Dueling in Paraguay!

Did you know that dueling is legal in Paraguay as long as both parties are registered blood donors?  So what does this have to do with dentistry?  Some people say that they don’t floss because they see a little blood.  Actually, this is simply a sign that you may have been neglecting your hygeine.  With regular flossing and brushing that blood will disappear.   Gum disease will affect your overall health but the good news is that it is easily treated and reversed!!   Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up every six months.  Proper nutrition and excellent oral hygeine can be the first lines of defense in a long and healthy life!

MILLIONS…..SERIOUSLY?

It is hard to imagine that students ages 5-17 miss an average of over a million school days annually due to acute dental problems-that’s an average of 3.1 days per 100 students.  (Surgeon General David Satcher).  While some dental emergencies cannot be avoided, many can with proper oral hygeine and regular dental check-ups.  Remember to use your dry brush daily.  It’s an easy habit to aquire, just do it!  Whether you’re at the computer or watching tv, grab your dry brush and massage your gums!  This simple act, along with regular flossing and brushing will help maintain great oral health and can even keep you on the fast track to getting your braces off!  Remember to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment please do not hesitate to call us.  Together we will help you keep your mouth healthy and keep your orthodontic treatment on track!!!

Down In The Mouth :(

Once you’re in the retention phase of treatment it is certainly more comfortable, however you still need to be diligent with your oral hygeine.  When researchers examined teens’ retainers they found a type of yeast on two thirds of them, and staphylococcus, including the superbug MRSA, on half.  Although this seems like an alarming statistic there are several things that you can do to make sure your retainers stay clean and bacteria free.  Make sure your child brushes their retainer (ideally with a seperate toothbrush) and toothpaste at least twice a day.  If your retainer develops an odor, you can soak it for several minutes in white vinegar or Listerine.  Never wrap your retainers in a napkin as they will more than likely get thrown away.  Last but not least, when you’re not wearing your retainers keep them in a retainer case.  Children are curious about them and dogs love to eat them up!!  Taking care of your retainers doesn’t have to be difficult and neither does wearing them.  Remember, it’s not forever…but your beautiful smile is!!!!  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Trust Me!!!!

According to a Gallup Poll, dentistry is the fifth most trusted profession in America.  Another recent Gallup Poll indicated that dentists generally get high marks from consumers for their interpersonal skills and delivey of quality care.  Since tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children ages 5-17 with 59% affected, we suggest that you visit your dentist twice a year to ensure your optimum oral health.  Flossing and dry brushing are very effective ways to keep your gums healthy and avoid cavities.  Flouride rinses are also a great way to help strengthen the enamel and keep cavities at bay.   If you don’t have a general dentist, we have several great referrals and can match you with someone that you’ll feel comfortable with.  Remember, good dental care is important to your overall health and we are always here to help!

Where In The World Is Your Smile?

     Smiling is something that we do on a daily bases but we rarely think about the power that a smile can have.  There are many interesting facts that revolve around a smile.  In fact, did you know that women smile more often than men and that babies save a particular smile for only their loved ones?  Your smile has the power to change the life and day of someone, even yourself!  Psychologists have found that even if you’re in a bad mood, you can INSTANTLY lift your spirits by forcing yourself to smile….so, do yourself (and everyone around you) a favor and start smiling!!!  Read on to learn more facts about smiling.

1.  When someone smiles it is universally known as an expression of happiness and is recognized by almost all cultures.

2.  A person who studies laughter is known as a ‘gelotologist’. 

3.  A smile is one of the most used human facial expressions.  Smiles can use between 5 and 53 muscles.

4.  We are born with the ability to smile, it is not something that we copy.  Babies start smiling in their sleep as soon as they are born.

5.  Smiles are more attractive than makeup!  A research study conducted by Orbit Complete discovered that 69% of people find women more attractive when they smile than when they are wearing makeup!!

6.  People can recognize smiles from up to 300 feet away, making it the most easily recognizable facial expression.

7.  SMILES RELIEVE STRESS!!!  Your body immediately releases endorphins when you smile, even when you force it.  This sudden change in mood will help you feel better and relieve stress.

8.  Smiles are contagious, so show us your smiles everyday!!!

Don’t Stand So Close To Me!!

OK, we know that wearing braces can be a challenge and sometimes they are even a little painful, however one of the things we don’t often discuss is HALITOSIS!!!! Halitosis is the official term for “bad breath”, and is actually common in children and adults that are in orthodontic treatment. There are several ways you can combat this problem that are easy and effective. Replace your toothbrush often. We recommend that you use a new toothbrush every 8 weeks or sooner if you’ve had a cold or the flu. There are also many kinds of electric and sonic toothbrushes on the market that are very effective for people in braces. Drink lots of water!! We know that it is good for us and staying hydrated is an easy way to keep our breath fresh. Last but not least is DRY BRUSHING!!!! We remind you that it is one of the most important things that you as a patient can do to maintain execllent oral health. It takes little effort and the results are well worth it. So the next time you’re watching tv or on the phone, computer, walking the dog, (maybe not that) grab your dry brush. It will help us, you and will even combat halitosis!!!

4 Million and Counting!!!

Did you know that 4 million people in the US are currently in orthodontic treatment?  And that 3 out of 4 are younger than 18?  Braces are challenging to say the least, but with proper care, LOTS of brushing and avoiding foods that can be damaging, you are literally helping to speed up your treatment!!!   There are many kinds of brushes, floss threaders and special tools to aid you in keeping your mouth as healthy as possible thus helping us keep you on track.  We stress the importance of oral care and “remind” you at each appointment the importance of daily dry brushing.  It takes little time but it is one of the most important jobs you can perform to maintain excellent oral health.  So the next time you’re watching TV, grab your dry brush and massage your gum tissue.  This simple action can help you and us significantly!!!!

Laffy Taffy Isn’t Funny….

….When It Costs Your Parents Money!!!    With Halloween quickly approaching, we wanted to post a gentle reminder about the types of candy that you can enjoy and the unfortunate  list of things you should avoid while in orthodontic treatment.  At the risk of sounding like we don’t want you to have ANY fun this holiday season, we hope that you can enjoy as much candy as you’d like without unnecessary trips to the office to repair or replace broken brackets etc.    It’s all about candy!!!  You can have as much as you’d like, (or your parents will let you have), as long as it’s soft, delicious, mouth-watering and not sticky, chewy, gooey, crackely, or crunchy…you get it.  Please resist biting into a caramel apple, crunching into a hunk of peanut brittle, and chewing a huge piece of bubble gum!  If by chance you happen to be in need of “repairs” please call our office ASAP to schedule an appointment.  October is National Orthodontic Health Month and we invite you to log on to their website www.braces.org/NOHM for tricks, treats and “braces friendly” recipes.  Be safe, have fun and enjoy!!!

Who Knew? The Heart-Mouth Connection

Did you know that an estimated 80 percent of Americans currently have some form of periodontal disease?  (that’s the fancy word for gum disease).  Gum disease is a threat to your oral health and can seriously affect your overall health.  It can also prevent us from treating you as rapidly and effectively as possible. 

Symptoms of peridontal disease may include the following:

*redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss

*bad breath

*gum recession

*”pockets” between the teeth and gums

Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless.  Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing gum disease.  In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems.  Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

Heart disease,  Stroke,  Diabetes  and Premature Births

The good news is that periodontal “gum” disease can be controled and is largely done by you!!   See your dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.  (Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good and could be a lifesaver!)  Brush and floss daily.  Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash.  (Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria).  These steps are even more important during your orthodontic treatment and can greatly improve your results and can even shorten treatment time!!

We are happy to answer any “oral health” questions and provide you with helpful hints and tools to make it as easy as possible for you to care for your teeth and gums.   Here’s to a lifetime of radiant smiles, and healthy hearts!!!!

Stop Being So Darn Sensitive!!

We’ve all noticed it from time to time – have some ice cream followed by a cup of hot coffee and OUCH! – your teeth are telling you not to do that!  But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let’s start with a little quiz.  What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a) Fingernails  b) The thigh bone, also known as the femur c) tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you’re not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you’re ready to understand tooth sensitivity.

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant.  Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber.  So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in.  The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well.  So what can you do?

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush.  Lots of pressure and stiff bristles don’t clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums.  Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses that can help.  Let us know and we’ll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Sometimes while in the active phase of orthodontics, sensitivity is not uncommon and usually subsides as treatment progresses.

At Hayward and Team Orthodontics we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums!  If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 847-359-7980 and we will be glad to see how we can help.  We want you to be as comfortable as possible!!!