Protecting Your Healthy Smile While Wearing Braces

Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your future. We, at OrthoWorks want you to have the best orthodontic results possible. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take care of your teeth and gums. This article explains why and how.
More care needed during orthodontics
Have a look in the mirror at your new braces. As you see, the brackets and wires have many nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque. This means your risk of tooth decay and gum problems may be higher while you are wearing braces or Invisalign.

You need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth everyday and to your diet. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

Areas on the enamel surface may begin to lose minerals (the early stage of tooth decay), leaving unsightly white spots. You may also develop inflamed, bleeding gums (gingivitis). Gingivitis and the early stages of tooth decay can be reversed by taking extra care with your cleaning and diet. If left untreated, they can lead to bigger problems that will require treatment and have life-long effects. While you are having orthodontic treatment, you need to continue to have regular check-ups with your family dental professional to ensure little problems don't become big ones.

Tooth-friendly diet
Dental professionals are increasingly concerned about acidic foods and drinks that can damage tooth enamel when consumed frequently or when sipped over extended periods of time.

The chart below shows you how some common food and drinks stack up against one another. While many high acid foods are healthy for your body, low acid foods are better for your teeth. Remember- during orthodontic treatment, it's best to choose low acid foods when you sit down to eat.

Less Tooth-Friendly
Foods & Drinks
(High Acid)
Apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries Tomatoes, pickles
Soft drinks (regular & diet), sports drinks, fruit drinks
Vinaigrette dressings, BBQ sauces, salsas

More Tooth-Friendly
Foods & Drinks
(Low Acid)
Bananas, mangoes, melons
Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, beets
Milk, water
Meat, poultry, seafood,eggs, crackers, soups, pasta



Most of us are well aware that sugary foods and drinks can lead to tooth decay. Starchy foods, such as potato chips, can also stick to teeth for long periods of time and cause tooth decay.

Soda is especially hard on teeth because it not only contains acidic flavor additives, but it also includes 10–12 teaspoons of sugar, which further increases your chance of developing cavities. Studies show that diet sodas are just as damaging as regular sodas at weakening tooth enamel.1

Saliva is your body's natural defense against tooth decay. You need to give saliva plenty of time to wash away acids that form after eating and drinking. A good rule to follow is to limit eating times each day to 3 meals and 2 snack times. You can drink plenty of water as often as you like! Be aware that bottled water may not contain fluoride.

Braces-friendly diet & habits
There are foods that can loosen, break or bend wires and bands when you are wearing braces.

Avoid hard foods such as nuts and hard cookies. Foods such as apples and carrots should be chopped into small pieces before eating to reduce the stress on your braces. Avoid sticky foods such as caramels, toffees, muesli or fruit bars. No chewing gum! No chewing ice!

Habits such as nail biting, unnatural tongue thrusting, pencil chewing and nervous picking at your wires can also break braces. Be aware of these and make an effort to stop them. Remember that damaged braces mean extra appointments, inconvenience and extended treatment time. If you do break your braces, be sure to make an appointment with your orthodontist immediately. Broken braces are not correcting your teeth!



Care at home
When cleaning your mouth while you are wearing braces, you need to pay special attention not only to your teeth and gums, but also to the brackets and wires.

Here are 10 simple steps for keeping your teeth, gums and braces in great shape:

If your orthodontist has fitted you with elastics, remove them before brushing.
Using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft, compact toothbrush, place your brush at an angle of 45 degrees against the gums. Gently brush along the gum line where the gums and teeth meet, using a small circular motion on each tooth.
Spend about 10 seconds on each tooth before moving onto the next tooth, brushing in a set pattern so that you don't miss any teeth.
Gently brush the braces. Press your toothbrush firmly enough so that the bristles spread into the gaps between the wire and the tooth. Brush in and around all of the brackets and wires. Ensure that you brush under the wires. A battery powered brush may be helpful.
Brush both the inside and the outside surfaces of your teeth using a gentle circular motion on each tooth.

For the chewing surfaces, use a firm back and forth motion.
Spit out excess paste, then closely inspect your teeth and braces in the mirror to check that they are clean and shiny.
Replace your elastics in accordance with your orthodontist's recommendation.
After brushing, rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, such as Colgate® Phos-Flur® , for 1 minute to help prevent cavities and white spots.
Use other oral care products, such as PreviDent® 5000 Booster? (1.1% Sodium Fluoride), as prescribed by your dental professional.
Fluoride and oral care products
Fluoride protection against tooth decay is needed throughout life. However, while you are wearing braces, it is much harder to keep your teeth clean. This can result in higher than normal amounts of plaque accumulation, which can cause cavities.

Using fluoride toothpaste after each meal or at least twice a day is one of the most proven ways to help you stay decay free. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to the acids produced after eating or drinking and replaces minerals that are lost in the early stages of tooth decay. At OrthoWorks, we encourage our patients to brushing with Fluoride Gel, Gelkam, every night before bed. After brushing with the gel, there should be no rinsing, drinking and eating. Let the fluoride gel work into the enamal while you sleep. This is the best way to make your enamal become stronger and less cavity prone.

If you have further questions about maintaining good oral health during braces, please feel free to call us at the office anytime to discuss with our doctors or our dental assistants.

Thanks.

Dr. David Shen
Tel: 888 BRACES2
www.OrthoWorks.com

Xylitol Chewing Gum Can Prevent Cavities And Gum Disease?

Early childhood caries (ECC), a severe deterioration of infants’ teeth due to bacterial infection, is a major global public health concern and its prevalence is rising, mostly within poor populations. Children with ECC are three times more likely than children without ECC to develop tooth decay in their permanent teeth, and ECC has a negative effect on oral health in general.1

Xylitol Acts as an Antibacterial Agent

Xylitol, a five-carbon sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in foods, gum, and oral health products,2 reduces plaque formation and bacterial adherence by exerting a selective antibacterial action against mutans streptococci, the main bacterial species in human tooth decay.1 However, the concentrations of xylitol in these products are generally too low to have anticariogenic effects.

Efficacy of Xylitol Shown in a Randomized Clinical Trial

A study by Milgrom and colleagues was the first to assess the efficacy of xylitol pediatric topical syrup in the reduction of the incidence of tooth decay.1 Children at high risk for ECC, aged from 15 to 25 months, were followed for 12 months in a double-blind randomized clinical trial. A total of 94 children were randomized to one of three groups, two active groups each receiving oral xylitol (8 g/day) divided into 2 or 3 doses, and a control group receiving a single subtherapeutic dose of 2.67 g xylitol. Dose frequency was controlled by dummy doses of sorbitol, a polyol sweetener which has not demonstrated protective effects against caries.

The number of decayed teeth was evaluated and results are shown in the table. Compared to the control group, significantly fewer decayed teeth were observed in the xylitol-2X group and the xylitol-3X group (51.6% vs. 24.25% vs. 40.6%, respectively). There was no significant difference between xylitol treatment groups (p-value = 0.22).

The results of this trial suggest that exposure to xylitol (8 g/day) in a twice-daily topical syrup during primary tooth eruption prevents up to 70% of tooth decay. Dividing 8 g xylitol into 3 doses daily did not significantly change the efficacy of treatment.3,4 The results confirm the position of the National Institutes of Health and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supporting the importance of xylitol for the prevention of dental carries.1

Adverse Effects and Long-Term Consequences

The most common adverse events of xylitol, such as loose stools and diarrhea, are those most frequently seen after the consumption of polyol sweeteners. There is no published evidence of long-term negative consequences related to the consumption of a specific sweetener during childhood. However, xylitol-based products have been widely available for many years and consumed in several countries with no undesirable effects noted so far.

Xylitol as a Public Health Measure

Xylitol syrup could potentially be a cost-effective measure for the prevention of ECC, especially in high-risk populations. However, further studies are required to establish xylitol effectiveness in real life practice before it can be recommended as a public health measure.5

Have Prolem Breathing at Night? Obstructive Sleep Apnea

It has been estimated that 17% of American adults have obstructive sleep apnea, with 85% being undiagnosed. OSA is the most common chronic disease in developed countries. The person who is suffering from sleep apnea, has brief periods of interrupted breathing during sleep. He is unaware that this is happening, but the quality of sleep suffers greatly.

The symptoms that most likely indicates risk for obstructive sleep apnea are snoring, fatigue, morning headaches, or daytime sleepiness. If you grind your teeth at night, your risk jumps to 80%. If you had four premolar teeth extracted for orthodontics, your risk is 80%.

Why should you be concerned? OSA is a cause of high blood pressure, which leads to risk of death by heart attack. Reggie White, a famous retired football player, died of a heart attack attributed to OSA in his sleep at age 43. OSA would be a much more common cause of death on death certificates, if it were not for the fact that it only causes the heart attack that causes death. Most autopsies list heart attack as the cause of death without commenting on the cause of the heart attack.

OSA also upsets the leptin cycle which causes your body to think it is hungry when it is not. The result is obesity. The weight gain that results then makes the OSA worse, which makes the weight gain worse.


OSA is a cause of ADHD, ADD, depression and sexual dysfunction. OSA is a major cause of heartburn and gastric reflux.

Why is a dentist interested in OSA? We see people every day with symptoms of OSA. Some dentists use a simple screening device which you wear at home for one night. When you return the device, they can get a computer printout of how many times you have had episodes of obstructive breathing problems. If your problems are severe, they make a referral to a sleep disorders doctor. But if your problems are mild or moderate, you can be successfully treated with an oral appliance which holds your chin forward when you sleep (mandibular advancement device).

What is Peridontal Disease? An In Depth Review

If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss. In a 1999 study, researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that half of Americans over 30 had bleeding gums.

Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread and destroy the structures that support your teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. In the earliest stage of periodontal disease — gingivitis — the infection affects the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved.

For many years scientists have been trying to figure out what causes periodontal disease. It is now well accepted that various types of bacteria in dental plaque are the major villains. Researchers also are learning more about how an infection in your gums can affect your overall health.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of other health problems. This is a new and exciting area of research, but it remains controversial. Studies have produced varying answers about the extent of the connection between gum disease and other medical problems, and more research is needed.

Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

Atherosclerosis and heart disease — Gum disease may increase the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease, although the extent of this connection is unclear. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
Stroke — Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.
Diabetes — People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
Respiratory disease— Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, the sticky substance that forms on your teeth a couple of hours after you have brushed. Interestingly, it is your body's response to the bacterial infection that causes most of the problems. In an effort to eliminate the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that cause inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease), and loosening of the teeth, a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of disease).

Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly (about once every six months, or more often if you have gum disease) can prevent periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing, when done correctly, help remove most of the plaque from your teeth. Professional cleanings by your dentist or dental hygienist will keep plaque under control in places that are harder for a toothbrush or floss to reach.

If oral hygiene slips or dental visits become irregular, plaque builds up on the teeth and eventually spreads below the gum line. There, the bacteria are protected because your toothbrush can't reach them. Good flossing may help dislodge the plaque; but if it is not removed, the bacteria will continue to multiply, causing a more serious infection. The buildup of plaque below the gumline leads to inflammation of the gums. As the gum tissues become more swollen, they detach from the tooth forming a space, or "pocket," between the tooth and gums. In a snowball effect, the pockets encourage further plaque accumulation since it becomes more difficult to remove plaque. If left untreated, the inflammatory response to the plaque bacteria may spread to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, causing these structures to be destroyed.

Another problem is that if plaque is allowed to build up on teeth, over time it becomes calcified, or hardened, and turns into calculus (commonly called tartar). Since calculus is rougher than tooth enamel or cementum (a layer that covers the tooth root), even more plaque attaches to it, continuing this downward spiral. Using a tartar-control toothpaste may help slow accumulation of calculus around your teeth, but it can't affect the tartar that has already formed below the gum line.

Risks and Prevention
Although bacterial plaque buildup is the main cause of periodontal disease, several other factors, including other diseases, medications and oral habits, also can contribute. These are factors that can increase your risk of gum disease or make it worse once the infection has set in.

Genetics — Researchers believe up to 30% of the population may have a genetic susceptibility to periodontal disease. Having a genetic susceptibility, however, doesn't mean gum disease is inevitable. Even people who are highly prone to periodontal disease because of their genetic make-up can prevent or control the disease with good oral care.
Smoking and tobacco use — Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease and the longer, and more one smokes, the higher the risk. If periodontal disease is present, smoking makes it more severe. Smoking is the main cause of periodontal disease that is resistant to treatment. Smokers tend to collect more tartar on their teeth, develop deeper periodontal pockets once they have gum disease and are likely to lose more bone as the disease progresses. Unlike many other factors that affect the health of your gums, you have control over this one. Quitting smoking can play a major role in bringing periodontal disease under control.
Misaligned or crowded teeth, braces or bridgework — Anything that makes it more difficult to brush or floss your teeth is likely to enhance plaque and tartar formation above and below the gum line, which increases your chance of developing gum disease. Dentists and periodontists can show you the best ways to clean your teeth, especially in hard-to-clean circumstances. For example, there are special tools and ways of threading floss to clean around bridgework or slide under braces. And if overcrowded or crooked teeth are a problem, your dentist might recommend orthodontics to straighten out your smile and give you a better chance of preventing disease.
Grinding, gritting or clenching of teeth — These habits won't cause periodontal disease, but they can lead to more severe disease if inflammation is already present. The excessive force exerted on the teeth by these habits appears to speed up the breakdown of the periodontal ligament and bone. In many cases, patients can learn to stop this habit simply by recognizing when it is happening and then relaxing. If these efforts don't work, your dentist or periodontist can create a custom guard appliance (sometimes called an occlusal guard, night guard, mouth guard or bite guard) that helps reduce the pressure of clenching or grinding on the teeth.
Stress — Stress can worsen periodontal disease and make it harder to treat. Stress weakens your body's immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
Fluctuating hormones — Whenever hormones fluctuate in the body, changes can occur in the mouth. Puberty and pregnancy can temporarily increase the risk and severity of gum disease, as can menopause.
Medications — Several types of medications can cause dry mouth, or xerostomia, including antidepressants, diuretics and high blood-pressure medications. Without the protection of adequate amounts of saliva, plaque is more likely to form. Other medications may cause the gums to enlarge, which in turn makes them more likely to trap plaque. These medications include phenytoin (Dilantin and other brand names), used to control seizures; cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), used to suppress the immune system; and nifedipine (Adalat, Cardizem and others) and other calcium channel blockers, used to treat angina or heart arrhythmias.
Diseases — Although the exact mechanisms aren't totally understood, certain diseases increase susceptibility to periodontal diseases. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to get periodontitis, than people without diabetes and it's likely to be more severe. Other diseases, such as leukemia, inflammatory bowel disease and HIV infection, also can increase the risk. Having one of these diseases will make control of periodontal disease more difficult, but a good periodontist or dentist who is aware of the additional risks and difficulties should be able to offer the kind of guidance needed to maintain your periodontal health.
Poor nutrition — Nutrition is important for overall good health, including a working immune system and healthy gums and mouth.

Who Says Braces Have To Be Boring?

Please check out theses designer braces that ROCK!!


Click the following link:
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Be the first on your block to get these fun braces. Call OrthoWorks at 888-BRACES for a free consultation.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Check out these Orthodontic Friendly Halloween Recipes at:

http://www.braces.org/NOHM/Orthodontic-Friendly-Recipes.cfm

Why Didn't I Think of That? SwitchFlops, the $30 Million School Project

At 16, Lindsay Phillips came up with the idea for a flip-flop with interchangeable straps during art class. Today, she's running a $30 million company.

Back-to-school season is upon us, and even the best students need a little motivation to trade the beach, summer camp and carefree days for the classroom. But what if you could turn a school project into a $30 million business? That's exactly what Lindsay Phillips, the creator of SwitchFlops, did.

Now 25, Phillips came up with the idea for SwitchFlops at 16, as part of a high school art project. Today, her company -- Lindsay Phillips -- employs 35 full-time staffers and is projected to bring in $30 million in revenue this year.

The idea is simple -- SwitchFlops are sandals with interchangeable straps. So instead of buying several pairs of sandals, customers can instead own one sandal with multiple straps. In the wake of the Great Recession, a 3-in-1 shoe (or, heck, 50-in-1) is tailor-made for shoppers on a budget.

The basic sandal itself costs $35, and additional straps are $12. Officially launched in 2007, SwitchFlops are now sold in more than 4,000 stores around the world, and Phillips' line has evolved into other footwear like ballet flats, wedges and espadrilles. The company also makes shopping bags, scarves and sandals for children. Lindsay Phillips, the company, is currently building an overseas office.

University of Pennsylvania robotics team heads for competition Down Under

Penn Current: Latest News: Penn robotics team heads for competition Down Under

Do You Know How To Brush??

Most of our patients maintain a twice-daily brushing routine; however, not everyone knows the professionally recommended technique. Help to avoid cavities and gum disease by watching this short brushing video.

http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/How-to-Brush/video

What Is the Right Way to Brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the chewing surfaces
For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too
Click here for information on Colgate toothbrushes


Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. To find the right Colgate toothbrush for you, click here.


How Important is the Toothpaste I Use?
It is important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you. To find the right Colgate toothpaste for you, click here.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.


OrthoWorks
883 Sneath Lane
130 San Bruno, CA 94066
davidshen@aol.com

How To Brush – Teeth Brushing Techniques
What Is the Right Way to Brush?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes — that's right, 120 seconds! Most adults do not come close to brushing that long. To get a feel for the time involved, try using a stopwatch. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
Clean the chewing surfaces
For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too
Click here for information on Colgate toothbrushes


Tilt the brush at a 45° angle against the gumline and sweep or roll the brush away from the gumline. Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth using short back-and-forth strokes. Gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?
Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth. For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. To find the right Colgate toothbrush for you, click here.


How Important is the Toothpaste I Use?
It is important that you use a toothpaste that's right for you. Today there is a wide variety of toothpaste designed for many conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, tartar, stained teeth and sensitivity. Ask your dentist or dental hygienist which toothpaste is right for you. To find the right Colgate toothpaste for you, click here.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.


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Orthodontic Case Points to Tongue Piercing Risk

University of Buffalo Case Report Raises Tongue-Piercing Concerns
Dr. Sawsan Tabbaa, assistant professor of orthodontics at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, and co-authors published a case report on tongue-piercing in the July issue of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics. The patient, who had worn a barbell-style tongue stud for seven years, had a habit of repeatedly pushing the stud against her upper front teeth. Over time, a space developed between the patient's upper front teeth, which had been properly aligned before her tongue was pierced.
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This is the NEW CPR Technique - No Mouth to Mouth needed.

Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9-11 attacks. You can lessen this recurring loss by learning Continuous Chest Compression CPR, a hands-only CPR method that doubles a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. It’s easy and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more likely bystanders will try to help, and it was developed here at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. “This video is worth sharing,” said Gordon A. Ewy, MD, director of the UA Sarver Heart Center and one of the research pioneers who developed this method.

Watch Video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcbgpiKyUbs

AAO Sport Safety Advocate Emmitt Smith Inducted into Football Hall of Fame

The AAO congratulates Emmitt Smith, who was one of seven football greats inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Smith is a spokesperson for the AAO on sport safety and the use of mouth guards.

The NFL's all-time leading rusher, Smith is a three-time Super Bowl champion and the only player in the NFL to win the Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP awards in the same year (1993). Smith, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals, also was a 2006 winning contestant on the ABC show, "Dancing with the Stars."

In conjunction with the 2010 Super Bowl in February, Smith helped launch the AAO’s “Play It Safe” program, speaking at a Miami school and appearing in more than 20 local and national media interviews. Smith has helped the AAO spread the message that sports gear such as mouth guards can make a big difference in reducing or preventing sports injuries. Smith also appears on the AAO Sport Safety/Play It Safe Web site, designed to educate parents about the importance of sport safety and facial protection. The site includes a poster featuring Smith, free for download by AAO members and the public. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to download the poster).

The poster can be useful for increasing awareness of an orthodontic practice. Send copies to local dental offices, pediatricians and youth sports organizations. Link the AAO Sport Safety/Play It Safe Web site to your practice Web site and/or Facebook fan page (the URL is http://www.braces.org/sportsafety/). Do the same with the AAO sport safety "Bubble Wrap" video. The video can be accessed along with many other AAO members' sport safety promotional ideas and tools at http://www.aaoinfo.org/MyPractice/Marketing/April-is-National-Facial-Protection-Month.cfm (log-in will be required).

American Association of Orthodontists First "Smile" Teen Fashion Show

AAO "Style-n-Smile" Teen Fashion Show Gets National Media Attention

Jennie Garth, best known for acting in the 1990s television series "Beverly Hills, 90210" hosted the AAO's first-ever Style-n-Smile Fashion Show in New York City on Thursday, August 5 and appeared on "Today" on NBC yesterday morning. Reporters from Parents Magazine, OK! Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, Seventeen and Teen Vogue also covered the fashion show.

Garth, whose daughter has had orthodontic treatment, is promoting healthy, confident smiles as the must-have accessories of the back-to-school season.

The Web sites Examiner.com, Babycenter.com and Babble.com top the list of online media represented at the fashion show. The show was also attended by popular mom bloggers including BareFootMommies.com, CosmoGirl.com, ClassyMommy.com and MomsNeedToKnow.com. The blogger attendees include some of the most influential mom bloggers in the country with audiences that range from hundreds to hundreds of thousands

Why Mouth Gurads?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is encouraging kids to “play it safe” and consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear during competitions and practices.

Football, soccer and basketball can all be hard hitting sports and the members of the AAO want to ensure that orthodontic patients, and their teammates, are properly protected from sports related injuries to the jaw and mouth. These injuries can include a lifetime of maintenance to repair and maintain.

Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during sporting competitions and practices. Parents, coaches and kids need to understand the prevalence of sports injuries and know that many sports injuries can be reduced or prevented by wearing the proper protective gear.

Facts About Kids and Sports Safety

Former football great and father of four, Emmitt Smith has teamed up with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to provide tips and information on how to best protect athlete’s smiles during recreational and organized sports.

Injuries can happen at any age or skill level – More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. *
Collision and contact sports have higher injury rates. Baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80% of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age.*
Mouth guard use is very low – 67% of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard – yet, 70% say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt.**
One out of every four (27%) parents say their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room.**
Most coaches and leagues are not advising the use of mouth guards – Of the parents whose children do not wear a mouth guard, 84% say it's because the league or coach does not require it.**
Hard hits occur no matter what the sport – The average high school baseball pitcher can throw a fast ball between 75-85 miles per hour. This compares to being hit in the mouth by a speeding car.***
Cheerleading is one of the most dangerous sports, accounting for 65% of all injuries in high school girls' athletics.****
Children with braces need to wear mouth guards – One out of every three (31%) parents say their child has orthodontic treatment or braces while playing an organized sport.*
Lacerations can occur if an orthodontic patient´s mouth is not properly protected.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
** American Association of Orthodontists
*** eFastball.com
**** MSNBC.com

Simple Changes Can Help Prevent Tooth Erosion

Teeth grinding, acidic foods and harsh brushing can all pose a threat to tooth enamel. Recent studies have reported that acid reflux is also a factor. Fortunately, simple diet changes like reducing your intake of sodas, sports drinks and energy drinks can help you to cut down the acid pH in your mouths, helping to prevent demineralization. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste also can make the outer surface of your enamel harder thus less susceptible to erosion.

MYTHS AND FACTS, as published by the American Association of Orthodontists

MYTH:Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FACT:Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

MYTH:My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT:An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

MYTH:Braces are for kids.
FACT:One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

MYTH:If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FACT:Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.


MYTH:Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.
FACT:It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile.


MYTH::Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.
FACT:After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.


MYTH:Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists
FACT:Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists

Everyone of our OrthoWorks Team Orthodontists is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists