Tips from National Children's Dental Health Month

It’s still February so and you know what that means… IT’S STILL NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH and dental professional all over the world are promoting health oral hygiene habits for children.

When good habits are developed early on it is more likely that the child will able to look forward to a lifetime of health teeth gums. Here are 5 healthy tips to keep in mind for children’s dental health.

Brush and floss: Brushing and flossing is essential all that all ages, but good habits start early. Your child should be brushing twice a day to remove plaque, bacteria and food particles in their mouth. Also flossing two a day to remove anything left behind after brushing.

Visit the dentist regularly: Visiting the dentist every 6 months, twice a year is important. Even if your child is under orthodontic treatment and make all scheduled appointments with our Doctors here at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group and be sure that you are visiting the dentist they check for your cavities and make sure teeth are healthy.

Drink water: Make sure that your children's drinking water is fluoridated, fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and Earth's crust. Helps prevent cavities by hardening the enamel.

Eat well balanced meals: Eat a well-balanced diet that limits starchy or sugary foods, which produce plaque acids that cause tooth decay.

Early intervention: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

At Rhode Island Orthodontic Group we are constantly promoting healthy teeth and habits for all of our patients, especially our younger patients. We strive to provide the best care for your child and help create good habits. Please visit ADA.org National Children’s Dental Health Month For more information.

3 Benefits of Braces Besides Straightening Teeth

When seeking orthodontic care the goal is to achieve a beautifully aligned smile and here at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group we work hard to help you get the smile you deserve. On the other hand, what many people don’t realize is that there are benefits with braces beyond having straight teeth. By having braces you’ll receive oral health benefits along with cosmetic change.

3 Benefits of Braces Besides Straightening Teeth

TMJ Prevention: TMJ (Temporomanibular Joint) can be prevented by receiving braces as orthodontic treatment. TMJ can occur from stress on the jaw joint in people that have an incorrect bit pattern or misalignment of the bite. Teeth that have been aligned by braces also have a better bite pattern and this helps with chewing.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Having braces can correct the position of teeth helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When teeth are overlapping or crooked it can be hard to reach certain areas, which can lead food and bacteria build up. With braces, as your teeth become more aligned it is then easier to brush and floss effectively.

Speech Impediments: Did you know that your teeth can affect the way you speak? There are certain malocclusions that cause speech problems. When teeth are in the incorrect position speaking patterns are affected. When braces correct your alignment you speech can be corrected as well.

If you have any questions regarding braces as orthodontic treatment feel free to contact us today. We believe that good orthodontic care begins with open communication. We promise to speak candidly with you about our diagnosis and recommendations, any alternative treatments, and any symptoms present that may require further treatment. Working together, we can achieve a true partnership, with one common goal – helping you achieve a beautiful, confident smile!

Feburary is National Children's Dental Health Month

It's National Children's Dental Health Month!

National Children’s Dental Health Month is sponsored by the ADA (American Dental Association) which promotes creating lifelong healthy habits starting at an early age. When good habits are developed early it is more likely that the child will able to look forward to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. It is very important that parents know that a balanced diet, limiting snacks, brushing and flossing are key to healthy teeth and avoiding cavities. Along with healthy habits, regular dental appointments will help you keep your child on track.

This year's NCDHM campaign slogan "Defeat Monster Mouth" is displayed on the eye-catching children's posters that feature the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and
next-door neighbors, Den and Gen Smiley and K-9 the dog.  They are fighting to defeat Plaqster the Monster for good oral health.

For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month please visit Ada.org. Also remember early intervention helps keep your child's oral health in good condition, read more about how Rhode Island Orthodontic Group can help here riortho.com/early-treatment.