Month: July 2015

A Little Sunshine Benefits Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Dr. Kevin Horner

Sun smileWe all love sunshine! It feels wonderful to be out in the sun here in beautiful Sioux Falls, SD, plus it also has numerous health benefits. Sunshine elevates our mood, enhances our immune system functions, and aids in the vitamin D production in our bodies.

Vitamin D Is A Key Part Of A Healthy Smile
Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for good oral health?
When you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, healthy teeth and gums are especially important. Vitamin D supports good oral health in two ways:

Vitamin D Aids Our Bodies In The Absorption And Utilization of Calcium
One of the major functions of vitamin D is moderating other vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Calcium fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. That’s why milk, a good source of calcium, is fortified with vitamin D.
Numerous studies have shown a greater cavity risk for people living in areas of the world with little sunlight…sometimes as much as double the risk for developing cavities.

Vitamin D May Help Fight Periodontal Disease
Vitamin D also acts in the body as an anti-inflammatory agent. Periodontal disease is the number 1 cause of tooth loss in adults, and it occurs as a result of inflammation of the gums due to harmful bacteria.
Several studies have found that people who have high levels of vitamin D are less likely to have bleeding gums and gum detachment.

Getting Your Daily Dose Of Vitamin D
It doesn’t take long to get the vitamin D your body needs from the sun; as little as 15 minutes a day. But for those times when you can’t get your daily dose of sunlight, you can also get vitamin D from these foods:
• Vitamin D fortified milk, yogurt (whole, nonfat, or reduced fat), soy milk, or orange juice
• Vitamin D fortified cereals
• Egg yolks
• Fatty fish, such as tuna canned in water or sardines canned in oil.
• Beef or calf liver
• Cheese
• Vitamin D supplements

Get Yourself A Little Sunshine Today!
Just remember, you need to be careful about how much sun exposure you’re getting. You don’t need to sunbathe all day to get the vitamin D your body needs! Take this advice as a good reason to get outside today and soak up a few beneficial rays of that glorious sunshine!

Thank you for trusting Horner Barrow Orthodontics with your family’s oral health. We truly appreciate you!

A Beautiful Smile With Orthodontic Treatment. It’s Never Too Late.

Dr. Keri Barrow

For many years, people associated braces with teenagers. But thanks to modern advances in orthodontic technology and treatment, that perception is quickly changing. Today, 20% of orthodontic patients (or, one in five) are adults, and that number is growing every day. Why? Because more and more people are realizing that your smile (healthy or not-so-healthy) can have an impact your career, your relationships, and your overall health.

How Much Can You Learn In 30 Seconds?
We know it seems shallow, but we can’t help making assumptions about people based on a first impression. It’s just our human nature. In fact, many studies estimate that it takes under 30 seconds (possibly even as little as seven) to form our first impression of someone. During those few short seconds, we guesstimate how healthy, how popular, and how happy someone is. And, in spite what romantic comedies may lead us to believe, that first impression usually stays with us.

Appealing, Modern Orthodontic Options Are Available
Another reason for the increase in adult patients is the fact that orthodontic technology has come a long way. Treatment is more comfortable, more aesthetically pleasing (and, in some cases, virtually invisible), and faster than ever before. Folks reluctant to revisit those awkward teenage years can now get the beautiful, straight smile they want without compromising.

It’s Definitely Not Too Late
If you missed out on having braces as a teenager, or if your teeth have shifted later in life, please, don’t hesitate to ask us about adult orthodontics. The benefits of a healthy, straight smile will last a lifetime. It’s never too late to get a smile that you’re proud to show off!

Thank you for placing your trust in us here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics. We truly do appreciate it.