Facial Protection Month: Wear a Mouth Guard

April is National Facial Protection Month! National Facial Protection Month serves as a reminder over the importance of wearing mouth guards during sports, protecting your beautiful smile.

67% of parents surveyed by the American Association of Orthodontists said their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet 70% said their biggest fear is their child getting hurt when playing sports. The most effective way to protect your childs teeth and prevent injuries is to wear a mouthguard.

About 80% of traumatic dental injuries occur to the two front teeth. Injuries can happen at any age and any skill level. So when should you wear a mouth guard? Here are just a few.

• Basketball
• Baseball
• Football
• Soccer
• Skiing
• Rugby
• Softball
• Tennis  

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.

National Orthodontic Health Month: 3 Benefits of Orthodontics

October is National Orthodontic Health Month! The importance and benefits of Orthodontics exceeds beyond just a beautiful smile. Here are 3 benefits of orthodontics.

1. Prevent Cavities – Orthodontic treatment is the process that straightens teeth through various treatment plans such as braces and Invisalign. Straight teeth are easier to clean and therefore prevent bacteria that can cause cavities. 
2. Prevent Gum Disease – Orthodontic treatment allows your teeth to be spaced out better. This makes it easier for people to floss and clean their teeth. Without straight teeth, it is easier for food to hide between teeth, causing bacteria, turning into gum disease. 
3. Helps Bad Bites – Orthodontic treatment can fix bad bites such as overbites and under bites that make it difficult to eat, chew and sometimes speak.