Hodgkins Orthodontics, supporting Moms for Mouth Guards

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

Here at Hodgkins Orthodontics, we care about your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be damaging to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontics have introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Dr. Hodgkins will tell you that mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey and basketball, just to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their children’s smile from facial injuries.

Today, we thought we’d invite moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

Your pal, fluoride!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Hodgkins. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Are you entered to win an iPod touch from Hodgkins Orthodontics?

Now is your chance to win an iPod Touch from Hodgkins Orthodontics! This summer, Dr. Hodgkins and our team will be giving away an iPod Touch to one lucky patient. Send us your best summer fun photo and we will enter you in the drawing for an iPod Touch.

The contest ends in less than a month, so don't hesitate to email frankdmh@gmail.com with your summer photo! You can also bring your photo in to the office at your next appointment. We will be selecting the winner September 15, 2010. Be sure to "like" our Facebook page, so that you can take a look at all of the great photos that we have received! As always, don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions.

Have a great week,

-Dr. Hodgkins and team

Invisalign® tips, from Hodgkins Orthodontics

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. Few people realize that, just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important for all our patients' health, even when wearing removable aligners. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Hodgkins wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Hodgkins Orthodontics, give us a call!