Deck the Halls.. of Your Home with 5 DIY Christmas Decor Ideas!

Are you feeling festive for the holidays? Want to brighten up your home with a little Christmas cheer? We have some ideas for you!

5 Easy DIY Christmas Décor Ideas

DIY (Do It Yourself) projects are fun and easy ideas that you and your family can recreate. During a holiday like Christmas it is the perfect time to gather the family and indulge in the holiday sport, while making your home look fantastic.

Homemade Christmas Wreath

Etsy.com

Jar Candles

TheFrugalGirls.com

Homemade Snow Globes

Craftionary.com

Sock Snowmen

Onecreativemommy.com

Custom Stockings Design

cherishedbliss.com

Nothing says holiday spirit more than holiday decorations. We want to see your décor, how do you get your home or even office space ready for the holidays? Feel free to post pictures to the Rhode Island Group Facebook page so we can see your holiday spirit.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

As we prepare to gather with our friends and family in celebration of Thanksgiving, we must take time to educate ourselves on a disease that affects many young and old, Diabetes. This month is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce enough insulin causes high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. High levels of glucose in the blood can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. 

Nearly 30 million children and adults in the US have diabetes, while 86 million have pre-diabetes and are

at risk for Type 2 Diabetes. There are two forms of Diabetes Type 1 the severe form which people have to be insulin dependent. Type 2 is the common form and non-insulin dependent; it is often tied to people who are overweight.

Diabetes Facts

• Diabetes is a long-term condition that causes high blood sugar levels.
• In 2013 it was estimated that over 382 million people throughout the world had diabetes (Williams textbook of endocrinology).
• Type 1 Diabetes - the body does not produce insulin. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.
• Type 2 Diabetes - the body does not produce enough insulin for proper function. Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.
• Gestational Diabetes - this type affects females during pregnancy.
• The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain, unusual weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, male sexual dysfunction, numbness and tingling in hands and feet.
• If you have Type 1 and follow a healthy eating plan, do adequate exercise, and take insulin, you can lead a normal life.
• Type 2 patients need to eat healthily, be physically active, and test their blood glucose. They may also need to take oral medication, and/or insulin to control blood glucose levels.
• As the risk of cardiovascular disease is much higher for a diabetic, it is crucial that blood pressure and cholesterol levels are monitored regularly.
• As smoking might have a serious effect on cardiovascular health, diabetics should stop smoking.
• Hypoglycemia - low blood glucose - can have a bad effect on the patient. Hyperglycemia - when blood glucose is too high - can also have a bad effect on the patient.

Facts provided by http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/

To find more information on Diabetes and how you can support the cause for awareness, connect with the closest American Diabetes Association office to you. For Rhode Island residents this is the New England office located at 10 Speen Street 2nd Floor Framingham, Massachusetts, 01701. 

Diabetes Links:

http://www.diabetes.org/in-my-community/american-diabetes-month.html

http://ndep.nih.gov/index.aspx

http://www.cdc.gov/features/livingwithdiabetes/

http://www.diabetesresearch.org/what-is-diabetes

2 Minutes + 2 Times a Day = A Healthy Smile

Via 2min2x.org

Orthodontic treatment is just one step in making sure you have great oral health. There are many different factors that affect the health status of your teeth, such as: brushing, flossing and eating habits. When we work on treating your teeth we want to be sure we are working with healthy teeth. Developing healthy habits start at a young age, so parents we must work together to teach children proper oral hygiene habits. 

The Ad Council, a non-profit organization that helps promote public service campaigns, has started the 2min2x Childrens Oral Health Campaign. 2min2x.org states: 

The Children’s Oral Health campaign encourages parents to reduce their children’s risk of oral disease by making sure they're brushing for two minutes, twice a day.

The PSAs (Public Service Advertisements) aim to show that if parents spend just 2 minutes, twice a day making sure they brush, it can help save their children from a lifetime of tooth pain. The campaign demonstrates what a short amount of time 2 minutes is to accomplish such an important piece of parenting. We do this by showing parents trying to squeeze other parenting moments into just 2 minutes - and struggling in such a short period of time.

This website is a great tool for parents to refer to when looking for more information about taking care of their kids’ teeth, and it also has fun, entertaining 2 minute videos that kids can watch while brushing their teeth.

Here a PSA video for the campaign

Visit 2min2x.org to find out more on how to teach children about the importance of oral health.

Dr. Kacewicz, Dr. M Kacewicz, Dr. Underhill and Dr. Turchetta, all care about the health of your children just as much as you do. For more tips on oral health visit Home Care (via RIortho.com), or schedule an appointment at one of out 7 offices today!

Fantastic Fall Foods

Your oral health is very important to your overall well-being. You must not only go to your regular dental visit, brush and floss, but you must also be weary of the food you putting in your mouth.

We have just entered November and what is this month all about?  Thanksgiving! We are in the fall season which not only brings about environmental changes, but also puts healthier foods into season. Once we get it into November it normal to think about Thanksgiving and automatically start drooling over the thought of turkey. But as we feast we should try and incorporate the healthiest foods. Here is a list of 5 healthy fall foods for you and your family.

Apples: 

Apples can be eaten alone as a snack or baked into your favorite dishes, such as apple pies. There’s a variety apples you can to choose from such as Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples.

Health Benefits: 
Full of Antioxidants
Provides Dietary Fiber
Harvest Season:
August - November 

Pumpkins:

Even though Halloween is over pumpkin are still a good choice. Pumpkins are great for pies, muffins and even its seeds eaten by themselves.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Potassium
Source of Fiber
Source of Vitamin B

Harvest Season: 

October - February

Squash:

Squash is a vegetable that is great as a side dish, paired with pasta or even cab be pureed and used as a dip. 

Health Benefits: 
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Source of Vitamin A

Harvest Season:

October - February

Pomegranates:

 This fruit can be eaten alone, but also its juices serve as a great marinade and its seeds are often tossed into salads.  

Health Benefits:
Great Antioxidant
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Folate

Harvest Season: 

August - December

Brussels Spouts: 

Brussels Sprouts are vegetables that are great for salads, pasta dishes and can also be paired as a side to main courses.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Vitamin K
Source of Folate
Source of Iron 

Harvest Season: 

September - March

Remember it is very important to your oral health that you eat right, especially when under orthodontic treatment. For more information on oral hygiene tips visit our website.

Carving For Fun!

Photo Provided by DigsDigs.com

Here at RIO Group we are in the Halloween spirit and we want you to be in it too. Carving Pumpkins is one of the best ways to get into the spirit of Halloween. However, carving a pumpkin could seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. But the outcomes are definitely worth giving it a try.

Here are 5 tips for Pumpkin Carving

1. Select Your Pumpkin: Pumpkins come in different shapes and size, from small to extra-larger. When shopping for pumpkins keep in mind the shape and what sort of a face you could carve to really bring the pumpkin to life.

2. Open it Up: The traditional way of getting inside of a pumpkin is to cut off the top where the stem is. However, you don't have to take off the top, consider taking out the bottom or even the back of the pumpkin. Regardless of where you choose to make your lid, you just want to be sure you have a big enough space to get in there and remove all of the seeds.
 

3. Scoop the Goop: A large metal spoon or an ice cream scoop works well for this. Forget about purchasing those Pumpkin carving kits that include the plastic scoops. For one thing the, the handle on those are way to small and for another, the thick plastic makes it hard to really get all of the goop out. Also, keep your arms fairly clean by starting the scraping from the lid hole, down the sides and then then bottom.  Then, after all of the walls are scraped, dump the pumpkin goop into the trash.

4. Design the Face: Grab a sharpie or any markers that works best for when drawing on the face. Using a dry erase marker is highly suggested, because if you don't like your work, you can erase it! 

5. Cut it Out: An old kitchen knife with a serrated edge works best. Small, paring knives are great for carving detailed designs into the pumpkin. But for the young carvers in the family, a carving kit knife will do the trick.

Now that you've got an awesome looking pumpkin it times to take it to the next level and bring your creation to life. Remember that you scooped the pumpkins insides clean, you can now place lighting inside to brighten things up. Candle-free options are the safest and are great for showcasing your pumpkin designs. These days you can find color-changing strobe lights, battery-operated tea lights and rainbow LEDs that are made specifically for pumpkins. 

Be sure to place your pumpkin on your porch Halloween night and showoff what you made to “trick or treaters”. Also post pictures on our Facebook and we will share with our friends!

Let's Celebrate Pink

As we celebrate Orthodontic Health Month in the Rhode Island Orthodontic Group offices, we have to take the time to acknowledge another health effort focused on creating health awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness.

Photo Provided by HuffingtonPost.com

Breast Cancer is the most common of cancers affecting women in the US, and second leading cause of death. However, Breast Cancer also affects men. Breast Cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in breast cells. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that have the ability to grow and spread.

Facts about Breast Cancer

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

Photo Provided by surfnstream.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about making sure the public, because more knowledge about the disease. This is all in efforts to show support to those affected and help efforts to find a cure.

There are various ways you can help this cause:

Donate

Join/Start a Fundraiser

Partner with a nationally recognized charity

And/Or Volunteer

"Do it Yourself" This Halloween

Halloween is just two weeks away and by now I’m sure the kids have tons of ideas of what they want to dress up as. The most popular costumes being bought off the shelves are character favorites, Elsa from Frozen, Ninja Turtles, Spider-man and any other popular Disney character. But, between selling out and the high prices of a costume things could get a little stressful. We have an alternative for you, DIY costume. DIY stands for Do It Yourself, yes that means you can do it all by yourself and make a fabulous costume for your children.

Here are some DIY ideas to get you creative spirit going

 A Fairy

Via Realsimple.com

 A Race Car Driver

Via Realsimple.com

 Carl from UP

Via Countryliving.com

Army Toy

Via Countryliving.com

 Peter Pan

Via Countryliving.com

A Snail

Via Countryliving.com

After making the costumes, be sure to take tons of photos for Facebook and head out to trick or treat. Remember, if you child is under orthodontic treatment they must choose the candy they eat wisely. To remember what foods you should avoid check out our website. 

Say NO to Sticky Treats This Halloween

Photo provided by nutritiouseats.com

Is it just one of the greatest coincendence that the month children are estatic about celebrating Halloween, is the same month over 17,000 orthodontist spread awareness about orthodontic health? 

Being that sugary sweet treats are prevalent during Halloween, it gives our orthodontist here at Rhode Island Orthodontist Group a great opportunity to share tips on how to protect your teeth.

• Avoid sticky situations with your braces and aligners. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.

• Say “boo” to hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels).

• Spooktacular news - not all Halloween candy is off-limits.  Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. The American Association of Orthodontists even offers orthodontic-friendly recipes for Halloween on its website at http://www.mylifemysmile.org/pressroom.

• Sweets can cause cavities which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods. 

These tips are escpecially important to our patients with braces, aligners and other orthodontic appliances. We want all of our patients to enjoy Halloween, but to also remember to take care of their teeth. While under orthodontic treatment your work on creating a beautiful new smile, let’s not let one night set us back. For more information on keeping your teeth healthy visit website for oral hygiene tips.

Pumpkin Mania

As we enter October it’s time to get into the spirit and have some Halloween themed fun!

Although Halloween is at the end of the month it is not too early to get into a decorative mood. Orange and black will be the most popular colors seen around this month, but their no doubt that the official October mascot is the pumpkin.

There many different ways you can have fun with pumpkins during the Halloween season. From foods like pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice lattes to decorative craft projects, there is reason to love pumpkins. Here are some fun ideas you can have with real pumpkins. Head out to the pumpkin patch and pick out some prime candidates for your craft fun.

Here are some things you can do with pumpkins:

Carve a Smile

Thumb-Tac Decor

Paint a Fun Portrait 

Create a "Mumkin"

Sharpie Drawing

Share your designs on Facebook with us here at Rhode Island Orthodontics and we’ll share your fun photos on our page.

Moms & Dads Are Choosing Invisalign

When you choose to undergo braces treatment you are presented with multiple choices metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign. Now days Invisalign has become a popular option with adults.

photo provided by Inviaslign.com

Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth not only affects your appearance, but it affects your lifestyle as a whole. As an adult that is undergoing treatment this is a very important choice. Many associate traditional braces with children and young adults. This stigma deters many adults from seeking orthodontic treatment. Invisalign provides the most flexible option for adults. 

Invisalign are clear aligners that provide a high level of discretion. Invisalign alignment trays are created from molds of your teeth to giving you custom aligners. Unlike the other braces Invisalign braces are removable. You can take out the aligners when necessary, which makes Invisalign a flexible option.

Benefits of Invisalign:

• Easy to remove
• Allows for brushing a flossing like normal
• No food restrictions, being that you can remove your aligners to eat
• Can remove for physical activity
• No brackets and wires to worry about
• Invisalign are practically invisable to the naked eye

We're seeing more and more adult orthodontic patients these days, and it's not hard to figure out why. Appliances that are barely noticeable have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. And many adults realize that investing in a smile makeover can have significant benefits, socially and professionally. Straightening teeth can be an important part of that confidence-boosting makeover process.

To find out if Invisalign is right for you schedule an appointment at one of our 7 convenient offices today!

Fall & Crafts

Photo provided by Blogwithmom.com

As we transition into fall the environment begins to change and we leave the heat struck summer days behind. This new season is the perfect time to help get together with family and have fun.

One great thing about fall is that nature suddenly becomes more active. With the beauty of nature right outside your door, plan a day for you and your family to get together for a fun mini project. To get into the spirit of fall and teach kids a lesson about nature, making bird feeders is a great project. Bird feeders attract birds and provide them with a food source. By having a feeder you give your family a free lesson on birds and how they interact with nature.

How to Make a Bird Feeder

What you’ll need:

Pine cones

Yarn

Butter knives

Peanut butter

Margarine

& your choice of seeds (ex: sunflower seeds)

Steps to making a bird feeder:

Photo provided by frugalfun4boy.com

1. Find pine cones.
2. Tie a three to four foot piece of yarn around the top of the pine cone for the hanger.
3. Mix two tablespoons of peanut butter with two tablespoons of margarine.
4. Spread the peanut butter and margarine mixture onto the pine cone.
5. Pour some seeds onto a plate and roll the pine cone in it.
6. Place the seed-covered pine cones in the freezer for about an hour or until it is firm.
7. Hang it outside in a tree!

You can monitor the bird feeder and see what birds stop by to grab a bite. We want to see your bird feeders, take pics and post them to Facebook and tag us!

How Technology Helps Perfect Your Smile

At a time where technology is so prominent in our culture, the world of orthodontics is keeping up with their own advancements. 

Photo provided by itero.com

Apple just released the iPhone 6 and Apple Watch, sending the tech world into frenzy. Bigger screens and technology infused watches have been the topic of discussion. However, did you know orthodontics has made its mark in the teach world also.

One of the most advanced products, and used by our office, is the digital scanner. We utilize a digital scanner that allows us to capture digital images of your teeth and bite rather than using uncomfortable, unpleasant-tasting, messy and sometimes inaccurate impressions.

Using a digital scanner allows us to create computer generated models of teeth within minutes. Unlike digital techniques, traditional techniques involve using multiple materials and steps. Patients view digital scanning as a much more comfortable process. There is much more room for efficiency and accuracy when using digital scanning. Also it is possible for the doctor to send impressions to the lab via email rather than sending them through mail.

As stated by yourdentistryguide.com digital scanning benefits include:

• Improved image/impression quality for better-fitting restorations
• Less chair time
• No need for distasteful impression materials that cause some patients to gag
• More comfortable, less anxious experience for patients and the dental team
• Reduced possibility of impression-taking errors and elimination of material inaccuracies for fewer restoration mistakes
• Patients tend to appreciate the new technology and state-of-the-art dental care, so they become more engaged in, and better informed about, the treatment process because they can see their impressions on-screen chair-side.
• The scan of the teeth being restored, as well as the opposing teeth and bite, can be completed in just three to five minutes.
• The digital impression can be stored electronically indefinitely, which saves space, contributes to efficient record keeping, and supports a paper-free environment.
• Green dentistry and eco-friendly aspects include eliminating the need for disposable plastic trays and impression materials, which otherwise would be polluting landfill space; digital data is eliminated with the "delete" button.

To learn more about the techniques used in our office call us today and schedule an appointment

New School Year, New Check-Up

Photo Provided by shropshire.gov.uk

It is that time of the year again, the kids are settling into their new classrooms and transitioning from the routines they became accustom to during their carefree summer days. With the beginning of this new chapter you want to make sure your kids are getting off to a good start, and what better way to start than making sure their oral health is up to par.

It is said that one of the first things people notice about you is your smile. Your children will come in contact with hundreds of other students daily and you want your child to be showing off their best ^nd grade or second year of college, visiting the orthodontist is important smile. As we state on our site and fully stand by, “A healthy, straight smile is an investment that will last a lifetime.” Whether your child is entering the 2

Early orthodontic treatment can prevent serious problems with the teeth and jaw from developing. At older ages all hope is for oral correction is not lost. Orthodontic treatment at later stage can dramatically improve oral health and enhance personal appearance.

So while you’re making your back to school to-do list be sure to add a trip to one of our 7 Rhode Island Orthodontics Group offices and schedule your appointment today!

The Common Factor: Gummy Smile

Have you ever seen a smile where the gums stand out more than the teeth? This is called Gummy Smile.

Formally known as “Excessive Gingival Display”, this orthodontic problem gives the appearance of overly exposed gum on the upper arch. Not only does this problem cause issues with how the smile looks, but it can also reveal underlying orthodontic problems.

Gummy smile occurs when teeth, gums and the upper jaw are not proportional to one another.  

This is caused by:

• Abnormal eruption of teeth
• Upper lip positioned higher than normal
• Position of the upper jaw in relationship to the skill

There are several treatment options available for this problem. In minor causes laser treatment to remove excess gum tissue is an option. Braces treatment to move teeth is an option as well. In severe cases surgery may be necessary to reduce the vertical length of the upper jaw. Treatment options vary depending on what is causing gummy smile.

If you have questions regarding Excessive Gingival Display do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us so we can give you all the information you need.

The Breakfast Club

Photo Provided College-Social.com

Waking in the morning can already be a daunting task, and then you have to muster up the energy to prepare for a full day ahead. There is one sure way to get an extra boost in the morning…eating breakfast.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, providing energy needed to focus, whether it be in the classroom or at work. People give many excuses to why they skip out on breakfast like, “Oh I’m not hungry this early” or “I don’t have time to eat”. However, for those of you who start their day off early you are almost guaranteed to feel a mid-morning energy slump and experience hunger long before lunch times.

Breakfast not only provides you with the energy you need for a productive day but it is also helps in maintaining healthy weight.

Here are 3 tips for starting your day the healthy way:

• Buy portable breakfast items such as fruit, yogurt and breakfast bar to name a few.
• Get up 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually do in the morning to eat. Waking up earlier will allow you to make sure you have time to set and eat in the morning.
• Replace drinking a cup of coffee with drinking a glass of milk or orange juice, both are proven to provide natural energy.

Remember, you want to make sure that the foods you are consuming for breakfast are healthy and good for your body and oral health.

The Common Factor: Crowding

On average kids have 20 teeth and adults have 32 teeth in their mouths, but when you don’t have enough space teeth begin to crowd.

Photo Provided by ScreenPlay

Crowding of the teeth is one of the most common orthodontic problems. Dental crowding occurs when there is not enough space to fit teeth within the jaws. There are other factors that can contribute, but this problem typically stems from a discrepancy between the space in each jaw and the size of teeth.

When crowding occurs teeth may be overlapping and displaced, which can cause a number of functional and cosmetic issues.

Photo Provided by ScreenPlay

Depending on the severity of the crowding determines which treatment option is best for you. Some cases call for extractions or surgery, but the most common treatment for crowding is braces.

If you are experiencing crowding schedule a consultation today and we can determine what treatment is best for you!

Back to School Countdown

Photo provided by cityofwatsonville.org

Parents it’s just about that time again. It is time to set the kids alarms and pack their lunches. Care-free summer days are over, school is about to be in session.

Going back to school can be a sad moment for kids. However, this is a moment most parents are very fond of. As they’re back in the classroom, you finally get back to your regular schedule. So before school starts there are things you can do to prepare your kids and make sure their ready for the new school-year.

Check Ups: Schedule appointments to check-up on your child’s health. Make sure your child visits the doctor, dentist and orthodontist. Regular health exams are needed to be sure your child’s body is tip-top shape.

Photo provided by sevacall.com

Sleeping Schedule: Sleep is an important part of learning. Children between ages 5-12 need at least 10 hours of sleep to be ready for a full day of school. Two-weeks prior to the first day of school start getting your kids out of their summer sleeping habits. Changing sleep habits prior to the start of school helps kids get into the groove.

Photo provided by Themotherhood.com

Re-Fresh memory: A great way to get ready for the new school year is to get an academic head start. For example, kids entering the 4^th grade should start reviewing 4^th grade material so they know what they will learn. This extra preparation could help with any nerves your child may have about entering a new grade.

Photo provided by Wikihow.com

Fresh Gear: Give your kids a new fresh feeling for the new school year. Whether your child’s school requires uniforms or allows for regular clothes, having new threads can boost self-confidence and which can provide a positive attitude. So take your kids to a trip to your favorite department store and catch some great back to school deals.

Photo provided by Fashion-today.co.uk

School Supplies: Send your kids back to school with everything they need to be prepared in the classroom. Pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.

Photo provided by thirftysue.com

Here at Rhode Island Orthodontics Group we care about our patients and want to help with the transition back into school. So as a “Back to School Contest” we are giving away a backpack filled with school supplies. Schedule you next appointment today and enter to win during your visit.