It's no surprise that sugary candy and drinks have an adverse effect on the health of your teeth, but what about sour or tart candies? Dr. Souris thought you might want to know how eating or drinking something sour may impact your teeth.
Research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are some important facts and helpful hints on how to protect your teeth:
Facts
*Sour candies can be acidic enough to actually cause mild burns to the gums and cheeks while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth.
*It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.
Protect Your Teeth
*Limit the amount of sour candies you eat, and when you do, remember not to suck on them for long periods of time.
*After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water or drink milk to help neutralize the acid in your mouth ( wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth).
*If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions- 440-734-1146, or visit our website at www.bracesbysouris.com.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
More About Orthodontics From Braces by Souris
Ther are so many questions about orthodontics we often never ask, so Dr. Souris took some time to answer the more common ones:
At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, but many jaw problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before the jaw growth slows down. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be evaluated starting at age 7 if a problem is detected by the parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician. Early treatment at a younger age (8-10 years) can help a patient avoid long difficult treatments later that could involve pulling of adult teeth or even jaw surgery.
What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment with special jaw growing appliances and limited braces to help correct problems such as lack of space for adult teeth, cossbites, overbites, underbites, and other developing jaw problems. This treatment usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 10 years and is meant to prevent existing problems from becoming severe enough to require long difficult treatments involving pulling of teeth or jaw surgery. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces after all the adult teeth have erupted usually between the ages of 11 and 13 years.
Am I too old for braces?
Absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial and successsful at any age. Everyone wants a healthy and beautiful smile. About 35% of our patients are adults.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use constant gentle pressure to slowly move the teeth into their proper positions. The wires placed in the braces want to return to their original "straight " shape. As they try to do this, they apply constant pressure to the crooked teeth and slowly carry them to the desired position.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by the child's growth and the severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient cooperation, so good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping your treatment time on schedule.
Do braces hurt?
Placing the brackets and bands on your teeth does not hurt. However, once the wires are placed in your braces, a few hours later you may feel some soreness of your teeth which may last a few days. It usually fades away relatively quickly. Your lips and cheeks also may need a few weeks to adjust to the presence of the braces on your teeth.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect thier lips and teeth by wearing a mouthguard which we supply for you.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment and the wax we supply may be necessary to cover the braces at first.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for your cleaning and dental checkup or more frequently if recommended.
Have more questions? Give us a call at 440-734-1146 or visit our website at http://www.bracesbysouris.com/. We'd love to hear from you.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
12 Surprising Things That Make You Tired
Something I picked up on msn health written by Stacey Colino that I thought you might enjoy!
1. All Work, No Play
All your routines can get tedious and exhausting, and the body registers boredom as tiredness. Build in pleasure throughout your day by taking mini-breaks and doing something relaxing or fun to break your routines.
2. Shunning the Sun
Without enough natural light, the body goes into sleep mode. In a recent study involving 600 adults at the University of Massachusetts, researchers found that feelings of depression, hostility, anger, irritability, and anxiety were highest in the winter and lowest in the summer. Try and sneak out for a 10 minute walk, even if it is cloudy, or spend a few minutes in a room that is filled with natural light.
3. Barely Breathing
When you take shallow breaths, your body does not get enough oxygen resulting in increased levels of carbon monoxide in your blood which can make you tired. Practice breathing from your diaphragm when your tired or need extra energy. As you inhale, focus on making your stomach and chest move.
4. Being a Desk or Couch Potato
Sitting in one position for long periods can drain your energy because your body equates stillness with going to sleep. Also, if you're staring at a TV or computer screen you tend to blink less frequently resulting in dry eyes and eyestrain which can put you in the mood for shut-eye. Take breaks to stretch, walk, and move, and relieve eyestrain by focusing on something distant every 30 minutes or during commercial breaks.
5. Sleep Inconsistency
Your body's internal clock needs consistency, so staying up late on weekends and sleeping in gives you jet lag without ever leaving town. A study conducted at Brigham in Boston found that even if you sleep enough hours, you're more likely to be irritable and downbeat if you wake up at a time other than what you're used to. Try to establish a regular sleep and wake-up schedule and try not to deviate too far from it, even on the weekends.
6. Mild Dehydration
When you feel thirsty, you've already lost 2 to 3 percent of your body fluid, therefore, a lot of people are walking around in a state of mild dehydration. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired or lethargic because your blood volume lowers and your heart has to pump harder. Try and aim for nine cups of water per day if you are sedentary and 12 if you are active. You can increase your water intake by eating more soup, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
7. Bright Lights at Night
Normal levels of indoor lighting can be enough to disrupt your brain's notion of night and day. Bright lights can reset your body's internal clock, making it hard to fall asleep when you want and wake up on time. Dim the overhead lights in your living room or bedroom a few hours before bedtime or turn on a reading lamp instead.
8. The Vitamin-Plus-Coffee Breakfast
This common meal is actually an energy drainer because vitamins are not a source of energy. Without calorie intake in the morning, your metabolic rate drops and your body functions slow in order to preserve energy, making you feel sluggish. To get a steady release of energy all morning, eat a meal that combines protein and carbs: peanut butter on a bagel, an energy bar, egg with whole wheat toast. You will burn the carbs quickly and feel a surge of energy, and the protein which stays in your stomach longer gives you staying power.
9. Overdoing Exercise
The body needs time to recover after exercise and allow muscles to repair and replenish energy stores. A good way to check if your body needs a break is to take your pulse first thing in the morning before you get out of bed: If it's more than 5 beats above normal the morning after a vigorous execise routine, exercise lightly or take the day off. You could get in the habit of working out every other day, but don't skip too many because you may fall out of your routine.
10. Carrying Around Extra Pounds
Gaining even 5 extra pounds can cause fatigue and put extra strain on your heart, which can make you tired. Exercise portion control and healthy eating habits with less junk food, sweets, and high fat foods.
11. Slouching
When the joints aren't aligned properely, the whole body has to work so much harder. The excess strain on your back and hips can make you feel tired and achy. A quick alignment check: Whether you're moving, sitting, or standing still, your head should be lined up over your body (not sticking out in front), so our ears are directly over your shoulders.
12. Too Much Noise
1. All Work, No Play
All your routines can get tedious and exhausting, and the body registers boredom as tiredness. Build in pleasure throughout your day by taking mini-breaks and doing something relaxing or fun to break your routines.
2. Shunning the Sun
Without enough natural light, the body goes into sleep mode. In a recent study involving 600 adults at the University of Massachusetts, researchers found that feelings of depression, hostility, anger, irritability, and anxiety were highest in the winter and lowest in the summer. Try and sneak out for a 10 minute walk, even if it is cloudy, or spend a few minutes in a room that is filled with natural light.
3. Barely Breathing
When you take shallow breaths, your body does not get enough oxygen resulting in increased levels of carbon monoxide in your blood which can make you tired. Practice breathing from your diaphragm when your tired or need extra energy. As you inhale, focus on making your stomach and chest move.
4. Being a Desk or Couch Potato
Sitting in one position for long periods can drain your energy because your body equates stillness with going to sleep. Also, if you're staring at a TV or computer screen you tend to blink less frequently resulting in dry eyes and eyestrain which can put you in the mood for shut-eye. Take breaks to stretch, walk, and move, and relieve eyestrain by focusing on something distant every 30 minutes or during commercial breaks.
5. Sleep Inconsistency
Your body's internal clock needs consistency, so staying up late on weekends and sleeping in gives you jet lag without ever leaving town. A study conducted at Brigham in Boston found that even if you sleep enough hours, you're more likely to be irritable and downbeat if you wake up at a time other than what you're used to. Try to establish a regular sleep and wake-up schedule and try not to deviate too far from it, even on the weekends.
6. Mild Dehydration
When you feel thirsty, you've already lost 2 to 3 percent of your body fluid, therefore, a lot of people are walking around in a state of mild dehydration. Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired or lethargic because your blood volume lowers and your heart has to pump harder. Try and aim for nine cups of water per day if you are sedentary and 12 if you are active. You can increase your water intake by eating more soup, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
7. Bright Lights at Night
Normal levels of indoor lighting can be enough to disrupt your brain's notion of night and day. Bright lights can reset your body's internal clock, making it hard to fall asleep when you want and wake up on time. Dim the overhead lights in your living room or bedroom a few hours before bedtime or turn on a reading lamp instead.
8. The Vitamin-Plus-Coffee Breakfast
This common meal is actually an energy drainer because vitamins are not a source of energy. Without calorie intake in the morning, your metabolic rate drops and your body functions slow in order to preserve energy, making you feel sluggish. To get a steady release of energy all morning, eat a meal that combines protein and carbs: peanut butter on a bagel, an energy bar, egg with whole wheat toast. You will burn the carbs quickly and feel a surge of energy, and the protein which stays in your stomach longer gives you staying power.
9. Overdoing Exercise
The body needs time to recover after exercise and allow muscles to repair and replenish energy stores. A good way to check if your body needs a break is to take your pulse first thing in the morning before you get out of bed: If it's more than 5 beats above normal the morning after a vigorous execise routine, exercise lightly or take the day off. You could get in the habit of working out every other day, but don't skip too many because you may fall out of your routine.
10. Carrying Around Extra Pounds
Gaining even 5 extra pounds can cause fatigue and put extra strain on your heart, which can make you tired. Exercise portion control and healthy eating habits with less junk food, sweets, and high fat foods.
11. Slouching
When the joints aren't aligned properely, the whole body has to work so much harder. The excess strain on your back and hips can make you feel tired and achy. A quick alignment check: Whether you're moving, sitting, or standing still, your head should be lined up over your body (not sticking out in front), so our ears are directly over your shoulders.
12. Too Much Noise
Noise is stress. Your pulse rate and blood pressure increase and your adrenaline surges. Anything that puts added stress on your nervous system eventually depletes your energy. It also causes you to work harder to comlpete tasks due to the added distraction and your constant effort to ignore the sound, resulting in increased fatigue. Make as much effort as possible to decrease unwanted and excessive noise in your work and home environment.
Friday, October 1, 2010
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!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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!
*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!
Monday, September 13, 2010
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/.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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!
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