What's on your mind?

 

By now, you're probably familiar with our blog writing process: Each week, we write about important orthodontic topics, including the treatment we proudly offer, and other miscellaneous subjects regarding dental and orthodontic well-being.

This week, though, we thought we'd step back and ask you, our amazing patients:what's on your mind? What would you like to know about the ever-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? Is there something you would like us to focus on in our blog? Perhaps you have wanted to ask us something for a while now? This is your opportunity! Let us know by emailing or posting on our Facebook page, or contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members, and we'll try to answer any questions you may have!

American Heart Month!

In the past couple of weeks, we have covered subjects pertaining to children's dental health because February is "National Children's Dental Health Month." It is also American Heart Month, which is a great time to take note of the health of your heart, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, so please be careful not to under estimate the importance of good oral health care, especially while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis during your orthodontic treatment not only ensures a successful outcome, but can also help prevent gum disease, or at the very least, catch it in early stages. In observation of American Hearth Month, it's also important to keep track of numbers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI, and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.


If you have any questions about heart health, the importance of visiting your dentist, or your orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to contact any of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

Tips for Brushing and Flossing Children's Teeth

Brushing children's teeth is a habit that should start as soon as teeth begin to erupt. By starting early, you instill the routine of brushing daily. A soft washcloth wrapped around your finger is a good substitute for a brush as teeth first are coming through the gum tissue, and will acclimate your child to the idea of brushing.  Be sure to ask your dentist when to begin brushing with a toothbrush. Following are some tips for taking care of your child's teeth:

• Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water prior to brushing helps to soften the bristles even more.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day - in the morning and just prior to bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is often the area where cavities will first develop.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner, if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
• Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two erupted teeth touch together. The use of floss sticks or picks, instead of regular string floss, may be easier for both you and your child.
• Ask your dentist about whether your child needs fluoride treatment. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or treatment may be necessary.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings that cover the chewing surface of the back teeth, helping to protect from potential tooth decay.

Tooth brushing is a very important factor to one's overall health and well-being. If you have any questions or would like any tips, feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members.

National Children's Dental Health Month

For the past 63 years, the American Dental Association has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness and express the importance of oral health at a young age, especially during orthodontic treatment. Developing good habits, including regular visits with your dentist, even while under orthodontic care at an early age, helps patients get off to a good start for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Brushing and flossing can be more difficult for children with braces, and removing accumulating food particles will require more effort and extra time. If oral health is not taken seriously, the treatment results can be significantly compromised or delayed. Any one of our Sondhi-Biggs team members would be happy to explain why proper brushing and flossing are so important while in orthodontic treatment.

Myth/Fact...

 

There are several myths about braces, like... "will I get radio signals or be more likely to get struck by lightning with braces on?"  There are also myths regarding how braces will affect your lifestyle.  We would like to set the record straight about a few of them:

MYTH: Braces are only for kids.

FACT: One in five orthodontic patients are adults. 

MYTH: Going to an Orthodontist is only necessary for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.

FACT: Not true.  Orthodontists are trained for an additional 2 years in growth and development, which is important in the management of all orthodontic cases. 

MYTH: Braces are painful, and treatment takes two years or more for the desired result.

FACT: After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. At Sondhi-Biggs orthodontics, due to advanced brackets and wires, most patients can be finished wearing braces in 1-1/2 years, sometimes less. 

MYTH: Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.

FACT: Unfortunately, this is not possible. 

MYTH: Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and are embarrassing in business settings.

FACT: Braces have evolved, and several options, such as Invisalign or clear, ceramic brackets, are available at Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics. 

MYTH: All dentists may join the American Association of Orthodontists.

FACT: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

 

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please feel free to contact any one of our Sondhi-Biggs Orthodontics team members.

The above information is provided by the American Association of Orthodontists.