The Breakfast Club

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

Selfie Perfect Smiles

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It has been reported that the first noticed people notice are smiles. Think about it, when you’re having a conversation with some it is kind of hard to ignore looking at their mouths. With this little known fact, you want to make sure you’re putting your best smile forward.

Great and habits and healthy eating are key and have 5 tips to you produce that "selfie" perfect smile.

1. Visit your Orthodontist and Dentist: Making sure you schedule regular visits is the number one way to make sure you are on top of your oral health. Your  Orthodontist and Dentist can give you all the information to stay on top of your health. Also if you currently have any oral health issues they can provide the right treatment.

2. Floss twice a day: Brushing your teeth isn’t enough. Flossing removes plaque and excess food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Flossing can actually make teeth appear brighter if done regularly. 

3. Eliminate soda from your diet: Soft drinks are one of the most common sources of tooth decay. Acid and sugar in soft drinks soften tooth enamel which contributes to cavities and can even lead to tooth loss. 

4. Add calcium to your diet: The calcium in dairy products helps put back minerals your teeth may have lost due to other foods. Calcium rich foods are foods such as includes milk, cheese and yogurt. 

5. Rinse with water: After snacks and meals try to remember to rinse out your mouth with water. Water contains fluoride can protect and remineralize teeth after demineralization caused by acid produced by foods like sugars.

Not only is keeping a great smile good for visual purposes, it also affects your health as well. Kids aren’t the only ones at risk for cavities. At all you must make your oral health a top priority. 

Wear What's Right For You... and Your Teeth

Your smile is an important part of who you are and you want to make sure it looks great. Now that you have decided to straighten your crooked smile you must pick a option that is best for you. Yes, there is more than one option.

With advancement of dental technology options for patients needing braces treatment has expanded throughout the years. The days off metal only option are over.

Metal braces: Metal braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance. Metal braces consist of brackets cemented to the front surfaces the teeth, along with a metal wire to help guide the teeth in the proper position. There are many good reasons why traditional metal braces remain popular, because they offer a reliable, effective and economical treatment option.

Ceramic braces- Ceramic braces, like metal, are attached to the front of your teeth, but unlike metal braces they are less noticeable. The brackets are made out of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. More expensive than traditional braces, this method is often chosen by adults and celebrities looking for a discreet look.

Lingual Braces- Unique in form and unlike metal and ceramic braces, Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth. This allows the braces to be hidden when you smile. Lingual braces are not done by all orthodontist special training is required to install them. If you choose this type of braces treatment you must meet the condition requirements. Lingual braces are significantly more expensive, but if you looking for total discretion then this option should be considered.

Invisalign-Invisalign braces are basically invisible. 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 to do things like eat or brush your teeth, making this the most flexible option. This treatment plan requires you to get new aligners ever two weeks to move teeth into proper corrective position. Invisalign are the top of the line and most expensive treatment option for obvious reasons.

The brace that you need depends on your orthodontic problems and what you can afford. For more information on the different type of braces and what is best you schedule an appointment today!

Don't Bite Off More Than You SHOULD chew

We live in a time where people are always searching for the next big thing, food included. 

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A new trend in the fast food industry is to advertise foods with the motto “the bigger the better.” You ever heard of Wendy’s “Baconator Triple” or how about Burger King’s “Triple Whooper with cheese”, both burgers include three massive patties along with a host of other condiments. But should you really be trying to eat food that’s bigger than your mouth.

Although these larger than normal foods appeal to your taste buds they could be harmful to your teeth and jaw. The bones attached to your teeth get quite the workout when you chew food and over working your teeth to chew larger bites can put extra strain on your teeth. The key area of the mouth that can be affected by super-sized meals is the jaw. Taking big bites causes you to open your jaw wider than usual. This can strain the jaw bone and surrounding muscles can cause temporomandibular disorder (TMD). 

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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connect the lower jaw to the temporal bone of the skull. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) happen as a result of issues with jaw, jaw joints and surrounding facial muscles that control moving the jaw and chewing.

The effect of harming your jaw may result in needing appliance therapy. Typically TMD splints are worn to reduce jaw stress. Depending on the severity of jaw stress different appliances may be recommended. 

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When you encounter super-sized food that causes for extra jaw extension save yourself the potential harm, cut the food into small pieces then dive right in. 

Leave Your Child's Fears at Home

Around 15% of the U.S population is afraid of visiting a dental office. Nerves about visiting dental offices are very common at all ages, but children are more likely to have fears about visits. The main reason for the nerves is fear of pain and the unknown, a stranger sticking unfamiliar tools in your mouth could freak out any child. Don’t worry parents we have some tips for you to calm down that anxious kiddie.

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5 Tips for a Fear-Free Orthodontics Visit:

1. Don’t Go Over Details: Going too much into detail could scare your child even more. If your child has to have any type of procedure done going into detail can lead to questions like, “Will it hurt?”, “How bad will hurt?” Just leave the explaining to the orthodontist, they’re trained to handle your child’s questions.
2. Watch Your Words: “It’s only going to hurt a little bit” Words like hurt, pain, and shot can cause panic.
3. Have Your Child Ask the Questions:  Before your visit to the orthodontist, have your child make a list of questions to ask the doctor. Having your child ask the questions gets them answers they want and will make them feel more comfortable with the doctor.
4. Bring a Distraction to the Office:  Make sure your child brings something to keep their mind off of the fact that they are at the orthodontist office. For example, an iPad or mobile gaming device.
5. Don’t Pass on Your Fears: There are plenty of adults who have their fears about visiting the dentist. If you have a dentist phobia make sure your children don’t pick on it. If mom or dad is scared they will be too.

So remember to ensure your child that everything will be okay and let them know we are here to help keep their smiles safe.