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Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well sunshine lovers, Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increase vitamin D production in our bodies.

 

The Importance of Vitamin D

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

• It may help fight periodontal disease

Vitamin D is also an anti-inflammatory. Periodontal disease, which is the result of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria, is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Several studies have found that people with high vitamin D levels are less likely to experience bleeding gums and gum detachment.

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We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not, Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics will explain the correlation between running and oral health.Read More

Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find out what Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics has to say about some bad breath causing foods!Read More

Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are a very normal art of orthodontic treatment. However, we know that people sometimes find them to be a nuisance or difficult to adjust to wearing. It is important to know that Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot at Total Orthodontics has you wearing elastics because they are essential to the completion of the patient’s orthodontic treatment.

The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day.

Elastics allow for the jaw and bite alignment to occur. But they are also the patient’s responsibility, and if the patient does not choose to wear them as directed, it may prolong treatment or affect the final result. Before leaving the office, the patient needs to make sure they understand where and when to wear their rubber bands.

Additionally, not wearing your elastics are directed will actually prolong the soreness one feels when adjusting to rubber bands. Also, never double your rubber band wear unless Dr. Kevin Theroux and Dr. Brooks Barefoot told you to do so!

Patients should carry extra elastics with them at all times. This way if one breaks you have a replacement ready! If you ever have any questions regarding your elastics or braces treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our office – we’re here to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve!

At Total Orthodontics, we do our best to remain available for orthodontic emergencies. Please call our office if you think you are experiencing an orthodontic emergency. We don’t want you to feel like you’re on your own when it comes to your orthodontic treatment.

 

That being said, sometimes our patients run into problems or experience discomfort at a time when we can’t see them right away. We wanted to equip our orthodontic patients with some tricks and hacks that you can do at home, so you can ease discomfort and keep treatment on track until you are able to visit our office.Read More

We all know that sugary carbonated drinks do more harm than good to the teeth, but what about sparkling water? In most carbonated beverages, the acidity levels are very high – which can weaken tooth enamel.

If you’re not familiar with tooth enamel, it is the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form. When left on the teeth for too long, the acid and sugar from carbonated beverages can cause significant tooth decay, stained teeth or, in some cases, gum disease. This is often discussed in association with sodas, but what about sparkling water? 

 

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