The Breakfast Club

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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?

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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

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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.