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!