by Brianne DeSantis, D.M.D.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who, after graduating from dental school, must successfully complete a minimum of two to three additional years of residency.  Orthodontist’s devote their professional lives to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Many parents aren’t aware that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.  An orthodontist can spot subtle problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth, even while some baby teeth are still present.  A check-up can reveal any current needs for treatment, inform parents that treatment should be considered when the child is older, or provide the good news that treatment may not be needed.  More and more adults are also seeking treatment, with more than one million now in treatment across U.S. and Canada.  Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age!

Tips to keep your teeth safe from decay and protect your braces:

• ·Avoid sticky situations with your braces.  Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks.  These include caramel, licorice, taffy, sugary bubblegum, and jelly beans.  Also steer away from nuts, taco chips, and unpopped popcorn kernels.  If it is sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy, it is food that anyone wearing braces or retainers should avoid.  Eating the wrong kinds of food can bend and break braces, which might cause treatment to last longer than planned.

• ·Good alternatives for people with braces include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.  The AAO offers braces-friendly recipes on its web site, www.braces.org.

• ·If you consume sweets, do so in moderation.  Eating candy may increase the risk of tooth decay for people in general and certainly for orthodontic patients.

• ·Brushing and flossing are very important for the health of everyone’s teeth.  People with braces should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing immediately after consuming sugary or starchy foods.

For more information on orthodontic treatment or to schedule your free exam, contact our office at (386) 439-5437, or visit our web site at www.littlesmilesfl.com.