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.

Mooooove Over Gum Disease from Braces By Souris!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology has found that regular consumption of dairy products such as milk, cheese , and yogurt can lower your chances of getting gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that effects the gum tissue and bone around the teeth. Gum disease can result in loss of bone and ultimately loss of teeth, and it has also been linked to increased risks associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese or a glass of milk and remember you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, contact us at Braces by Souris!

Sharing a Special Thank You from Braces by Souris!

We'd like to say a big THANK YOU to all of our patients for passing along the word about us to your friends and family year after year. You're a big part of the reason we continue to work hard at what we love to do!

Unlike dentists, who often share a long term relationship with their patients, we complete our work in a relatively short time frame of about 2 years or less. In many cases, our new patients come from our old patients!

Many people come to us seeking treatment based on recommendations from people like you who know us and trust us after enjoying previous orthodontic experiences with our office! All health care professionals depend on the confidence of their patients, and referrals are the best illustration of our patient's satisfaction with our work.

Thank you for your continued support. We really appreciate it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign from Braces by Souris!

Our office knows that people are curious about Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces. We thought we would share a few of the more common questions and answers about Invisalign, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Q: How much does Invisalign cost?

A: As with all types of orthodontic treatment, the cost depends on the complexity of the case. Dr. Souris can discuss the treatment cost for your particular problem at your free consultation!

Q: Does Invisalign really work?

A: In short, yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic practices all over the country, Invislaign has proven to be effective at straightening teeth.

Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?

A: Each patient should review their coverage since dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy. If a patient has orthodontic coverage, however, Invisalign should be covered to the same extent as traditional braces.

Q: What do aligners look like?

A: Aligners are nearly invisible and look very similar to clear tooth-whitening trays but are custom made for a better fit. A new set is placed every 2 weeks and they slowly straighten your teeth. Some orthodontists have referred to them as "contact lenses for the teeth".

Q: What are the aligners made of?

A: Aligners are made of clear, strong medical grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Q:How does Invisalign effectively move teeth?

A: Aligners, much like braces and wires, move teeth by proper application of controlled forces on the teeth. Invisalign, however, not only controls the forces but the timing of the force application. The result is an efficient force delivery system.

If you want to learn more about Invisalign, please feel free to contact our office at 440-734-1146 or visit our website at http://www.bracesbysouris.com/!

Is Sugar Bad for Your Heart?

Here is a brief review of an article I read at eatingwell.com. Americans consume 355 calories (22 teaspoons) of added sugars a day according to a recent study. Added sugars are those added to food by consumers or manufacturers. "Reducing added sugars will reduce cardiovascular disease risk", says Rachel Johnson, Ph. D., R.D., chair of the American Heart Association (AHA) writing group for the AHA scientific statement on sugars and cardiovascular disease. "High intakes of added sugars are linked with increased risks for high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels, risk factors for heart disease".

Recently the AHA recommended limiting added sugars, advising that women eat no more than 100 calories per day from added sugars, or about 6 teaspoons, and men should stick to less than 150 calories, approximately 9 teaspoons. A 12 ounce can of cola has about 8 teaspoons.

These recommendations apply only to added sugars which supply calories but no nutritional value, and not to sugars that occur naturally in healthful foods (fructose in fruits, lactose in dairy). It's fairly easy to keep track of sugars you add yourself, but added sugars in processed foods are more difficult to follow. "Sugars" on Nutrition Facts panels include natural and added sugars. Check the ingredient list for sugar and all its aliases: corn syrup, honey, molasses, etc. In general, the closer sugars are to the top of the list, the more the food contains. A list of added sugars includes: corn sweetener, fruit juice concentrates, high fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, malt sugar, molasses, syrup and sugar ending in "ose" (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, sucrose).