Can you believe we’re halfway through summer? As the weather gets – and stays – hot here in Alaska, the chances for athletes to sustain a mouth injury get likelier and likelier because of all the sports they play over the summer. Dr Henry would like to remind you to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports.
That includes wearing a mouth guard at all times when you’re out on the field. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries.We hope you’re having a GREAT summer!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sports Drinks, the New Cola?
Sports and energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular with teens, and dentists are becoming concerned about the lasting impact this trend may have on oral health. According to a study from the University of Iowa, sports drinks are even more corrosive to teeth than colas and energy drinks. Researchers found that the high sugar content and acids in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel and the roots of teeth. With weakened enamel, the teeth are more susceptible to bacteria that can sneak into the cracks and crevices in the teeth. Sugar can intensify the situation and encourage the bacterial growth.
The good news is that if teens are only using sports drinks to stay hydrated during athletic events, they probably won't have much to worry about. Saliva, which protects teeth by rinsing away acids and debris, neutralizes the negative effects of sports drinks. But while the sports drinks hydrate and stimulate tooth-protecting saliva flow during athletics, teens should avoid sipping them throughout the day since this will prolong teeth's contact with harmful sugar and acid.
The good news is that if teens are only using sports drinks to stay hydrated during athletic events, they probably won't have much to worry about. Saliva, which protects teeth by rinsing away acids and debris, neutralizes the negative effects of sports drinks. But while the sports drinks hydrate and stimulate tooth-protecting saliva flow during athletics, teens should avoid sipping them throughout the day since this will prolong teeth's contact with harmful sugar and acid.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
5 tips for avoiding plaque buildup
At Henry Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.
Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.
Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.
You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.
Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Henry. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!
Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.
Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.
You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.
Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Henry. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!
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