Adult Orthodontics

A Little History on Thanksgiving

Dr. Kevin Horner

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Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday season. Brimming with good food, and quality time spent with family and friends, Thanksgiving is a joyous holiday for many of us, here in Sioux Falls, SD, and across the United States.

Thanksgiving is a day meant for giving thanks, and though this may seem like a natural celebration, the United States is one of a relative few countries to officially celebrate with a holiday.

Unlike many holidays, Thanksgiving is a secular holiday; celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. Our northern neighbor, Canada, celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday in October, which is actually much closer to the time when harvests were typically gathered. In addition to the different celebration dates, the origins of the two holidays are also different.

Thanksgiving in the United States
Giving thanks for a bountiful harvest is not new, however; the modern day Thanksgiving in this country can be traced back to a celebration at Plymouth in Massachusetts in 1621. This first feast of thanksgiving was inspired by a good harvest, and the tradition was carried on. At first, the colony at Plymouth didn’t have enough food to feed everyone present, but the Native Americans helped by providing seeds and teaching the colonists how to fish, and soon enough, they were able to hold a feast worthy of the name. The tradition spread, and by the 1660s, most of New England was hosting a Thanksgiving feast in honor of the bountiful harvest.

Thanksgiving in Canada
Martin Frobisher, an explorer of early Canada, is given credit for the idea of the first Canadian Thanksgiving. He survived an arduous journey from England through harsh weather conditions and rough terrain, and after his last voyage from Europe to what is now known as Nunavut, he held a formal ceremony, giving thanks for his good fortune and for his survival. As time went on and more settlers arrived, a feast was added to what had already became a yearly tradition. Samuel de Champlain, another explorer, is linked to the first actual Thanksgiving celebration in honor of a successful harvest. Settlers who arrived with him in New France celebrated their harvest with a bountiful feast.

Thanksgiving in the 21st Century
Today, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated with all things Americana, from elaborate meals, parades, parties and football games, to kicking off the Christmas holiday shopping season. To many of us, Thanksgiving is roast turkey, stuffing (or dressing), mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. No matter how you and your loved ones celebrate this special holiday, take a moment to give thanks for your friends, family, and all the bountiful blessings you’ve received.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Horner Barrow Orthodontics. We are truly thankful for you, our wonderful orthodontic patients!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

Why Do YOU Want To Have Straight Teeth?

Dr. Keri Barrow

OrthoFamily

There are three major reasons people in Sioux Falls, SD, and elsewhere, seek orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. The first, and probably the most important reason is an improperly functioning bite. Sometimes teeth emerge in the wrong positions, and this can cause an interference to the way the teeth and jaws work. Sometimes teeth become impacted, or stuck, inside the jawbone. These impactions can (in simple cases) make teeth hard to clean, which can lead to decay and gum problems. In more serious cases, the impaction can lead to damage to the adjacent teeth.

Other functional problems include crossbites, where the tooth position is reversed from its correct location. This can lead to abnormal wear or chipped teeth. Sometimes poor bite relationships can make chewing uncomfortable, and in some case predispose a person to jaw joint problems. Any of these issues can be detected and assessed by your general dentist. If there are functional problems with your bite your general dentist will be able to identify them and will most likely advise you to seek treatment with a specialist, such as an orthodontist.

The second reason people often seek orthodontic treatment is for an improvement in their smile. Appearance is a personal thing. If you don’t like the way your teeth look, many times having them straighter will make them look nicer. In this case, the benefit of orthodontic treatment then really depends on whether you like your teeth the way they are or not. If you really don’t like the way your teeth look, then orthodontics may be for you.

The third reason people want to straighten their teeth is for self-esteem. Many people say they feel more confident in social settings, or in the business world if they have a beautiful, straight smile. Some people even claim that this self-confidence helps them to succeed in life or that they have become a happier, more smiling person. To back up that claim, studies have shown that a confident smile can improve people’s career opportunities.

Orthodontics continues to increase in popularity
Over the years, we at Horner Barrow Orthodontics have seen the demand for orthodontics greatly increase, as it has across the country, and this is probably due to several reasons. One reason is the desire to have a more perfect appearance in the face than in other areas of the body. Like it or not, this desire has become part of our culture. Even though we should not become obsessed with perfection, a happy, healthy, confident smile is truly a benefit for one’s entire life. Research has also shown indications that a confident smile can improve people’s career opportunities.

The second reason orthodontics has become more popular is that availability has greatly improved over the last 20 or more years. The cost of orthodontic treatment, while still not inexpensive, is relatively less expensive than it was many years ago.

The third reason orthodontics has become more popular is that the treatment procedures themselves are definitely more comfortable than they were in the past. Many cases can be treated without the dreaded extraction of teeth. The appliances (brackets) are smaller and smoother than they used to be. The days of the old “tin grin” or “railroad tracks” are pretty much a thing of the past.

In addition, other forms of orthodontic treatment, such as sequential plastic aligners, like Invisalign®, are available and are becoming more sophisticated and successful in the final result.
For these three major reasons, orthodontics has become a happy and healthy experience. To discover more about our range of orthodontic treatments, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow, please contact us.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Veterans Day, November 11, 2016

Dr. Kevin Horner

Arlington

Today is Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. On this special day, here in Sioux Falls, SD, and all across the country, we pause and salute all who have served. From the veterans of World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, to the wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan, we remember and honor the tremendous sacrifices made by those members of the United States armed forces (and their families’ sacrifices) to preserve our country’s freedom.

What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is celebrated on the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

United States President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919 by saying, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

A Veterans Day Poem by Robert G. Ingersoll

These heroes are dead. They died for liberty—they died for us. They are at rest. They sleep in the land they made free, under the flag they rendered stainless, under the solemn pines, the sad hemlocks, the tearful willows, and the embracing vines. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless alike of sunshine or of storm, each in the windowless Place of Rest. Earth may run red with other wars—they are at peace. In the midst of battle, in the roar of conflict, they found the serenity of death. I have one sentiment for soldiers living and dead: cheers for the living; tears for the dead.

Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow, and the entire staff at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to humbly say “thank you” to our veterans.

(Photo is from Arlington National Cemetery’s website.)

A Tasty, Braces-Friendly Autumn Recipe

Dr. Keri Barrow

The autumn season is in full swing here in Sioux Falls, SD. That time when we all seem to crave a delicious, hot, home-cooked meal. This recipe from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is a yummy, braces-friendly autumn meal that will surely satisfy your hungry family.

PastaPomodorini

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:
3/4 pound spaghetti, fettucine or penne pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1/4 cup sliced garlic
1/2 teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
Sea salt, preferably gray salt
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Serve with a healthy tossed salad, and some warm garlic bread.

We  hope you enjoy this easy-to-prepare, tasty autumn meal. Be sure to let Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow know how you liked this recipe at your next appointment with us!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Orthodontics for Adults—You CAN Have a Beautiful Smile!

Dr. Kevin Horner

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we treat a large number of adult patients. National studies of orthodontic patients reveals that one out of every five patients in braces or other orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21. The American Association of Orthodontics estimates that approximately 1,000,000 adults in the United States are currently receiving treatment from orthodontists. Today, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for almost any adult.

Job SeekerAdult orthodontics can be especially helpful when looking for a new job. The job market is tight right now, especially for recent college graduates and young adults. First impressions are everything and serious job hunters are giving themselves the gift of an improved new smile to promote their success. Many hiring professionals say that a beautiful, healthy smile during the interview process, no matter what your age, makes a difference when interviewing for a new job. It also helps to boost your confidence when communicating with others on all levels, both professionally and personally, thereby helping you to perform better throughout your life and career.

 

Orthodontic treatment for adults has several benefits which might include:

• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence

• Improved health of your teeth and gums

• Reduction in unwanted wear of the teeth

• Decreased potential jaw joint problems or pain (TMJ/TMD)

• Development of the proper bite relationships for long-term function

Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow specialize in the latest in orthodontic care for patients of all ages. It’s never too late to have a beautiful, healthy smile for a lifetime. Call our Sioux Falls, SD office for your complimentary orthodontic examination.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

 

October Is…National Orthodontic Health Month

Dr. Kevin Horner

Braces_pumpkin

School is back in full swing, and it’s almost October! What does this autumn month mean to you? Here in Sioux Falls, SD, October is when the weather starts to get a little chilly; the warm sweaters and jackets come out of storage and the summer clothing gets packed away until next year. You find ways to enjoy the cooler days and nights, and the beautiful, colorful fall foliage. You start making plans for the upcoming busy season of holidays.

October means something a little different to our team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics because it is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic practices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform their local communities about the important work we do.

National Orthodontic Health Month is a health awareness campaign created cooperatively by orthodontists and other dental health professionals. During this month, we make a special effort to promote dental health and orthodontic health in particular. It is a really good time to get your questions answered by dental professionals in your community and to learn more about exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. Events held in connection with National Orthodontic Health Month are also an opportunity for orthodontists to come out and meet community members. If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting your orthodontist in person before your first checkup is a great way to find out what kind of person you’ll be seeing during your appointment.

Meeting Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow in a relaxed “meet and greet” atmosphere can be especially helpful for any young orthodontic patients in your family. Kids of all ages (and their parents, as well) can feel anxious about going to the orthodontist. Getting to know the person you have an appointment with can make the experience a lot less stressful for everyone. Just meeting and talking with the orthodontist you’ll be seeing may be enough to put you more at ease about your upcoming appointment.

Dental health is something that affects everyone; healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy smile and a lifetime of comfort and well-being. Orthodontists are just one of the various dental practitioners you could visit at some point in your life, so taking a little time to learn who we are and what we do is certain to be a helpful experience. We look forward to seeing you and your family this October!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

 

Braces-Friendly Tailgate Party Recipes

Dr. Kevin Horner

Braces-friendly recipes

 

 

 

School is back in full swing, and that means it’s football time here in Sioux Falls, SD. And, football time means tailgating parties. We’ve gathered a few hearty, tummy-warming, braces-friendly recipes to make your game time get-togethers more memorable! No matter which team you’re routing for, we at Horner Barrow Orthodontics say, Go Team!

Southwestern Turkey Chili

Makes: 8 to 10 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
(In this recipe, pureed corn thickens this crowd-pleasing, hearty mix of beans, veggies and turkey.)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup chopped red onion
3/4 cup chopped red sweet pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 4-ounce can diced green chiles
1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped*
2 large cloves garlic, minced
5 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 1/2 teaspoons New Mexico red chili powder (or chili powder, if you can’t find New Mexico red chili powder)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
4 1/2 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 15 to 16-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 to 16-ounce can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup ketchup
2 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast

Directions:
In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, sweet pepper, celery, undrained green chiles, jalapeño pepper, garlic and oregano and cook until onion is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt and sugar. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
Add chicken broth, black beans, navy beans, undrained tomatoes, crushed tomatoes and ketchup. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a food processor, cover and process 2 cups of the corn until pureed. Add pureed corn, the remaining 1/2 cup whole corn, and turkey. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

 

Calico Bean Bake

Makes: 12 to 14 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake: 45 minutes to 50 minutes
(This recipe is a tasty blending of baked beans and chili, and is good for feeding a group of hungry football fans.)

Ingredients:
8 ounces lean ground beef
8 ounces bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
1 15 to 16-ounce can pork and beans in tomato sauce, undrained
1 15 to 16-ounce can lima beans or a 15-1/2-ounce can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 to 16-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup
2 teaspoons vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions:
In a large skillet, cook beef, bacon and onion, stirring occasionally, until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain off the fat.
In a 3-quart casserole, combine the three beans, brown sugar, the water, ketchup, vinegar and mustard. Stir in meat mixture until well combined.
Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until heated through.

 

Southwestern Potato Sausage Chowder

Makes: 6 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook: 8 to 10 hours on low, or 4 to 5 hours on high

Ingredients:
1 pound bulk pork sausage
1 pound round red potatoes, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium red sweet pepper, chopped
1 green sweet pepper, chopped
1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped* (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers (optional)

Directions:
In a large skillet cook sausage until no longer pink; drain off fat.
In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker, combine cooked sausage, potatoes, onion, sweet peppers, serrano or jalapeño pepper (if using), garlic, cumin, and ground pepper. Stir in chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours. Top each serving with cheese if you like. Makes 6 servings.

* Important tip for handling hot peppers: Serrano or jalapeño peppers contain volatile oils that can burn your skin and eyes, so avoid direct contact with them as much as possible. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them. If you DO touch the peppers with your bare hands, be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Source.

 

 

Braces-Friendly Fall Smoothies Recipes

Dr. Keri Barrow

With crisp fall weather just around the corner here in Sioux Falls, SD, our thoughts naturally turn to our favorite fall foods. Unfortunately, some of those delicious fall treats aren’t braces-friendly (like caramel apples and kettle corn), but smoothies certainly are. And, fall fruits make wonderful “pie-tasting” smoothies. Another bonus: smoothies are great for a quick and easy breakfast. You can make it the night before and enjoy it in the morning before you head out the door.

Here are 5 healthy, and tasty smoothie recipes for our orthodontic patients to try. We hope you enjoy them!

pumpkinsmoothie

Pumpkin Gingerbread Smoothie

Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 cup almond milk, plus a bit more if necessary
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• pinch nutmeg
• Ice, if desired

Soak the oats, almond milk, and chia seeds for at least an hour or overnight. This helps them digest better and it also gives the smoothie a smoother texture.Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth. Add ice if desired.

 

Oatmeal Pear Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 large pear, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup rolled or quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon finely-grated, fresh ginger
• Pinch of ground cinnamon, plus more for garnish

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend thoroughly, pour into a glass and sprinkle with cinnamon.

 

Pumpkin/Pumpkin Seed Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 cup ice

Combine all the ingredients in a blender. Blend thoroughly, and pour into a glass and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

 

Fall Cranberry Pear Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 cup frozen cranberries
• 2 medjool dates, pitted
•1 pear
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon all spice

Place all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth. Add a few ice cubes if not thick enough, but usually the frozen cranberries are enough to thicken it.

 

Apple Pie Chia Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 apple, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg and salt

Place all ingredients into the blender and blend until smooth; add 1 cup of ice if desired.

Be sure to let Dr. Keri Barrow or Dr. Kevin Horner know which of these smoothie recipes is your favorite at your next appointment!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Feeling Sad? Life Got You Down? Try Smiling!

Dr. Kevin Horner

young_old_smiles

Smiling not only makes you look better, but also helps you feel better, too! A genuine smile gives a lift to your mood and gives those around you a reason to smile, as well. Although we all have plenty of times that we feel depressed or alone, making the effort to smile will actually improve your mood and contribute to a better outlook on a negative situation.

How smiling can affect our mood.
When we feel bad, we tend to frown. This facial expression pulls down on the muscles around the mouth, causing us to look unhappy. A frowning expression makes others around us feel uncomfortable, too. In fact, the muscles used for frowning literally release negative feelings in the brain that reinforce the bad feelings that are already there.

On the plus side, smiling lifts up the corners of the mouth and the lips, sometimes stretching facial skin up toward the eyes. This movement, in turn, releases positive emotions in the brain, causing us to feel better. As a result, those who see us smile are more likely to feel happier.

Practice for a better smile.
Practice smiling in front of the mirror. See how your face changes when you try different smiles, from a small smile to a large one, or a big-toothy grin compared to a shy, demure, closed-lip smile. Then, remember to share your gorgeous smile with everyone you meet!

If you feel your smile is not as attractive as you would like it to be, don’t be sad. There is hope! At our Sioux Falls, SD office, Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow of Horner Barrow Orthodontics can perform a thorough examination of your mouth, including teeth and soft tissues. X-rays may be taken for a more complete assessment of the dental structures. Depending on the results of the examination, we may recommend traditional braces or Invisalign® treatment for you. Invisalign® is a type of removable braces that can move teeth to fill gaps or improve their position. Traditional braces are worn by many people, whether they are young or adult, who are interested in finally having a beautiful, healthy smile for life!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.

Tooth Sensitivity. Get The Facts.

Dr. Kevin Horner

emergency-care

Are you suffering with tooth sensitivity? Sweet or sour foods and drinks, hot or cold foods and drinks, deep cavities or fillings and even hot or cold temperatures can often trigger this issue. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, with an estimated 45 million Americans dealing with it on a regular basis. And, if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, tooth sensitivity is not uncommon. At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we want you to have the facts you need to help you avoid tooth sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity usually occurs when the enamel on the outside of the tooth is eroded, or wears away, exposing the dentin layer of the tooth. The dentin layer is very porous, with tubes leading to the nerve center of the tooth. When those tubes are open or exposed, they react to changes in temperature and different types of foods.

During orthodontic treatment, a patient experiences discomfort due to the pressure that is being placed on your teeth by the braces. The level of discomfort varies from patient to patient. This type of tooth sensitivity is not permanent, and will usually last a few days. But, if you’re not wearing braces, we’ve listed some of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.

Most Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
• The MOST common cause is due to over-brushing. If you brush your teeth vigorously, using a brush with stiff bristles, you will soon brush away your gum line. As your gum line recedes, it exposes porous root surfaces, which can cause some of your teeth to become extremely sensitive. Unfortunately, as we get older, gum recession is a part of the natural aging process. Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush (in an up and down motion) can help reduce your risk of developing sensitive teeth.

• Acidic foods such as coffee, sodas, fruit drinks, wine, and citrus fruits. Steer clear of sour patch kids and jolly ranchers candies. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water right after consuming acidic foods or drinks to dilute the acid.

• Abrasive toothpastes, or brushing more than three times a day can also wear away the tooth enamel. Wait at least one hour to brush your teeth after you’ve had acidic foods or drinks. The acid softens tooth enamel, making it more prone to erosion during brushing.

• Teeth whitening products used at home and professionally applied by your dentist. Properties of peroxide, which is one of the main ingredients in most tooth-whitening products, have been shown to irritate the tooth nerve. This irritation or inflammation causes symptoms such as cold sensitivity and a tingling sensation. However, this will improve over time.

• Bruxism, (tooth grinding) can also be a contributing factor to tooth sensitivity. If you grind your teeth, wearing a mouth-guard while you sleep may also help prevent wearing down the enamel that can lead to sensitive teeth.

Ways to Eliminate Discomfort from Tooth Sensitivity
Regardless of what is causing the sensitivity, a good dental routine is the best way to ensure a pain-free day, everyday. Over-the-counter toothpastes for sensitive teeth can sometimes help alleviate the issue.

If you are experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity while wearing braces, be sure to mention it to Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow during your next orthodontic appointment in our Sioux Falls, SD office. We can recommend alternative solutions during your treatment, no matter what the cause.

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering excellent quality orthodontic treatment to each and every patient. To provide a friendly, caring, and pleasant atmosphere that will ensure our patients feel relaxed and confident about placing their orthodontic care in our hands.