5 tips to avoid plaque
October 21st, 2011
At Minich Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.
Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.
Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.
Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.
You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.
Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Craig Minich.
If you have any questions, give our Chagrin Falls or Mentor office a call or ask us on Facebook!
Cold season is here, from Minich Orthodontics
October 14th, 2011
Cold and flu season is here – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.
To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Craig Minich and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Chagrin Falls office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Minich Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.
And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!
At Minich Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month!
October 6th, 2011
Happy October! For those who don’t know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.
Dr. Craig Minich and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Minich and other dental professionals in the Northeast Ohio area.
The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice
If you have any questions, please feel free to give our Chagrin Falls or Mentor office a call, ask us on Facebook, or ask Dr. Minich during your visit this month!
Yummy Braces-Friendly Recipes from the American Association of Orthodontists
September 29th, 2011
You just got braces at Minich Orthodontics and Dr. Craig Minich has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?
Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!
Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.
If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give our Chagrin Falls or Mentor office a call or ask us on Facebook!
Enjoy!
