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!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The benefits of a beautiful smile
Dr.Henry and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Henry Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.
If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Henry Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!
Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ask Dr. Henry, Am I too old for braces?
Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Henry Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics.
Orthodontic treatment with Dr.Henry can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr.Henry would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please visit our website to schedule your appointment!
Monday, April 30, 2012
A few patient reviews for Dr.Henry
At Henry Orthodontics we are dedicated to providing a friendly, comfortable atmosphere while creating simply spectacular smiles. And lately, our team has been receiving some great patient reviews! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr.Henry and team!
"Amazing doctor who goes the extra mile and really cares about his patients. Fantastic staff and beautiful facility. Thanks so very much!" - Sunji
"Amazing doctor who goes the extra mile and really cares about his patients. Fantastic staff and beautiful facility. Thanks so very much!" - Sunji
"By far the best service of any office we have ever visited. Dr. Henry your staff is truly caring, and professional. Thank you for all that you do for your patients and our community". -Ashlynn, Kolt & Baylee
"The BEST orthodontist EVER!! Dr. Henry and his staff are WONDERFUL! So thankful not just for their orthodontic services but for ALL the wonderful things they do in the community!" -Jessica
"Awesome orthodontist, very involved and in touch with patients. Staff are awesome too, friendly, helpful." -Mike
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Breaking bad habits
Dr. Henry knows that good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with your doctor.
Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr.Henry if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.
We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Henry or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit!
Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr.Henry if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.
We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Henry or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit!
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