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