seems to be enough of it and it’s delicious.
7. Community – our San Antonio community is definitely special. It’s always amazing to watch San Antonians come together to help others in need, particularly during the holiday season – take the Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner and the Great Turkey Challenge 5K as examples!
8. Each other – we’re thankful for our patients, families, and friends. Don’t ever take yours for granted!

This list doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of reasons to be grateful. Nevertheless, here’s to a wonderful Thanksgiving. Stop tomorrow to really think about why you’re celebrating. May you eat as much as you can, but still find that your heart is fuller than your belly.  

A Braces Safe Thanksgiving Feast

We know that getting braces often means having to learn all about the foods that you can’t eat. Luckily, this post is different. Be thankful that there are many foods you can enjoy this Thanksgiving. If you’re not sure if your favorite dish is ok, read on for a list of some of the most classic Thanksgiving foods that are 100% orthodontist approved!

1. Turkey! What’s Thanksgiving without turkey (it’s not called Turkey Day for no reason)?! As long as you’re not eating it off the bone, this staple will be perfectly safe. Bonus points if you cut it up into small bites!
2. You’re free to eat all the sweet potatoes and/or mashed potatoes as your heart and belly desire. 
3. Stuffing is as yummy as it is safe as long as you keep the ingredients nice and soft. 
4. Green beans are typically prepared in such a way that makes them the perfect texture for people with braces. 
5. We know dessert is one thing you can’t avoid on Thanksgiving. Just make sure you stay away from crunchy ones (that means none of grandma’s pecan pie, but plenty of pumpkin!).

There’s no reason not to be able to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal just because you have braces. As is the case with all meals, make sure that you exercise caution and good judgment when serving yourself on Thursday. You are completely free to stuff yourself! 

Cold Teeth

Photo Credit: Steven Leonti via Compfight cc

The chilly weather we’ve been experiencing lately got us thinking about some problems that come with the cold. Have you ever inhaled a cold breath of air only to find that your teeth hurt as a result? Cold weather causes sensitivity in many people – but why? There are several reasons this could be occurring, but below, you’ll find some of the most common.

1) Defective fillings that leave gaps open. This leaves all those sensitive nerves exposed.
2) Infected teeth or gums. Visit your dentist to check for gingivitis and other infections.
3) Cavities. Uh-oh! Nobody likes a cavity, but if breathing in cold air makes your teeth hurt, you may want to check for some.
4) Tooth grinding. Many people grind their teeth during their sleep and throughout the day without realizing it.
5) Brushing too hard. We know this one sounds crazy – how can you clean something too well? It’s possible, and it could be wearing away at your teeth.

 If you’re experiencing sensitivity to the cold air outside or cold drinks, it may be time for a visit with your dentist. In the meantime, make an effort to breathe in through your nose when you’re outside. Your cheeks, lips, and tongue will help insulate your teeth. Next time you’re at the grocery store, invest in toothpaste made to fight sensitivity as well. After all, healthy teeth are beautiful teeth!

The truth about gum

Photo Credit: Lazy_Artist via Compfight cc

If we gave you 30 seconds to name one thing you weren’t allowed to have after you got your braces on, you’d probably say: gum! And you’d be wrong…sort of.

Yes, there are a number of negative things gum can do to your braces. Orthodontics nightmares like bent wires and broken brackets could be the result of chewing gum. But if you chew the right kind and right amount of gum, you could be doing your mouth a couple of favors!

Choose sugarless gum – Chewing gum that contains sugar can be harmful to your teeth. Sugar fuels the acid producing bacteria in the mouth. Those brands of gum that contain sugar can be harmful to your teeth if they are chewed too often or if it is removed from the mouth too soon. Gum with sugar in it also has a stronger likelihood of sticking to your braces.

Activate that saliva – Studies have shown that chewing gum can have an indirect, positive effect on dental hygiene. After a meal, chewing gum helps to stimulate the production of saliva and overall salivary flow. This saliva helps wash away and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria in plaque. This acid is what causes dental decay and bad breath.

Massage those gums – According to some reports, chewing gum can relieve some of the pain that comes with braces. Chewing gum also leads to an increase in blood flow around your gum tissue and this can prevent common symptoms like gum inflammation from happening.

See? Gum isn’t all bad. Just be careful and choose the right amount of the right kind of gum.

Smile at a Veteran

At Texas Orthodontics, we love to make people smile. It’s literally what we do for a living. It must always be acknowledged however, that all of the rights we have that make us happy would cease to exist if it weren’t for our veterans. It is only because of their sacrifice that we are able to live without ever knowing such a heavy burden. We tire of the arguing and the differences in beliefs and views that seem to be hot political topics every day, but we forget that the ability to express these opposing points of view is a freedom we have only because of men and women who sacrificed their lives for it. 

We must never forget to be grateful. This country is forever indebted. We can never repay those brave men and women for making this country what it is, but with humble hearts full of gratitude, we can thank them, and through acts of kindness, humility, patience, and patriotism, may we never stop trying to prove ourselves worthy of their sacrifice.

Thank a veteran tomorrow. It’s the least we can do to let them know that their service will never be forgotten. Smile at a veteran every day – they fought for the freedom that allows you to do so.

Veterans, check out this list of what you can get for free or at great discounts tomorrow! http://abcnews.go.com/Business/top-veterans-day-deals-freebies-tomorrow/story?id=26769921

Thank you for your service. 

Everyone deserves a smile

At Texas Orthodontics, when we say, "We're Gonna Make You Smile®," we mean it! That's why we've set our prices to be the most affordable in San Antonio. But beyond that, we've made it one of our missions to service those who can't always help themselves. Dr. Hurst and his team have taken on a few pro-bono cases for some truly extraordinary individuals.

As you may remember, Texas Orthodontics partnered with Boysville last Christmas and we were introduced to one of the residents, Crystal. Boysville is a safe place for children in crisis who cannot remain in their own home for a variety of reasons. Its children come from homes that are in crisis, due to emotional, physical or sexual abuse. Sometimes a parent cannot take care of the child due to a terminal illness and do not have the support of family to take care of the children. By providing food, shelter, clothing and medical services, they are able to provide the basic necessities needed to make the child feel safe and comfortable at Boysville. Crystal has been a patient for about a year now and we are about to take on another child from Boysville.

For a long time, Dr. Hurst has wanted to give back to the military community by helping a wounded warrior. This summer, we found the perfect candidate and cannot wait to start treatment on him. We’ll give you the whole story when we get him in the office.

Dr. Hurst and his team know the power of a smile and they want to share that with San Antonio. The feeling of self-confidence that comes from a beautiful smile is truly priceless. We are honored to help San Antonio smile.

Candy Alternatives

We love a good Halloween night as much as the next person, but we don’t love all the candy involved. While it may taste like a treat, the real trick will be when your teeth are full of cavities or you have to come in to see us because of damaged braces. Skip the candy, skip the hassle! Fortunately, there are many activities you can enjoy on Halloween without sacrificing your teeth. Need suggestions? Read on!

1. Watch a scary movie. What better way to get in the Halloween spirit than with a spooky film? We recommend going classic with the original Halloween or The Shining. If you’re a scaredy cat, there are options for you too! Pop in Hocus Pocus to watch with little ones.
2. Play dress up. This is the perfect time to have a costume fashion show. Grab a group of friends for a party and host the best costume contest around.
3. Carve a pumpkin together. Nothing brings friends together like getting slimy pumpkin all over everyone’s hands! Stay traditional and carve a jack-o-lantern, or get creative and carve your favorite celebrity! There are thousands of tutorials online.
4. Share ghost stories. Gather everyone around, dim the lights, and give everyone a go at telling their best spooky tale. It will get everyone in the Halloween spirit in no time!

Bonus: Build a campfire outside and make s’mores during story time.

We know that asking everyone to completely lay off the Halloween candy is never going to work, but with these activities, you can skip trick-or-treating and eat candy in moderation. Whatever your plans are for Friday evening, we hope it’s fun, spooky, and most of all, safe! Have a great one and make sure you do as much smiling as you do screaming!

Get to Know: Deyanira Hernandez

We love our Texas Orthodontics family! Get to know more about one of our team members: Deyanira Hernandez!

Favorites -

Color: Yellow

Team: San Antonio Spurs

Movie: Grease

Candy: Reese's

Her bucket list:
1. Visit Tahiti & Greece

2. Become an orthodontist

Who would you choose to play you in a TV Show?

Jennifer Lopez

What is your dream vacation?

Tahiti or Greece!

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with others about life?

Learn from you mistakes!

If you could witness one event (past, present, future) which would you choose?

The 50's - I'm a fan of that era.

A Toothy Halloween

Halloween is quickly approaching and if you still don’t have a costume, it’s time to act! While we do not endorse eating candy, we still believe in a rocking costume. If you’re out of ideas, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorites!

1. Shark: You have to appreciate those chompers! Sharks have so many teeth and what’s even cooler, is that they are easily replaced. Every time one falls out, another just pops up! Wouldn’t it be fun to pretend to be one for a day?

www.halloweencostumes.com

2. Vampire: Have you ever seen a vampire with bad teeth? We sure haven’t. Whether you go as the infamous Dracula or a member of the Twilight Cullen clan, make sure the teeth are on point! See what we did there?

www.costumecraze.com

 3. Tooth Fairy: Everyone loves the tooth fairy! She’s sweet and brings a consolation prize every time you lose a tooth. Skip the tricks and treat everyone with the sight of you in a tutu and tiara. Don’t forget a tooth shaped wand!

Whatever you decide to dress up as this year, don’t forget to have fun, be safe, and take care of your teeth! Keep the candy to a minimum – moms and dads, we’re counting on you to be our eyes and ears out there! 

Is It Gonna Hurt?

Check out this video featuring our very own Dr. Hurst answering the third most frequently asked question,

"Is it gonna hurt?"

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth tender and sore for a few days. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter analgesic. Today’s braces are more comfortable and use technology that reduces any irritation!

Appointments don't have to be scary!

Arriving to your orthodontist appointment can cause anxiety and nervousness. As you sit in the waiting room, you may worry that you’ll feel pain or discomfort during your examination. This is completely normal. Orthodontist appointments can be scary! Luckily, there are ways you can lower your anxiety and have a pleasant orthodontic experience.

First, come in with a clear and calm mind. If you arrive to your appointment with a high anxiety level, it will be hard to calm yourself down. The day of your appointment, take deep breaths whenever you feel yourself tense up about the appointment and remind yourself that everything is going to be fine. By taking deep breaths and using positive self-talk, you’ll be ready to go when your name is called.

Second, don’t worry about your appointment. Going to the orthodontist is something you cannot avoid, so what’s the point of worrying about it? Instead, think about all of the positive results that will come from each appointment. Your teeth will be straight and beautiful! Remember this and you may find yourself excited as you come into Texas Orthodontics.

Lastly, if you’re still nervous when you take a seat in your chair, talk to your orthodontist. We’re here not only to make your smile beautiful, but to make the whole experience comfortable. 

Get to Know: Elizabeth Gonzalez

We love our Texas Orthodontics family! Get to know more about one of our team members: Elizabeth Gonzalez!

Favorites -

Color: Purple

Team: San Francisco Giants

Book: Anything by Edgar Allen Poe

Movie: Burlesque

Candy: Snickers

Her bucket list:
1. Travel to Europe

2. Become a vet

3. Go skydiving 

Who would you choose to play you in a TV Show?

Scarlett Johansson

If someone wrote a book about you, what would the title be?

Elizabeth's Odd Life

Who inspires you?

My little brother. He may not know it, but I want to be a great role model, help him be better than me and to accomplish all his goals.

What is your dream vacation?

Europe! I want to enjoy the views and take in all of the history!

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with others about life?

Enjoy everything you, never stop learning and always keep an open mind about learning new things. 

If you could witness one event (past, present, future) which would you choose?

See my brother earn his master's degree.

What is your why?

My passion to help animals helps me know that all of the years of school ahead of me are worth it if it means I get to do what I love.

Les Dents du Bonheur

If you don’t know French, the phrase above translates to “lucky teeth”. It’s what is used to describe the sometimes infamous, sometimes trendy gapped teeth. In recent years, gapped teeth have become quite the fashion statement with models everywhere going as far as having surgery to widen the space between their two front teeth.

There’s actually a word for that space between teeth: diastema. People can develop diastema for a wide range of reasons from periodontal disease to an incorrect swallowing reflex or even just because the teeth are too small for the jaw space.

Unfortunately, we’re not all supermodels and sometimes people aren’t all that comfortable with a gap between their teeth. There’s no shame in owning it or wanting to hide it, but if you fall into the latter category, we can help. Braces can help correct the problem quite easily. If the gap is there because of a missing tooth though, a dental implant may be necessary.

Some people find a gap between teeth completely charming. Others can’t stand them. Just remember that no matter what your opinion is, you always have the option to close it! Our number one goal  is to make you smile – les dents du bonheur or not!

Win FREE braces!

ENTER HERE TO WIN FREE BRACES

In Honor of National Orthodontic Month, Texas Orthodontics is hosting a braces giveaway titled “We’re Gonna Make You Smile® Makeover!”  This social contest is a continuation of its We’re Gonna Make You Smile® campaign.

The contest will be carried out via Texas Orthodontics’ social media channels beginning today, October 1 and ending December 31, 2014. The giveaway is open to individuals 18 years of age and older. The winner will be awarded a free Masters Series braces treatment, a $3,480 value. To participate in the giveaway, individuals are encouraged to interact with Texas Orthodontics social sites which include Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Google +.  

While more than 17,000 orthodontists throughout the U.S., Canada and abroad celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month every October, children anticipate the end of the month to celebrate Halloween. This festive holiday filled with scary movies, attire and haunted houses can also be a scary time for teeth, because Halloween candy negatively affects orthodontic treatment and general dental health. In hopes of switching the focus away from the overabundance of candy and sugar, Texas Orthodontics is using the month of October to promote healthy teeth, dental hygiene and braces best practices. Texas Orthodontics wants to give patients and the entire community a few timely tips to protect braces and aligners and other orthodontic appliances while protecting teeth from decay.

To enter, click the photo above!

Ask a Dumb Question Day

It seems that there’s a day for everything – and we do mean everything. Tomorrow is Ask a Dumb Question Day, and while we don’t believe there are any dumb questions when it comes to orthodontics, we’ll go over the answers to some questions you may be too bashful to ask.

1.       Will I be able to talk normally with braces?
Absolutely! At first, they may feel a bit weird and like they’re getting in the way, but in a day or two, your tongue and mouth will adapt and you’ll sound just like you did before!

2.       Can I still play sports after I get braces?
So many think that they will have to stop playing sports with braces to avoid causing cuts or sores, but this is not true. It’s always a good idea to wear a mouth guard though, especially when playing contact sports.

3.       Will I still be able to play my instrument?
We’ve had many clients who are musically gifted and play in their school’s band. While it will take some time to readjust your embouchure, having braces will not prohibit you from playing an instrument. Just be prepared for extra practice time to get used to the new feeling!

4.       Am I too old for braces?
You can never be too old for braces. If you’re worried about the look, Invisalign is a great alternative!

Never be afraid to give us a call if you have any doubts, questions, or concerns. We’re here to help clear any confusion and get you ready to have the smile you’ve always wanted! Remember, there are no dumb questions, but what better day to ask them than tomorrow?

 

Teeth Matter

Many people dream of their teeth falling out. Maybe “dream” isn’t the right word – most people would describe it as a nightmare. Why is that? Teeth are important, but have you ever stopped to think about why they’re so vital and why losing them is a scary thought? We have and we have to say, a world without teeth would be a difficult one to live in!

Teeth obviously help us to eat and even appear more attractive. Without them, eating many of our favorite foods and treats would be impossible! Say good bye to chips, burgers, and chewing gum! The way we communicate would be drastically different as well. Teeth play a huge role in our language. Try saying “that’s terrific” without your tongue or lips touching your teeth. How’d that work out for you? Without teeth, language as we know it would cease to exist.

Those are the obvious benefits of teeth, but we bet you didn’t know some of these lesser known ones. Anthropologists love teeth because they reveal so much about people. Teeth can help determine the age and race of a person, past or present. Further, everyone’s teeth are unique which is why dental records and x-rays are sometimes used when solving a crime using fingerprints isn’t an option.  

If we didn’t have teeth, life would be much different from the one we know. Remember, if we’re fortunate enough to have teeth, we should do our best to take care of them. Brush twice a day, floss, and make routine visits to your dentist! Keep those pearly whites in shape and life will be that much easier.

Types of Cavities

The importance of cleaning and flossing your teeth consistently is key to avoiding cavities. We all can agree that cavities are both uncomfortable and a hassle to get rid of. Although all cavities generally have the same effects on a person, there are different types of cavities. It is important to recognize these differences and to know the root cause of the cavity (no pun intended), as to avoid the cavity from appearing to begin with.

The Oral-B website sheds light on the three different types of cavities below:

• “Root decay. This type of decay is the most common type among older adults who are more likely to have receding gums. It occurs on the surface of the roots of the teeth.
• Pit and fissure decay. This type of decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. It can be prevented with proper tooth brushing; however if you’re inconsistent in your oral hygiene, this type of decay can quickly become severe.
• Smooth-surface decay. This type of decay occurs on the outside flat surface of the teeth when bacteria is not removed and plaque builds up. It’s the least serious kind and may be treatable with fluoride. It’s also helpful to know that this type of decay may be positively impacted by regular and proper dental flossing.”

The development of cavities can cause extreme tooth sensitivity if not taken care of quickly. Moreover, if you think you’re developing cavities, be sure to still clean your teeth regardless of sensitivity. Doing this helps to avoid infection. 

National Love Your Teeth Day

People are always on the go. We get up in the mornings, shower, eat breakfast, go to work, go to the gym, and whatever else one may do during their typical weekday. When do we ever sit back and take the time to really appreciate and reflect on how important our teeth are? One does not simply stop whatever they’re doing to check their smiles everyday when we have so many other important things going on around us. That’s why there is one day out of the year that honors smiles around the world: National Love Your Teeth Day! September 20^th is a day to celebrate and promote dental health and awareness for all people worldwide. The theme for this year is “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Family.”

In honor of National Love Your Teeth Day, here are a few fun facts about, well, teeth!

1. On a daily basis, your mouth is a home to about 100,000,000 micro-creatures who are swimming, feeding, reproducing, and depositing waste in your mouth. Makes you want to brush doesn’t it?

2. Most believe shiny, white teeth are beautiful here in our nation, but did you know in medieval Japan white teeth were considered unattractive? Women used roots and inks to stain their teeth black, which they felt was much more attractive. 

3. Dental floss was first produced in 1882. If you floss once a day, you will use about 5 miles of floss in your lifetime.

4. Dentists recommend that you keep your toothbrush at least six feet away from your toilet to avoid many airborne particles that result from flushing. 

5. A long time ago, humans utilized charcoal or ground up chalk, ashes, lemon juice, and honey tobacco mix to clean their teeth. It was only about 100 years ago that the toothpaste was invented. 

6. Did you know that you start developing teeth while you’re still inside your mother’s uterus? Teeth begin developing when a fetus is about 6 weeks old, but only erupt from the gums between the ages of 6 and 12.

7. No two people in the world have the same set of teeth. This is why your teeth can also function as your “fingerprint” because they are unique and only you have them. 

8. Did you know that an average human being spends just about 38.5 days of their lifetime brushing their teeth? 

9. Our teeth are valuable necessities in our lives. Our mouths are gateways into our bodies, so we must remember to maintain our oral health habits in order to have a strong, healthy lifestyle for years to come. 

So remember to show some extra love to your pearly whites this year on National Love Your Teeth Day!

When Your Child Loses a Tooth

You’re sitting with your family at the dinner table enjoying homemade burgers. Everyone is talking, laughing, and enjoying dinner when suddenly, your little one’s eyes widen and he stops chewing. He drops his burger, brings his hands to his mouth, and starts touching a tooth – just one tooth. Congrats, mom and dad! It’s loose!

If this is your child’s first loose tooth, it might cause a little bit of confusion and worry for him or her. Make sure to encourage your child not to try pulling the tooth out prematurely. It will hurt and exposing a root before it’s ready can lead to infection. Instead, teach them to gently wiggle loose teeth to help them along the process a little bit more quickly.

Don’t worry if your kiddo complains about pain. This is most likely caused by back molars starting to come in and is completely natural. However, if teeth start falling out before 4 years old, you should probably pay a visit to your dentist as it may be due to something else, like tooth decay.

At first, your little one is going to look pretty silly with missing teeth – be warned, they may look even sillier when adult teeth actually come in since they will look slightly out of proportion with the rest of their teeth and the size of their face. Don’t worry – he or she will grow into them!

While we don’t like that Santa encourages cookie eating, one legendary figure we can stand behind is the tooth fairy. Losing baby teeth means becoming one step closer to a beautiful, adult smile and the tooth fairy knows the importance of healthy teeth! If you think your kiddos need orthodontic treatment, you don’t have to wait until all of their baby teeth fall out. In fact, sometimes preventative measures can be taken before to make treatment less extreme in the future.

Take lots of photos during this stage of your child’s life. Toothless photos make for great albums!

Benefits of Braces (Besides Straight Teeth)

When we think of braces, we think of the end result-straight pearly whites. However, there are many more benefits to braces than what meets the eye. Below are four benefits of being a brace face. Let’s begin with the first one:

1   Tooth Decay and Gum Disease- Crooked and crowded teeth often overlap one another, which can make it difficult to brush and floss effectively, giving way to bacteria and plaque buildup. This buildup can eventually lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can help remedy both of these issues by properly aligning teeth, which allows for effective cleaning and flossing.

2    Difficulties with Speech- Believe it or not, your teeth play a significant role in speech. When teeth are not aligned and spaced properly, lean too far forward, or too far backward, speech patterns are negatively affected. With braces, teeth are repositioned and make way for clearer speech.

3     Bone Erosion-Bone and gum tissues begin to deteriorate when there are no teeth to support. This is true crooked teeth that allow for spaces and gaps or place too much pressure on the jawbone due to a bad bite. With braces treatment, the bones and tissues are less likely to deteriorate and can continue to support the teeth in their new alignment.

4   Digestion- Your teeth are the first helpers in the digestion process. Before food enters into your body, your teeth break down the food into sizes that are easily digestible.  If teeth are severely crooked, this digestion process can be disrupted, as food is not broken down properly before entering into the stomach. With braces, your teeth will be able to properly breakdown food into the necessary sizes for eating and chewing. 

Wisdom Teeth

Who doesn’t remember that fantastic comeback in The Little Rascals when Alfalfa claims he’s just had his wisdom teeth removed and Spanky replies with, “Well that explains why you’re acting so stupid!” It makes for great cinematic enjoyment, but wisdom teeth actually have no impact on how smart you are. What they can impact is your oral health by causing damage to other teeth, the jawbone, or nerves. It’s also possible that wisdom teeth only partially break through the gum which makes it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection – yikes! So what if your dentist tells you it’s time to yank them out? Don’t panic! Inform yourself about why it’s important and what kind of procedure to expect.

So you’re having your wisdom teeth removed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the pain. You can choose anesthesia or laughing gas – typically, it’s up to the patient. What’s the difference? The biggest difference is that if you choose laughing gas, you will be awake and able to hear and see everything. The anxiety will go away and you won’t feel pain, but if you think watching will make you uncomfortable, go for anesthesia.

After the procedure, you will experience some pain and discomfort as well as swelling. Don’t expect swelling to go down immediately – in fact, it will probably get worse before it gets better. Have fun taking chipmunk selfies! It’s important that you stick to a liquid diet for the first 24 hours – think yummy smoothies and milkshakes! Don’t drink from a straw though, as this may cause blood clots to loosen. In the few days after, munch on soft foods like mashed potatoes and pasta. Stay away from steak or anything else that requires a lot of chewing.

Remember that having wisdom teeth removed now will help you prevent more painful complications in the future. There’s no need to worry about the procedure since you’ll be in the hands of professionals who remove thousands of wisdom teeth a year – literally. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, removing wisdom teeth may also be necessary. Ask your dentist about the development of your wisdom teeth and whether or not it’s time to get them removed. 

Bite Impressions

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. First impressions say a lot about who you are and how you take care of yourself. Having straight teeth can improve your overall health and self-esteem, and people will really start to take notice.

Having straight teeth makes it much easier to correctly clean your mouth. Those with crooked or overlapping teeth are capable of missing food particles in between each tooth and around the gums, while having straight teeth makes it easier to brush and floss. Aside from making it simpler to clean, it also makes it easier to eat! Crooked or crowded teeth can compromise chewing and may even result in digestive problems at times.

Do you ever slur your words or bite your tongue when you speak? These may also be side-effects of having a crooked smile. Straightening your teeth can improve your speech and boost your self-confidence to make your everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Straight teeth will also help you avoid having an accident-prone smile. Sometimes protective mouth guards can solve the problem, but often times crooked teeth prevent mouth guards from fitting correctly. Protruding teeth are more likely to break during any kind of collision or hit to the mouth. Not only may your teeth be susceptible to damage, but there is also a chance of injuring your gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.

This may come as a surprise to you, but having straight teeth can also lead to fewer headaches! Crowded teeth may cause them to wear unevenly. This disproportion and wearing puts pressure on the jaw and muscles that surround it, which leads to soreness and headaches. 

The most important positive outcomes from having straight teeth are better overall health and increased self-esteem. Improving your oral hygiene will help keep your teeth free of tooth decay and gum disease, which can both lead to other problems throughout the body such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Having a clean, straight smile can boost your confidence in whatever setting you may be found. Whether you are at school, work, or any other social environment, having a confident smile will not only make your day more enjoyable, but can also be contagious to others around you and make them want to smile as well. 

Bad Dental Habits to Watch For

                    You may be brushing your teeth regularly, flossing between each and every tooth, and rinsing away all germs with mouthwash as your dentist instructed, but what if you still have some bad dental habits that you are unaware of? People have different ways of dealing with their stress, anxiety, and nerves throughout their everyday lives. It may not even be during stressful times that these bad habits take place. Even at moments when someone is merely sitting at their desk brainstorming or at home watching television in a perfectly good mood, they will often show signs of bad dental habits such as chewing on pens, grinding their teeth, sipping on coffee and soda, or even biting their nails. We are only human and we are not perfect, but we can learn to overcome the bad habits that come along with our imperfect world.

               

                One mistake that many of us make is using our teeth as tools. We should never use them to open cans, bottles, or any sort of hard container that can possibly chip or break a tooth. Always keep a can opener, scissors, or any other cutting tool at hand to avoid fracturing your teeth. It can not only be a painful experience, but it can also be very bothersome to feel a chipped tooth in your mouth all day until you are able to get it fixed. Stay away from chewing on pens, pencils, and your nails. Just like cans and bottles, chewing on these objects can lead to breaks and unwanted chips to your teeth as well. Instead, try chewing on something healthier that is easier on your teeth such as sugar-free bubble gum or veggies.

               

                Try staying away from crunching down on large pieces of ice from your drink. It may be refreshing, but there are risks at hand when chewing large ice cubes. It has the same effects as biting on pens would have. It can slowly begin to cause damage to the enamel, which can lead to bigger problems in the future. Instead, switch to small, crushed ice that will dissolve easily and faster than large ice. Sipping on sugary or acidic beverages is another habit that most people take very lightly. The acids and sugars found in certain drinks are capable of breaking down and eroding your teeth over time. If you have no choice but to drink acidic or sugary beverages, try to avoid damage by using a straw more often. Make sure the straw is positioned to the back of the mouth instead of being up against the surface of your teeth to prevent tooth decay.

                People may grind their teeth during any time of day. Whether it is during the day or while you’re sleeping, grinding is a bad habit on many levels. It can be caused from stress and anxiety, but it could also be because of crooked teeth or an abnormal bite. There are several things you could do to prevent grinding. The first step is to simply pay close attention to your actions. If you catch yourself grinding, try placing your tongue in between your teeth to help reduce your jaw pressure and help it relax. If you practice this often, you can eventually teach yourself to stop grinding all together. For nighttime relief, place a warm towel on your jaw line to relax your muscles. If you want something more dependable, try wearing a mouth guard, which will stay in place all night long.  We are blessed with only one set of adult teeth in our lifetime, so we must always strive to keep them clean and in shape for our future years to come!

Back to School, Back to Smiles

Back to school means trips to the mall for the latest styles, visits to the supermarket for notebooks and pencils, and appointments with hair stylists for back to school-worthy haircuts. There’s just one thing missing from this list that unfortunately many parents choose to opt out of – a trip to the dentist! Further, just like laying out clothes the night before, waking up early in the morning, and staying after school for extra-curricular activities, good oral hygiene needs to simply become part of your little ones’ daily routine. Here’s how you can make sure that your kids start off the school year with a healthy smile.

If you haven’t already, schedule a dentist appointment for your kiddos within the next couple of weeks. As hard as you may try to avoid it, they’re going to get their hands on all kinds of junk food and candy at school. It’s important that you know their teeth are in good health before this. The high levels of sugar found in some snacks and drinks will just make the problem worse, so if they have cavities or any other problem, you need to try twice as hard to correct it when they’re home.

Don’t stop efforts after the appointment. When you’re out shopping for school supplies, stop by the dental care aisle to stock up on toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and toothbrushes for the year. Remember that changing toothbrushes is important. After awhile, nasty germs accumulate. Change their brush out every report card or after they’ve been sick.

If your kids are involved in sports, now is the time to get them a mouth guard that fits properly. Don’t wait until they come home with a bloody mouth, missing a tooth! Putting it off isn’t worth the pain.

Finally, instead of sending your kids off to school with lunch money, try packing a nutritious lunch for them as often as possible. Packing a yummy sandwich, a side of fruits and veggies, and a sugar-free beverage is much better than sending them off with money to buy chili cheese fries not only for their oral health, but overall physical health as well.

Start the school year off right by taking care of teeth. When your little ones put on their new school outfits and rock their new haircuts, they’ll be able to flash beautiful smiles as well. After all the outfits and supplies are paid for, when all is said and done, watching them climb on the school bus confidently smiling is simply priceless. 

Tooth Enamel

Much like we rely on our skin for protection of our internal organs, our teeth rely on enamel; however, unlike our skin, tooth enamel cannot re-grow or heal itself. As we drink, chew and live our daily lives, the erosion of tooth enamel is inevitable, however it is controllable.

There are four general explanations for enamel erosion. The first reason is attrition, tooth-to-tooth friction, which is commonly related to bruxism The second means of erosion is abrasion which can happen from rough teeth brushing, biting hard objects, and tobacco use. The third is abfraction, which is any crack from flexing or bending of the tooth. The last erosion mechanism is corrosion, which is the result of acidic objects hitting the tooth's surface.

In some cases, such as genetics or acid reflux disease, enamel erosion can be out of our control. But there are certain habits we can develop to prevent the rate of enamel erosion over our life time. Try to keep soda consumption to a minimum,  stay away from high sugar and starch foods, limit acidic fruit intake and prevent any of the environmental factors as mentioned previously. Remember, maintenance is key to a healthy, beautiful smile! 

                                                                                    

Pearly Whites

When’s the last time you heard your dentist or orthodontist say, “Now let me see those pearly yellows!” Never. However, we do understand that it can be a challenge to keep teeth looking perfectly white. After a while, the food and drinks we consume begin to stain our teeth and we need much more than a good brushing to get the stain out. Luckily, there are ways you can prevent your teeth from staining in the first place!

The best thing to do would be to avoid drinking soda, coffee, tea and wine all together, but we know that’s a tall order. If you can’t resist, drink these drinks with a straw so that they don’t wash over your front teeth. Make sure your coffee is cool enough first. You don’t want to burn your tongue, now.

So what about what you can consume? We promise this isn’t just a list of what you can’t have. There are some foods that are natural stain fighters. They gently scrub your teeth as you chew and help you produce saliva which conveniently enough is our natural defense against acid. Apples, carrots, celery, and cauliflower top the list. Hard cheeses are also great for a scrub.  

Don’t forget to brush and floss! Plaque is a pesky thing that’s hard to get rid of and it gives stains something to cling to. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day can really help to prevent plaque from building up. Once it’s there, your dentist needs special tools to get rid of it, so don’t neglect making an appointment twice a year.

If all else fails, ask your dentist about a whitening treatment or toothpaste. Some may actually damage enamel and make teeth and gums extra sensitive so don’t just pick up the first one you see at the grocery store. Your dentist can help you choose a safe and effective treatment or may schedule you for a visit just for whitening. Whatever your methods, whiter teeth can make you more confident in what is already a beautiful smile!

What is Bruxism?

Have you ever woken up in the morning with an aching mouth or jaw and wondered why? Have you ever been told “you grind your teeth.” If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may have bruxism. Bruxism is the formal name for grinding or clenching your teeth. It can take place in the day time, but more commonly bruxism occurs at night, when you’re asleep.

Bruxism is common among children who still have all of their baby teeth and children whose permanent teeth are starting to grow in. The cause of bruxism is unknown; however, dentists believe it has something to do with a person’s “bite.” A bite refers to the way the top and bottom teeth fit together. Stress may also be a contributing factor. With stress, your body can react to those anxious feelings through the grinding or clenching of teeth.

Many children and young adults grind their teeth at some point. Grinding, most of the time, doesn't cause permanent damage to your teeth. The most significant damage that occurs is worn tooth enamel, but if your bruxism is causing headaches, a sore face or jaw, it may be a good idea to give your dentist a call. The remedy for bruxism is most often a night guard, which is a piece of plastic, similar to a mouth guard that athletes wear. A night guard is worn at night and is fitted specifically for your teeth and mouth to prevent teeth grinding.