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.

Which Toothpaste is Best for You

Toothpaste serves a vital component to oral hygiene. It is recommended that you brush your teeth four times a day and what do you need to brush your teeth? (other than a toothbrush) TOOTHPASTE!

While shopping we're sure you have noticed that there are different types of toothpaste available from different brands all promising different results. So how do you pick a toothpaste? …well it all depends on what your teeth need.

Types of toothpaste:

Anti-decay toothpaste
This toothpaste contains Fluoride Compounds such as Sodium Fluoride , Stannous Fluoride, or Monofluorophosphate.  If the fluoride content is 1,000 ppm (parts per million) or above. they are all effective in preventing tooth decay.  Children toothpaste contains 500ppm fluoride and is usually flavoured, e.g. fruit flavour, candy flavour, which is more appealing to children.

Desensitizing toothpaste
The active ingredients provide relief from dentine hypersensitivity symptoms in 2 ways.  First, they interrupt the neurone response to pain stimuli; second, they occlude the dentinal tubules of dentine. There are many different types of desensitizing toothpastes marketed by different brand names. Their various functions on different active ingredients they contain. Therefore, you are advised to consult the dentist and undergo a thorough check-up to explore the cause of tooth sensitivity before using desensitizing toothpaste


Anti-plaque toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces the toxic effects of the bacterial toxin on the tooth surrounding tissues, and thereby reduces the chances of getting gum disease. In the market, different anti-plaque toothpastes contain different active ingredients. For example, Triclosan or Zinc Citrate.

Whitening toothpaste
This kind of toothpaste contains relatively coarse abrasives which function by abrading the stains on the tooth surface, giving a whitening effect.

Natural toothpaste
Natural toothpaste is that it does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Instead, it uses natural ingredients such as xylitol and stevia for sweetness, herbs, fruits and spices for flavor and naturally occurring titanium dioxide for a white color. They may or may not contain fluorides and some of the surfactants found in conventional toothpastes.

If you need help choosing which toothpaste is best for you please consult with us or your dentist during your next visit to find out which areas your teeth can improve in.

Can You Name all the Parts of Your Braces?

Do you know what all the parts of your braces are called? Check out the list below

Photo provided by Solutions by Design ScreenPlay Pro

Bands
Bands are a ring of metal that fit around the molars and sometimes premolars. The bands are selected from a range of sizes in order to find the tightest-fitting band. The bands are sealed in position using dental cement that contains fluoride to prevent any decalcification during treatment.

Brackets
The brackets hold the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band.

Archwire
The main wires, or archwires, are shaped specifically to fit around the arch into the bracket slots. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied by the braces. That pressure comes from the archwire, which guides the direction of the movement.

Elastics
An elastic is the tiny rubber ring that ties the archwire into the bracket.

Hooks
Hooks are small attachments on the brackets used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Coil Spring
The coil spring fits between brackets and over the archwire

Here's a diagram to show show you where everything is located:

The more you know about your braces the easier your experiences will be, If you have any questions feel free to contact us today!

A Great Smile Doesn't Have to Break Your Budget

We believe that finances should never be an obstacle when it comes to a beautiful, healthy smile. Therefore, we offer convenient payment options to help you keep from worrying about the cost of braces and allow you focus on what matters most – your smile!

Some people hesitate to get braces because paying for them can be surprisingly difficult. For families, paying for braces can be a major investment, which can become even greater when multiple family members need braces. Our at Rhode Island Orthodontic Group goal is to provide you and your family with affordable, quality orthodontic treatment that fits your budget. That's why for your convenience, we accept cash, personal check, money orders and all major credit cards.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment.  But with some smart planning and budgeting the cost for orthodontic treatment will be easier to manage.

Get Covered: If you don’t have dental insurance, look into plans that include orthodontics. A good resource to help you get started is www.deltadental.com.

Review Your Insurance Policy: If you have health insurance, it may include dental treatment, and possibly, orthodontic treatment. Insurance policies vary, so we will review your insurance to determine the appropriate course of action. Once treatment has started, we will file your claims. We accept payment from your dental insurance and will work personally with you on payment for any remaining balance. Contact your insurance carrier to determine what information they need to allow us to accept payment from them, and let us know if you need a treatment verification form from our office.

Choose a Payment Plan: We offer monthly payment plans extended over the time of treatment.

Consider Credit: In many cases, the fee for orthodontic treatment can be paid via Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the length and complexity of your treatment. Our Financial Coordinator will provide you with a written estimate of your cost before beginning treatment and will help determine the best payment option that is most suited to your budgeting needs.

New Year, New Toothbrush

As we go into 2015 many people are saying out with the old and in with new, and this motto also needs to be applied to your toothbrush.

It is important to keep the mouth very clean and stay on top of your oral hygiene. Oral hygiene includes thorough brushing and flossing. However, unlike floss which you throw away after using, you use the same toothbrush repeatedly. Which brings up the question, how long should you a keep a toothbrush?

It is recommended that every 3 to 4 months you switch out that old toothbrush for a new fresh one (and if you've been sick, change it even sooner). Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn out that is a sign that you need a new toothbrush. For example, people who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles and the toothbrushes lose their effectiveness.

If you choose to go with dumping your old toothbrush every 3 months that can add up 4 new toothbrushes a year, but did you know you can put those toothbrushes to use. Here's 4 household uses for your old toothbrush:

• Cleaning shoes
• Cleaning small appliances
• Removing marks on walls and floors
• Cleaning jewelery

Making sure your toothbrush is in good shape very important to your oral hygiene. It is helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in your household at all times for easy replacement. So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and think "out with the old and in with the new".

Visit our Oral Hygiene page for more information about keeping up with your oral health.

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