Establishing Oral Hygiene – Orthodontic Treatment
Establishing an oral hygiene routine for your kids is important from an early age. Babies should have their first visit to the family dentist either around their first birthday or when their first tooth grows in.
Children should get into the habit of brushing once in the morning after breakfast and before they go to bed at night. Younger children can be assisted by a parent in the brushing process, and it is a good idea for parents to check on children’s brushing skills even as they grow older. If children are not brushing properly, they could be setting the foundation for future problems.
At our Dental Office, we’re dedicated to working with each patient to help him or her understand the importance of proper oral care. To find out more, call our office to speak with one of our orthodontists.
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If you have recently had braces put on by your orthodontist, you may be wondering about foods that you can eat that won’t cause damage or pain. You will need to find great snacks that you can munch on between meals that won’t get stuck in your teeth. Here are five delicious snacks that are braces-friendly:
1. Smoothies – Whether you choose to blend one up for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon snack, a smoothie is a great option because of its soft texture. Your braces may cause you mild discomfort, so you’ll enjoy the relief that a cold smoothie can provide for your teeth and gums. Best of all, it’s a healthy treat.
2. Applesauce – The smooth texture of applesauce is just what you’ll be looking for after your orthodontic appointments. Biting into a whole apple would cause unnecessary pain and could leave unsightly chunks of fruit in your braces. However, with this pureed alternative, you can still enjoy the taste of apples.
3. Bananas – Bananas are soft fruit that does not require you to put much pressure onto your teeth to eat. This means that you will not have to worry about bananas irritating your tender teeth and gums or damaging your braces.
4. String cheese – While fruity snacks are great, you may be craving something with a bit more protein. If this is the case, string cheese is a perfect option. Eating large pieces of hard cheese can damage your braces, while soft cheeses can become stuck behind your brackets. String cheese is the perfect solution that will help satisfy your craving.
5. Pudding – If you are looking for a dessert to eat for a special occasion that will not damage your braces, pudding is a great option. Remember to brush after you are done with your snack to remove any sugars from your teeth and gums.
If you’re still curious about braces-friendly foods or have other questions related to braces, speak with a member of the orthodontic team at Our Dental Office. We provide patients with superior service and braces options. Call us today to learn more.
If you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, you may be wondering what the benefits are. Some of the benefits have less to do with cosmetics and more with the actual health of the teeth.
Teeth that have been straightened with braces are easier to brush and floss. Once braces have corrected a bite problem or realigned poorly spaced teeth, patients are generally less likely to grind their teeth involuntarily at night.
At our Dental Office, we love sharing with patients the many ways that braces can give them both a beautiful and healthy smile. To learn more about braces and our orthodontic services, visit us or call us today.
It’s summertime, which means vacations and a higher chance of forgetting to pack your orthodontic equipment. Even a few days without proper care for your braces can result in an unnecessary trip to your orthodontist. Here are the four most common mistakes made by patients with traditional braces:
1. Not Flossing: Although it becomes slightly more difficult to get in between your teeth with braces on, you should not stop flossing. Food particles can easily get stuck in your braces and between your shifting teeth. Take a packet of floss with you when you leave for the day so you can clean your braces after meals.
2. Forgetting Wax: Loose wires can create very sore tongues and gums. If you have a wire that is a bit too long, your wax can quickly become your best friend. Be sure to keep a box of wax with you so that you are prepared for this situation.
3. Failing to Wear Gear: Although it may be uncomfortable to wear at first, any orthodontic equipment that your orthodontist provides, such as headgear or retainers, is essential for your orthodontic treatment. Make a routine of putting your orthodontic gear on at around the same time each day as instructed so that you won’t forget to wear it.
4. Losing Rubber Bands: Rubber bands will occasionally break, especially if left outside in a hot car. To ensure that you keep your orthodontic treatment on track, be sure to keep some rubber bands handy and always use them as your orthodontist instructs.
At our Dental Office, we work closely with patients to help them learn the best ways to take care of their braces. We can also explain the importance of each step in a patient’s treatment plan. To get more information about traditional braces or other orthodontic treatment options, come visit us or call us today.