Play it safe with Mouth Guards

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in the surrounding communities will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Orthodontic Specialists urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. Wear a helmet. Wear protective eye wear. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin. Be alert, even as a spectator! Hopeful these tips will keep you and your mouth safe this spring sports season. www.aao.org

Celebrate Earth Day

On April 22, celebrate by starting a new Earth-friendly habit. Spread the word! The more people who treat the Earth well, the safer all its inhabitants will be.

Plant a tree. Trees help clean the air we breathe. They produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. Participate in cleanup days at a beach or park. Use those outdoor trash cans! Never litter. Keep our waterways clean. When you visit a park or beach, be sure you deposit your trash in containers and volunteer at some state and national cleanups.

Don't kill that spider! There are an estimated 40,000 species of spiders, and they all eat insects. They're an important part of the food web and provide natural pest control. 

Ban all drips. If you have a dripping faucet in the house, ask your parents to replace the washer inside it. If you stop a faucet from leaking one drop each second, you can save 2,700 gallons of water a year.

Safeguard storm drains. Don't litter. Trash tossed carelessly outside often washes into storm drains, which empty into rivers and streams that eventually flow to the oceans. Pollution is a growing problem for all the Earth's oceans and its wildlife. www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

“Text 2 Like” on Facebook

Be sure to become a fan on our Orthodontic Specialists of New England Facebook Fanpage!!! To become a fan, simply Text like newengland4braces to 32665 or log onto our website at www.NewEngland4Braces.comand click on the Facebook icon link. Then click on the “Like” button on our Fanpage and you will instantly become a fan!  This is an easy way to stay up to date on all of the new and exciting features that Orthodontic Specialists of New England has to offer!

Patient Referral Program

To show our appreciation, each time you refer a patient you will receive a credit of one month's payment. This credit will be applied to your account the month after the referred patient is fitted with braces. There is no limit as to how many patients you can refer. The patient referral program still applies for the accounts that are paid in full. Paid in full accounts will receive a $75.00 gift card the month after the referred patient is fitted with braces. *Some exclusions may apply.

Word Search Contest

See front desk for entry form. Submit your completed word search entry form for a chance to win a $50.00 Gift Card! Entries must be received by April 30^th to apply!

April showers bring May flowers!

We’ve all heard this rhyme at some point in time, usually having been taught it at an early age by our parents or teachers. It’s a popular thing to say and hear around springtime, but one thing you might not know is where the rhyme originated from. It can be traced back to the mid 1500s, although earlier uses of “April showers bring May flowers” may have existed.

Thomas Tusser compiled a collection of writings, in which he wrote, “Sweet April showers, Do spring May flowers.”

As you can see, the rhyme was originally a short poem. There is meaning behind the words, as well. “April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – in this case, an abundance of flowers in May. “April showers bring May flowers” is a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

www.feelingsandflowers.com

Bracket Friendly Recipe Contest

Enter to win our Spring Bracket Friendly Recipe Contest. Submit your favorite bracket friendly recipe for a chance to win a Gift Card valued at $50.00!!! See the front desk for details!!!

“Text 2 Like” on Facebook

Be sure to become a fan on our Orthodontic Specialists of Florida Facebook Fanpage!!! To become a fan, simply Text like florida4braces to 32665 or log onto our website at www.Florida4Braces.com and click on the Facebook icon link. Then  click on the “Like” button on our Fanpage and you will instantly become a fan!  This is an easy way to stay up to date on all of the new and exciting features that Orthodontic Specialists of Florida has to offer!

Patient Referral Program

To show our appreciation, each time you refer a patient you will receive a Gift Card valued at $50.00 the month after the referred patient is fitted with braces. There is no limit as to how many patients you can refer. The patient referral program still applies for the patients in retention! We appreciate your confidence in our doctors and staff!

Don't Bite Your Nails!

Biting your nails is an awful habit, but you may wonder, "what’s so bad about it?" Nail biting,  is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth! Here’s why: It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment. Braces don’t love it either. Nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots. It can be costly. (www.huffingtonpost.com)

March Madness Fun Clover Facts!

The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland. The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to the Guinness Book of World Records 2008, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 21!  One estimate suggests that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover. Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Braces-Friendly St. Patty's Day Recipe!

If you are looking for a braces-friendly recipe to celebrate St. Patty's Day, check out the recipe for Corned Beef Casserole below!

CORNED BEEF CASSEROLE
Ingredients

•1 (8-ounce) package medium egg noodles, uncooked
•1 (12-ounce) can corned beef
•1 (10.5- to 14-ounce) can cream of celery soup, undiluted
•¾ cup milk (use just ½ cup if using larger soup can)
•1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
•¼ cup bread crumbs (seasoned or toasted plain)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, cook the noodles just until tender; drain. In a large bowl, chop the corned beef into a coarse crumbly texture.

Stir in soup, milk and onion. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Add the noodles and the corned beef mixture and stir together well. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top.

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Try serving the casserole with petite whole green beans from the freezer…or add 1 cup of finely chopped purple cabbage, 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 teaspoons fennel seed or powder for some true Irish flavor.

From “The Braces Cookbook 2: Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch” by Pamela Waterman and Amee Hoge.

Braces make faces look better than a Pot of Gold!

Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment. An attractive smile contributes to a better self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. 

A person's self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve a person’s general attitude toward life. There are psychological aspects that are also important. It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success. People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about. (AAO Website Braces.org)

March is American Red Cross Month

Because of donations and volunteer time, the Red Cross can respond to nearly 200 neighborhood emergencies every day. The Red Cross works tirelessly to provide help and hope when people need it most, and are grateful for the public support that enables them to continue our work, here at home and abroad. Since its founding in 1881, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. (www.redcross.org)

Time for a New Toothbrush?

Do you know how many bacteria live on your toothbrush? Brace yourself! Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can be loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria. The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric type) about every three months — more because of the wear on the bristles than germs. 

However, it really depends on the brusher and not the brush. If you have a heavy hand, the bristles might wear out sooner. Remember that the key determinant is not the calendar but the shape the bristles are in. You need to replace your toothbrush when the bristles spew in different directions. Check your children’s toothbrushes regularly because they probably will need to be replaced more frequently. Some toothbrushes have bristles that change colors to indicate they’ve worn out. You can also develop the habit of changing your toothbrush with every six-month dental check-up and then again midway before the next appointment. Or try timing the change to the first day of every season.  

(www.everydayhealth.com)

Some Tooth-Healthy Do's and Dont's

Crunching ice and popcorn – Your teeth are tough and made to last a lifetime eating a normal diet, but they do have a breaking point. Ice is tough – tough enough that glaciers carve mountains and an iceberg could peel open the Titanic. Chewing ice is a common habit; but even if this doesn't cause a major break, it can lead to a network of tiny cracks that can develop serious problems as time goes on. Popcorn has its own dental danger, from husks that can easily become wedged between teeth to uncooked kernels that can damage teeth.

Use a straw/don't swish – The impact of sweet and/or acidic drinks can be cushioned by getting into the habit of drinking through a straw aimed toward the back of the mouth. Swishing a drink through the teeth, however, intensifies the effect of both sugars and acids.

Use water as a mouthwash – Water makes the perfect rinse to clear sugars and acids after eating or drinking.

Be careful brushing - It's recommended that you brush after every meal. However there's an exception; if you have just eaten or drunk an acidic food or beverage, you should rinse with plain water to clear your mouth, and then wait at least a half-hour before brushing. After the acid bath, your tooth enamel is more vulnerable to damage. Waiting a while gives saliva a chance to remineralize the teeth so the brushing doesn't worsen damage. (www.pioneerthinking.com)

Retainer Wear is Important

There is a critical part to orthodontic treatment called retention, where an upper and lower retainer is worn to stabilize the teeth. As a patient you have invested your time, efforts and finances, which is what the retainers are there to protect. To put it simply: the gum tissue has a “strong memory” that, if not stabilized post-treatment, could possibly cause the teeth to shift out of alignment. Many assume after a year or two of consistent retainer wear the teeth are stable enough to discard the retainers and forget about them forever. This is untrue because many things can cause the teeth to shift: a high surface area from a restoration or filling, periodontal issues and as we age in general are all factors that can contribute to misalignment of the teeth. This can be avoided by retention with upper and lower retainers. (www.drcarr.com)

February Is National Children's Health Month!

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums."For a Sparkly Smile, Brush & Floss Every Day!" Also, remember to get your dental cleanings every 6 months!

Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

• Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
• Wear a helmet.
• Wear protective eye wear.
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin.
• Be alert, even as a spectator

Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth threatening activities. Remember, stay safe and have fun! 

Top 10 Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. 
2. It Wards Off Gum Disease. Gum disease, or an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place, is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. 
3. It's About More Than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene?
4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.
5. It's Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. 
6. You Want to Know You're Doing it Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check ups allow your dentist to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.
7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.
8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.
9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!
10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in the waiting room and chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life and just relax. 

Rhyme Time!

Follow the advice in this little rhyme, 

no broken braces will help you finish on time!

HARD & STICKY snacks should be avoided; 

use COMMON SENSE so you’re not disappointed

CARAMEL & TAFFY will pull off your braces; 

longer treatment time will result in sad faces

POPCORN & NUTS are fun at a movie; 

they’ll pop off your braces which isn’t very groovy

PIZZA & BREAD CRUST may be the best part; 

this is how most bent wires will start 

BAGELS, PRETZELS & even a BONE; 

will knock off a bracket so leave well alone 

DORITOS & TACOS are a nice spicy treat; 

but for breaking braces they’re hard to beat

RAW FRUIT, even APPLES eaten the wrong way; 

will mean you’ll probably be seeing the doctor today 

If HARD VEGGIES like CARROTS are not cut small; 

off the teeth, the braces will fall 

We know GUM is fun to chew;

 but while you’re in braces it’s not really for you

PENS & PENCILS should stay out of your mouth; 

otherwise your braces will be heading south 

This is so important we must say it twice - 

NEVER, NEVER chew on ICE!

We will work hard as a team to build your new smile; 

otherwise you’ll wear braces for a long long while.

Poem by Dr. Rael Bernstein 

Orthodontic New Year Resolutions

I will brush my teeth more than once a day! 

I will NOT chew gum!

I will get dental cleanings every six months!

I won't gross out my parents by smiling with food in my braces! 

I will try not to gag during impressions! 

I will NOT bite the clinician! 

I won't snap my rubber bands at the kid in front of me! 

I won't be late or miss my appointments! 

I will stop making the dog wear my retainer!