The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene

At TS Orthodontics, Dr. Scanlan and his team believe in the importance of good oral hygiene. It is crucial, especially while wearing braces, to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist every six months.

It is very easy for food to get caught in your braces which can lead to extra plaque buildup, increasing the threat of tooth decay. Using proper oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly can lower your chances of decay complications while in braces and in general!

As a patient of Dr. Scanlan’s, you can rest assured that your oral hygiene will be consistently monitored at each of your appointments. As part of our token rewards program, you will have the opportunity to receive tokens, based on your oral hygiene habits!

Happy hygiene!

Boo!

It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.
If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! All of us at Scanlan Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!