Helping You Through the Cold and Flu Season- Braces by Souris

Traditionally cold and flu season starts in the Fall, so it is a good idea to take extra precautions at this time of the year to help prevent the spread of germs. Dr. Souris and his staff promote a healthy and clean environment by giving a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in the office, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and the staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointment if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others. For your convenience, we even offer hand sanitizing solution and anti-bacterial soap at our reception room sink near the coffee area for those concerned about cross contamination. The key to preventing the spread of illness is to minmize exposure by proper sanitizing and hand washing.

Maintaining and protecting your toothbrush is also important to prevent the spread of bacteria. Some steps to follow that can help minmize contamination include:

*Wash your hands before and after brushing

*Allow time for your brush to air dry after each use. Harmful bacteria die after being adequately exposed to oxygen

*Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

*Replace the toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when the bristles appear worn.

Hope this helps! Stay Healthy!

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/.

Smoke Screen- Braces by Souris

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you know that smokers are also susceptible to a variety of oral health problems?

It's true. Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults, and those who smoke pipes and cigars or use smokeless tobacco are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems. As soon as you decide to use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of the following oral health problems:

*Oral Cancer

*Gum disease

*Tooth Loss

*Loss of bone in the jaw

*Gum recession

*Delayed healing process after oral surgery or any other involved dental teratment

*Decreased success rate of dental implants

*Mouth sores

*Loss of your sense of taste and smell

*Bad breath

*Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongl;y recommend you quit using tobacco products. The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and tobacco use:

1. Get ready- set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car, and office.

2. Get support

3. Learn new skills and behaviors to replace the habit

4. Get medication if necessary and use it correctly

5. Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health, and quitting smoking is a significant step in the right direction!

Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially if it is noticable to family and friends. It can, however, be prevented or at least controlled. Bad breath, or as doctors call it- "halitosis", is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and releases sulfur compounds which make your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils released by those foods. Smoking is another major cause of bad breath.

Here are some myths and truths surrounding bad breath:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. You will still need to brush and floss regularly, as mouthwash alone will not kill all the odor causing bacteria in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose come with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: If I brush my teeth, I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth can definitely help prevent bad breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth at least two times a day for about 2 minutes to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It's also very important to brush your tongue, which is where the majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don't smell it, than my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption because the breath you exhale when you breath out is not the same as the breath that leaves your mouth when you talk. When you breathe, you are not using your throat as much as you do when you are talking. When you talk, more breath moves over the back of your mouth where the bacteria causing the odor are located.

TRUTH #1: Brush your teeth at least twice a day (for at least 2 minutes, and don't forget the tongue), floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist every six months...This way your breath stands the best chance of always being fresh!

Invisalign Teen at Braces by Souris: What Parents Should Know

Invisalign Teen has become an up and coming treatment for our younger patients because it provides an option for them to achieve a straight, healthy smile without anyone noticing! Unlike traditional metal braces, teens using the Invisalign Teen system can remove the aligners (they look like clear retainers), allowing them to eat just about anything without worrying about breaking their braces. This also makes teeth easier to brush and keep clean during treatment.

There are several things for parents to remember when considering their options for orthodontic treatment. For example, the cost of Invisalign varies depending on your teen's specific case, but can often be comparable to treatment with traditional braces. At our office we strive to make orthodontics affordable for everyone, and we can determine the cost for your teen during our initial complimentary consultation. We can also determine if your child is a good candidiate for Invisalign Teen and discuss our available interest free financing options if necessary.

Dr. Souris was one of the first certified in the Cleveland area and is a premier provider, meaning that we are one of the most experienced practices in the area with the Invisalign system. Please feel free to call and schedule a comlpimentary consultation with our office at 440-734-1146 or visit us at our website: www.bracesbysouris.com.

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Dr. Souris Explains

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today's popular forms of "body art" and self-expression. If you're thinking about getting a piercing, or if you already have one, we want to share some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to touch them regularly, which is the perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter the piercing sites. Also, food particles that tend to collect around the sites can lead to infection as well.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue, the most popular piercing site in the mouth, could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing can also cause excessive bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue's blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barebell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings, which can lead to cracked teeth, gum damage and recession, and sensitive teeth. This may lead to a need for additional dental treatment such as crowns and fillings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of oral piercings before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you're committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, make sure you are cleaning it with antiseptic mouthwash after eating and brushing the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know at Braces by Souris if you have any questions.