Oral Health Month in Londonderry

June is Oral Health Month. A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are 2 tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Kids Need to Floss: 
It doesn't matter if you clean between ​your child's teeth before or after they brush as long as you clean between any teeth that touch. You can use child-friendly plastic flossing tools to more easily clean between your child’s teeth until your child learns to do it.

View this post on Instagram

Such a bright smile celebrating patient appreciation with us. Sarah you are a pleasure to have!

A post shared by Apple Tree Orthodontics (@appletreeortho) on Jun 19, 2019 at 5:07am PDT

2 Facts Parents Should Know

Baby teeth are essential, as they act as placeholders for our adult teeth and effect the way we speak and eat. Here are three facts parents should know about their baby’s first tooth.


1. Schedule an Appointment by their First Birthday: 

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that infants be seen shortly after the first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. This first visit will help establish a dental home for your child.

The earlier you start, the better chance we have to prevent any potential problems. In addition to checking for decay and other conditions, our staff will teach you how to clean your child’s teeth properly, identify your child’s risk for cavities, and offer you helpful advice that will help your child build a lifetime of good dental habits.


2. Help Soothe Teething Pain

Babies may show signs of discomfort in the area where the tooth is coming in, the gums around the tooth may be swollen and tender, and the baby may drool a lot more than usual.

Parents can help ease teething pain by massaging their baby's gums with clean fingers, offering solid, not liquid-filled, teething rings, or a clean frozen or wet washcloth.

Do I Need to See a Professional?

Did you know that children should really be seen by an Orthodontist as early as age seven for an evaluation?

We know seven sounds crazy and way too early to be thinking about braces. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help guide facial development and tooth eruption, thereby preventing more serious problems from occurring later in your child's life. And treating children during these early growth stages allows results to be achieved, that may not be possible once facial bones have fully developed.

A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or it may determine that early treatment is indicated to prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing as Dr. Polgrean can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only Dr. Polgrean can detect.

Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you will be giving your child the best opportunity for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Don't worry if your child is older than seven because it's not too late for a check-up, especially if you or your family dentist notice a problem.

Get in contact with us today, to schedule an appointment.

What is Dental Wax?

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief is dental wax. Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.
Step 2: Wash your hands.
Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax
Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces


If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums. If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (603) 434-0190

2 Smoothie Flavors for those with Braces

Congratulations on getting braces! Your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. At first you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! The discomfort and soreness you are feeling is perfectly normal. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures, which can make it tough to chew and eat solid food. Here are 2 delicious smoothie recipies that are delicious, healthy and filling.

1. Delicious Red Fruits and Oats Smoothie

This delicous smoothis will make it easy for you to consume, especially in your first few days after getting braces. The added oats, will fill you up.

1 cup sliced strawberries
1 sliced banana
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup

2. Peanut Butter, Banana and Flax Smoothie
This delicious combination will have you feeling full of creamy goodness. The yogurt and peanut butter will have you feeling full and the honey combined with bananas will leave you craving for more.

1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, sliced

Two Candies to Avoid this Halloween

Happy Halloween from everyone at Apple Tree Orthodontics!

We believe that Halloween is the perfect opportunity to talk to your child and remind them about the importance of sticking to their health routine. This includes brushing your teeth, flossing, wearing your retainers, using mouthwash and other health tips. If you recently received orthodontic treatment such as braces or in the middle of your treatment, we recommend you avoid these sweet treats.

1. Hard Candies: You want to watch out for hard candies on Halloween and beyond. These can break your teeth and can be damaging if you have braces. On top of that, hard candies can cause the sugar to wash all over your teeth. This is due to having the hard candy for longer periods in your mouth.

2. Sour Candy: It’s no secret how important the enamel on your tooth is. Acidic foods are harmful to your enamel and can cause it to erode, exposing your tooth to being more vulnerable to cavities. You can pass on sour candy because of the acidity.

Your First Visit with Apple Tree Orthodontics

Fear of the unknown is human nature and some nervousness is to be expected prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Your first visit to our office is a time for us to get to know you and determine what your main concerns are. 

We will ease your fears by giving you as much information as needed to help you feel comfortable. Each member of our team is friendly and accessible and we encourage our patients or parents to ask questions. We believe that patients will feel more comfortable if they know what to expect and are well informed of a procedure before it occurs.

We try to avoid any unexpected surprises and let each patient know everything we are going to do, before we do it. 

At your first visit, you will be greeted by one of our staff members and given a tour of the office. Initial paperwork will be completed and a complimentary, no obligation orthodontic exam will be done. During this time, we evaluate many things relating to the face, the smile, the fit of the teeth and the amount of room for all of the teeth. From this initial visit, if a patient is ready for treatment, diagnostic records may be taken or scheduled at a later date per patient preference. If indicated, treatment fees, general payment options and insurance benefits are discussed. 

If a patient is still developing and is not yet ready for treatment, we will recommend the patient be placed into an observation phase where we will follow growth and development to determine the appropriate time for treatment.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (603) 434-0190. We hope to see you soon! 😃

Guard That Smile

Does your child play a contact sport? 

Photo provided by www.oralanswers.com

Appletree Orthodontics wants to remind patients, coaches and athletes to play it safe when suiting up for recreational and organized sports.  

Since April is National Facial Protection Month, we wanted to share some information with you about a small piece of safety equipment that can make a big difference in preventing head or facial injuries...a Mouth Guard. 

While we encourage everyone to play sports, we also want to encourage everyone to stay safe. Appletree Orthodontics hopes that if you are playing sports this year, that you guard your goal of a healthy straight smile by wearing a mouth guard. Each year, more than 2.6 million children 19 years of age and younger are treated in hospital emergency departments for sports and recreation-related injuries. This fact alone should tell you just how important it is to protect your teeth and your orthodontic appliances with a mouth guard. 

Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. Mouth guards help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue or jaw. 

We want all of our patient athletes to be equipped with the proper mouth guard to ensure they are protected and comfortable. Please contact Appletree Orthodontics if you have any further questions regarding protecting your smile or purchasing mouth guards.  

Mouth guards are a smart investment for your health, so be sure to make the use of a mouth guard a routine.

The Breakfast Club

Photo Provided by crackerbarrel.com

Waking in the morning is already be a daunting task, not to mention the fact that you have to try and muster up the energy to prepare for the full day ahead. 

There is one sure fire way to get an extra boost in the morning…eat breakfast.  

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Who are “They”? And why do they say this? Well…”They" are those doctors and scientists who have spent their life’s work figuring out ways to help us be a healthier society…so it’s probably safe to say that we can trust them. 

When they say that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it’s because eating breakfast not only provides you with the energy you need for a productive day, but it is also helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Some people skip breakfast in an effort to lose weight, but did you know that skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make weight control more difficult? People who skip breakfast tend to eat more food than usual at the next meal or they eat high-calorie snacks when they get hungry throughout the day. 

While adults need to eat breakfast each day to perform at their best, kids need it even more. Their growing bodies and developing brains need regular refueling often. When kids skip breakfast, they don't get what they need to be at their best. Studies show that children who skip breakfast are tardy and absent from school more often than children who eat breakfast on a regular basis. Preparing a good breakfast can be as quick and easy as splashing some milk over cereal or making oatmeal or a healthy smoothie. 

Feeling short on time in the morning? Enroll your children in a school breakfast program or pack a breakfast that they can eat on their way to school. 

3 Tips for Starting Your Day the Healthy Way 

• Purchase portable breakfast items such as fruit, yogurt or breakfast bars. 
• Get up 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually do in the morning to eat breakfast. Waking up earlier will allow you to make sure you have time to set and eat in the morning. And when you think about it…15 minutes is not that big of a deal, it’s like 1 less hit of the snooze button. 
• Replace drinking a cup of coffee with drinking a glass of milk or orange juice as both are proven to provide natural energy. 

Always remember…make sure that the foods you are consuming for breakfast are healthy and good for your body and your oral health.

Do You Have Loose Wires or Brackets?

Photo provided by oralb.com

We know even despite your best efforts, the wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact Appletree Orthodontics as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. 

If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you. In an emergency, you can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain until your appointment. 

Don't hesitate to reach out to us at (603) 434-0190 immediately if you experience any issue with your braces. 

Eating With Your New Braces

Photo provided by oralb.com

Now that you have your braces, what foods can you still enjoy? While some foods are off limits, don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. 

For most situations, common sense will tell you what to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided. 

Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid: 

• Gum (sugar-free or regular)  
• Licorice 
• Sugar Daddies  
• Toffee 
• Tootsie Rolls  
• Caramels  
• Starburst  

Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid:  

• Ice  
• Nuts  
• Hard taco shells  
• French bread crust/rolls  
• Corn on the cob  
• Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces)  
• Bagels Chips  
• Jolly Ranchers  
• Pizza crust  
• Uncooked carrots (unless cut)  

Minimize Sugary Foods like:  

• Cake  
• Ice Cream  
• Cookies  
• Pie  
• Candy   

It's important to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, call our office immediately to arrange an appointment for repair.