Eating A Healthy Breakfast For A Healthy Smile!

We’ve all heard it many times, and health studies agree, that breakfast could very well be the most important meal of the day. And, believe it or not, breakfast affects your oral health, too!

(The Wrong) Breakfast Can Harm Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Because most of us are on the go from morning ’til night, breakfast can easily be an imbalanced, over-sugary meal! While we don’t usually eat candy for breakfast, we often opt for popular cereals or baked goodies that are loaded with sugar. These unhealthy breakfast choices can be harmful to your teeth and gums—and your orthodontic appliances—with multiplying effects if you’re not brushing and flossing after breakfast.

Healthy breakfast

A Healthy, Balanced Breakfast Can Protect Your Teeth

Just like your body, your mouth needs nutritious food to stay healthy. A balanced breakfast rich in healthful fruits and vegetables, fiber, and proteins can help prevent tooth decay, early tooth loss, bad breath, and gum disease.

Healthy teeth and gums respond better to orthodontic treatment—so eating a good breakfast may also help you attain your goal of a healthy, straight, beautiful smile!

The Right Choices For A Smile-Friendly Breakfast

  • Choose whole grains (oatmeal, whole wheat bread) instead of refined, highly processed grains.
  • Choose high fiber cereals with less preservatives and added sugar.
  • Choose healthy fruits and vegetables (chopped into easy-to-chew, bite-sized pieces).
  • Drink water or unsweetened tea to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay.
  • Use moderation with fruit juices and smoothies, as they are typically high in sugar and can be quite acidic.
  • Consider dinner for breakfast. Choose high-quality protein such as eggs, chicken, fish, beans, cheese, etc.
  • Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your braces or orthodontic appliance.

A Healthy Breakfast Kickstarts Your Day And Your Healthy Smile

Studies have found that a healthy breakfast can positively affect your energy, mood and focus.So, start eating breakfasts that protect your smile AND make you feel good!

Thanks for trusting your smile to Horner Barrow Orthodontics!

6 Common Myths About Dental Health

Here’s a dental health myth from yesteryear…in olden times, people believed they could cure a toothache by pounding a nail into an oak tree. Nowadays, we all recognize that this notion is just plain silly!

Today’s dental health myths are different. There are still some silly ideas about teeth and dental health that have very little to do with the facts. While we are not your dental team, Horner Barrow Orthodontics is very invested in the health of you and your smile, and we thought it would be fun to share this information with our patients. Have you ever fallen for one or more of these modern myths? Don’t feel bad if you did…many folks have.

Dental Health Myth 1 – Cavities are caused only by candies and sweets

Technically, cavities are caused by carbohydrates interacting with the bacteria on your teeth to create acid byproducts. Carbohydrates do include sugars, but cavities can just as easily be caused by starchy foods such as bread, crackers, and potato chips, and sticky foods like dried fruits, which can remain on your teeth, and break down into those decay-causing carbs.

Dental Health Myth 2 – Children are more likely to get cavities than adults

Kids are NOT inherently more prone to decay, they’re just not as good at brushing! Teach your child proper, thorough brushing techniques—helping them until they’re proficient enough at it to brush their teeth on their own.

Dental Health Myth 3 – No pain means no cavities, right?

Decay can eat right through enamel and dentin before some people feel it at all! Finding tooth decay early usually allows more of the tooth to be saved, and can save you added discomfort and expense.

Dental Health Myth 4 – I should stop flossing if my gums bleed

That’s a really bad idea. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of gum disease (gingivitis). This occurs when bacterial infections inflame your gums due to a lack of proper, effective cleaning. Sure, floss gently if your gums are sensitive. But, do keep flossing, being thorough and extra diligent! If the bleeding continues, be sure to see your general dentist.

Dental Health Myth 5 – A tooth that’s had restoration work is stronger than ever

No, that’s not always true. One of the biggest risk factors for tooth decay is having had cavities in the past. Dental crowns and fillings are great, but they’re not perfect. They have little imperfections, those nooks and crannies where bacteria can hide, especially as your restorations age. The lesson to be learned? Have your teeth checked regularly to make sure everything is fine.

Dental Health Myth 6 – Braces are for teens only

That’s simply not true anymore. We treat a lot of adults. Many of our adult patients never had the opportunity to straighten their teeth as a teenager, or even if they did have braces, they may find their teeth shifting later in life. In any case, it’s never too late to give yourself a beautiful, confident smile with orthodontic treatment. Everyone, at any age, can benefit from a healthy, straight smile!

Remember, a great weapon against tooth decay is knowledge. If you have questions about any of the ideas above (or other questions) be sure to ask us during your next visit.

Thanks for sharing Horner Barrow Orthodontics with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. We appreciate the trust you place in us!

Helpful Advice For Eating With New Or Just-Tightened Braces

On the way to your beautiful, straight new smile, you may experience some temporary soreness, especially with new or recently-adjusted braces. Here are some tips to help you manage any discomfort or soreness.

We’ve found that avoiding certain foods during your orthodontic treatment can help you be more comfortable.

7 Suggestions For Eating With Newly-Placed Or Recently-Tightened Braces

Eat soft foods. Liquid or broth-based foods, such as shakes, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, eggs, quinoa, oatmeal, applesauce, puddings, yogurt, or jello all require little chewing, and are less likely to irritate your teeth and gums. Remember to look for sugar-free soft food options.

If you want to eat meat, try cold cuts or seafood. Canned tuna fish is a good option.

If you are hungry for some fruits or vegetables, try boiling the veggies, and cutting them and the fruit into small pieces so they’re easier to chew.

Eat carefully. Remember to chew your foods slowly. Use the roof of your mouth and your tongue to “smash” softer foods. If possible, try to keep your upper and lower teeth from touching.

Putting dental wax over any brackets that are close to the sore spots in your mouth can prevent further pain and irritation.

An over-the-counter pain reliever can help alleviate the soreness and discomfort.

Modern Braces Are More Comfortable

With today’s modern orthodontic technology, it’s possible to go through braces or orthodontic treatment with very minimal discomfort. If you’re careful and follow the instructions we give you, you can have a great orthodontic experience until that day when your braces come off and your beautiful new smile is revealed!

If you have any questions about your braces, give us a call or ask us at your next appointment.

Do You Have Any Helpful Tips For Newer Patients?

If you have worn braces and have some helpful advice on what or how to eat with new or recently-tightened braces, please feel free to post them in the comments below.

Thank you for allowing Horner Barrow Orthodontics to take care of your smile!

5 Easy Ways To Unleash The Power Of Your Smile

2 smiling sisters

Your smile is one of your most important assets. But, your smile doesn’t have to be a dazzling, perfect, “movie star” smile for you to unleash its power. Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment, have just finished with it, or are currently wearing braces, think about how powerful your smile is right now.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice
Life’s too short to skip those little things that make you happy. Smile more. Smile and laugh, a lot. Don’t hide your smile because you’re self-conscious about wearing braces! Invite people to share in the things that make you smile. Your smile will encourage others to smile. Smiling can become a habit. Always seize the opportunity to smile.

2. Be Conscious Of The Smile/Emotion Connection
A poet once said, “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” Many times, we only think about the way positive emotions bring out smiles, but it works the other way too. Smiles bring out positive emotions. They can even help us better cope with stress or pain.

3. Forget That Half-Hearted Smile
Make a concerted effort to replace that half-hearted smile given in politeness with a genuine smile. You can do it. Again, practice makes perfect!

4. Remember… Your Smile Makes You More Attractive
A study of 5,000+ single people recently found that both men and women (58% and 71%, respectively) judge the opposite sex MOST (and FIRST) on the appearance of their teeth. Smiles do invite and strengthen relationships.

5. Your Healthy Smile. Take Good Care Of It!
Treat your smile with the good care it deserves. You’ve already taken a great first step with orthodontic treatment. Remember to always brush and floss daily, and schedule regular checkups with your dentist.

We Love To See You Smile!
Some estimates say that 30% of the general population is so unhappy with their smiles that they avoid smiling altogether. That’s enough to make anyone sad. If you feel that way about your smile, call Horner Barrow Orthodontics today. We can help you unleash the power of your most valuable asset – YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE!