Get a Gold Medal Smile

What kid doesn't want to be an Olympic star? Not only can these athletes inspire our kids to "go for the gold" but this year they will be inspiring them to "Get a Gold Medal Smile". February is National Children's Dental Health Month. What better time to give your kids a refresher course on what it takes to keep their smile healthy and beautiful!

Good oral hygiene is important during all fazes of life but never more important than when your child is wearing braces! At DiCiccio Orthodontics, we put a HUGE emphasis on healthy teeth and gums. Our patients earn double the points for getting a "good grade" on their oral hygiene, not to mention the points they earn for seeing their general dentist for regular check-ups.

So just what does it take to keep a smile healthy and beautiful? If you are wearing or have worn braces, you have accomplished the first step! Straight teeth not only look great and make you feel proud of yourself, they are also much easier to keep clean. If your teeth are in proper alignment, food is generally directed away from the gum line and it is much easier to brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

If you haven't worn braces, that is a great place to start! Our office would be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation to get the ball rolling. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen by an orthodontic specialist by the age of 7. There are many developments things that the specialist can see. You will then be guided to the proper timing of treatment for your child. Keep in mind, you do not have to be referred by a general dentist to take this very important step.

Here are some other things that you can do to get that "Gold Medal Smile" and keep it that way.

• Brush twice a day
• Clean between your teeth daily
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
• Stay away from sugary, carbonated beverages
• Chew sugarless gum
• Limit your snacks and eat healthy foods
• Make sure your child has an evaluation by an orthodontic specialist by age 7

It's really NOT that difficult to "Get a Gold Medal Smile" but it does take some discipline and a little bit of work each day. It is not that much different than "going for the gold" I guess!  And it is definitely worth the effort!

Sack Lunch

Packing a lunch for school this year? Be sure to take your braces into consideration when putting that food in your sack! There are lots of good, healthy foods that will give you energy and are also easy on your appliances. You don't want to miss out on your fun activities because you have to spend time in our office getting your braces repaired.  

When it comes to lunch foods, sandwiches are usually a good choice. You can tear off small pieces if it is difficult to bite into. And who doesn't like fruit? Be sure to cut your fruit into very small pieces...same goes for the veggies. Stay away from the hard, crunchy or gooey snack foods and chips. Instead you might think of choosing soft energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, or fruit cups and pudding.

Be sure to keep a toothbrush in your backpack and clean those braces after you eat. You want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. (Besides your friends don't want to look at the lunch remains in your braces the rest of the day!) If you do break something and need a repair, be sure to call our office and let us know so that we can schedule enough time to get it fixed. If you just show up at your appointment without letting us know, we might not have time to make the repair, which means an additional appointment. We want to get you back to school as soon as possible. Here's to a great, emergency free school year!

Stay Healthy...Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. DiCiccio will tell you one of the most important things you can do to avoid becoming reinfected is to replace your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart – keep a spare, just in case! Here are some toothbrush tips that will help you all year long:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Prevent germs from being passed between brushes by storing them separately
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long! Studies have shown that a new toothbrush removes 30% more plaque than one that is 3 months old.
• To help you remember, some brushes have "reminder bristles" that fade over the 3 month period

We hope these tips help you stay healthier and keep those pearly whites sparkling clean! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.