Keeping your mouth healthy with Braces by Souris!

We know that maintaining good dental health requires only a few minutes a day! We thought we would offer some practical advice on how to keep your child's mouth clean and healthy between visits with Dr. Souris.

First and most importantly, you need to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. The braces provide many hidden areas for the food to collect since what you eat and drink does not wash away as easy as it does on a smooth tooth surface. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth with braces in order to prevent plaque build-up and possible gum disease (two minutes is a good brushing time to shoot for). Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque build-up between your teeth. Mechanical toothbrushes, water pics, and mouth rinses can certainly help, but effective and consistent brushing and flossing are the most important ingredients to a healthy smile during treatment. If you feel you need help, please don't hesitate to ask us for a review on proper methods of brushing and flossing at your next visit. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months or after an illness.

We hope this helps emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us at 440-734-1146.

What's So Bad About Nail Biting?

We've all heard that nail biting is an awful habit, so we took the time to review an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affects your teeth and your oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit amoung various age groups including children, teens, and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress. That being said, it is unsanitary, unattractive, and unhealthy for your teeth. Here's why:

*It's unsanitary. Your nails are twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, they are a big source of unwanted germs and bacteria.

*It can have unhealthy effects on your teeth. Nail biting causes you to constantly chew with your teeth, and this excessive motion can wear your front teeth faster and cause unwanted movement of your teeth due to the constant pressure.

*Braces don't love it either. Nail biting can damage the appliances and put unnecessary pressure on your teeth beyond what the braces are already applying, resulting in increased discomfort and stressing of the roots.

*Finally, it can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one's lifetime according to the Academy of General Dentistry.

Now is a good time to think about breaking your habit and helping with the long term health of your teeth. If you have any additional questions about your teeth, please feel free to contact Dr. Souris at 440-734-1146.

Fun Orthodontic Facts From Braces by Souris!

Everyone loves trivia. The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts that we would like to share with you!





* There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States and 75% of them are younger than 18.





* The first mechnanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus in 23-79 AD.





* The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the US, Canada, and abroad.





* The time required to complete orthodonric treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.





* The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special flouride-releasing substance.





* Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.





* In addition to alleviating or preventing dental health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment improves the smile and facial appearance.





* Some famous orthodonic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes, and yes, even Justin Bieber who actually was treated with Invisalign Teen!

If you, a family member, or a friend think you can benefit from orthodontic treatment, please give our office a call at 440-734-1146 to schedule a free consulataion or visit our website at www.bracesbysouris.com.

Is There a Tooth Grinder in Your Home?

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a tooth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of grinding (bruxism) include:

*sensitivity in the teeth
*tightness or pain in the jaw
*headaches, earaches, or facial pain
*worn down, chipped, or loose teeth

People often grind their teeth in response to stress, so reducing or eliminating stress as much as possible can help the situation. Here are some other helpful ideas to reduce grinding tendencies:

* cut back on caffeine &/or alcohol
* drink plenty of water to minimize dehydration
* do something relaxing right before bedtime (warm bath, etc.)
* eliminate chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum, etc.)
* if you find yourself clenching or grinding during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

Untreated grinding can lead to chipped and worn teeth, chronic facial pain, and even TMJ disorder. If the tooth grinding persists, please give our office a call at 440-734-1146 to discuss the possible treatment options!

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Braces by Souris

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (gum disease), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tisue and bone that support the teeth. In the most severe cases, teeth may be lost.

Research is now also pointing to other health effects of periodontal disease that go well beyond your mouth. We want to inform you about some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and bones that support the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis- an infection and inflammation of the gums. As the disease becomes more severe, all of the tissues become involved, including the bone. The bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth are what continue to fuel the progression of the disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:

* redness and bleeding of the gums while brushing or using floss

* halitosis or bad breath

* recession of the gums resulting in apparent lengthening of the teeth

* "pockets" of bone loss between the teeth and gums indicating that the supporting bone is dissolving away

*eventual loosening of teeth

Gum inflammation and bone destruction can be for the most part painless, and therefore people wrongly assume that painless bleeding after brushing and flossing is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. Unfortunately many people think it is normal for their gums to bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through bleeding and ulcerated gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Reasearchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

* Heart disease- Gum disease may worsen existing heart disease or increase the risk of heart disease.

* Stroke- Gum disease may increase the risk of stroke caused by blocked arteries.

* Diabetes- People with diabetes and periodontal disease may have a harder time controlling their blood sugar than those with healthy gums.

Combating Periodontal Disease

* To help combat periodontal disease, see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.

* Brush and floss at least twice daily. Take your time and do it right!

* Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use helps to disinfect the teeth and gums and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.

* STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH!! Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Please contact our office at 440-734-1146 to scedule a free exam and learn more about adult treatment and the available options, or visit us a http://www.bracesbysouris.com/.