Will Using a Mouthwash Affect My Teeth While I’m In Braces?

October 7, 2016October 7, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, a question we often hear is “Should I use a mouthwash?” or “Will using a mouthwash affect my teeth while I’m in braces?”

The answer actually depends on what result you are wanting to achieve. Although mouthwashes contain common inactive ingredients like water, cleansing and coloring agents, and flavoring ingredients, they tend to differ in their active ingredients.

People use mouthwash to:
• freshen breath
• help prevent tooth decay
• reduce the amount of plaque buildup
• prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease).

The 3 main categories of mouthwashes are:
• Antibacterial mouthwashes
• Fluoride mouthwashes
• Odor (or bad breath) neutralizers

Antibacterial mouthwashes
These mouthwashes work directly on the oral bacteria to help reduce the amount of plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath. They can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities and bad breath all at the same time. They combat the bacteria present in plaque that creates toxins that can damage the gums and cause dental decay.

Fluoride mouthwashes
These mouthwashes help to reduce tooth decay by making teeth more resistant to decay. They contain fluoride which helps to strengthen the enamel on the teeth, making them more resistant to the acids produced by the bacteria in our mouths. This may be recommended when during orthodontic treatment, since braces do trap a lot of plaque and food which, if not removed, can lead to dental decay.
Fluoride mouthwashes are a good option to use when you’re in braces as it does give you that added protection.

Odor neutralizing mouthwashes
Odor neutralizing mouthwashes act by chemically deactivating odor-causing compounds. They may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste. But they don’t address the causes of bad breath. They don’t kill the bacteria that cause bad breath in the first place nor do they help to reduce plaque, gingivitis or cavities.

Alcohol in Mouthwashes
The one concern with mouthwashes is if you choose an mouthwash containing alcohol is that they do cause dryness of the mouth. This is a problem for those who suffer from dry mouth syndrome as it aggravates the condition. If you suffer from dry mouth syndrome, when purchasing a mouthwash, consider choosing the alcohol-free version.

Which mouthwash is right for you and your family? Not everyone needs a mouthwash, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask us the next time you’re in for an appointment at our Sioux Falls, SD office. Just remember, even though it can be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine, using a mouthwash is NOT a substitute for brushing or flossing.

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

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

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!

What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment?

September 23, 2016September 23, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

You may have heard the term early orthodontics, and are wondering just what that means. Or, you may be considering early orthodontic treatment for your child, and are not sure if it is right for him or her. If so, you are not alone. Some orthodontic practices have as many as 20 percent of patients in the 7- to 10-year-old age range. The reason for this is that many developing orthodontic problems can be intercepted and corrected if diagnosed and treated at an early age. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven, or younger if the front four permanent teeth have replaced the baby teeth. Early treatment, also known as Phase I treatment or interceptive treatment, provides timely detection of problems, AND greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Early intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious orthodontic problems later.

If your child has any of the following issues, you may want to consider early orthodontic treatment:

Early, or late, loss of baby teeth (a child should typically start losing teeth around age five or six, and all of their permanent teeth should come in by age 12 to 13)

Difficulty chewing and/or biting

Thumb sucking

Mouth breathing

Speech impediment

Crowded front teeth

Protruding teeth (the top teeth and bottom teeth extend away from each other)

Teeth that don’t come together in a normal manner, or even at all

Early intervention can reduce the severity of your child’s case, and therefore reduce the length of treatment time and cost for a second phase of treatment when all of his or her permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Kevin Horner, Dr. Keri Barrow and the Horner Barrow Orthodontics staff can evaluate your child and determine if his or her dental and skeletal growth is proceeding properly, or if interceptive treatment is needed. In many cases, a more severe problem can be corrected using sophisticated, removable appliances rather than traditional orthodontic treatment.

To schedule a consultation for your child at our Sioux Falls, SD office, please call. We’ll perform a thorough examination, and discuss with you any next steps we consider necessary toward caring for your child’s smile and dental health.

Braces-Friendly Tailgate Party Recipes

September 16, 2016September 16, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

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.

Source.

Braces-Friendly Fall Smoothies Recipes

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016Dr. 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!

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!

Happy Labor Day

September 2, 2016September 2, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

Wow! Believe it or not…the Labor Day holiday weekend is here. Labor Day is the “non-official” end of summer. It’s your last chance to host a summer BBQ, or maybe head to the pool for one more splash party before the weather starts to cool down here in beautiful Sioux Falls, SD.

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of every September in the United States. It is a holiday devoted to the American labor force. The holiday honors the country’s workers and their contributions to the strength of our country as a whole. Americans have been celebrating Labor Day since the 1880s, and today it is an official federal holiday.

How Labor Day Started
There is some debate as to the origins of Labor Day. It is uncertain whether Peter McGuire, a cofounder for the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire, the secretary of Central Labor Union of New York, had the idea for Labor Day. However, the Central Labor Union’s plans were what launched the first Labor Day in America.

The First Labor Day
The United States’ first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5th, 1882. The Central Labor Union then held annual celebrations on September 5th for what they called a working man’s holiday. By the year 1885, the Labor Day celebration had spread to many different industrial areas, and after that it started to incorporate all industries in the United States.

Interesting Labor Day Facts
• Canada was the first country to celebrate Labor Day; the United States soon followed.
• More than 30 million Americans travel over Labor Day weekend.
• President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day an official United States holiday in 1894.
• Labor Day signals the beginning of the NFL and NCAA sports seasons for football and college sports fans.
• Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season, when Americans consume seven billion hot dogs.

Labor Day Today
Labor Day is an important United States holiday during which we honor our country’s workers with a day off from work to rest and relax, or maybe celebrate the day with a picnic or a parade.

Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow, and the team at Horner Barrow Orthodontics would like to wish all of our patients a very happy Labor Day. Whether you celebrate the holiday at home, or travel out of town, have fun, and stay safe!

Today is National Dog Day

August 26, 2016September 2, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Yes, this blog has officially gone to the dogs today!

According to nationaldogday.com, National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. The date of August 26th is significant, as it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” when Colleen was 10 years old.

Here at Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we wanted to pay tribute to our furry best friends by talking a little bit about braces for dogs.

We humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from having our teeth straightened. It turns out that sometimes, man’s best friend’s bite needs to be corrected.

Since the 1980s, veterinary dentists have used braces and other orthodontic appliances to treat dogs with painful and potentially dangerous dental issues. Many of the tools, devices and orthodontic appliances used are borrowed from human orthodontics, but the end goal is completely different. It’s not for aesthetic reasons, but for a healthier, more comfortable bite.

Applying braces to a dog is not a task to be taken lightly. The dog should be healthy enough to undergo anesthesia, and able to tolerate repeated oral examinations, and poking and prodding as the treatment progresses. Dog owners also need to be vigilant about maintaining and cleaning their pet’s mouth throughout the orthodontic treatment process.

Braces for dogs is usually not the only option, but in some cases, it is the best option.

Issues That Require Dog Braces

Braces can help dogs who are dealing with everything from crowded teeth to cancer.

One of the most common issues dog braces are used to treat is a condition called linguoversion, when the teeth are pushed back towards the tongue. When the linguoversion occurs on the lower teeth, it’s called “base narrow.”

In this position, the teeth may rub against the roof of the dog’s mouth. At best, this can cause major discomfort. At worst, the teeth could poke holes in the roof of the mouth, leading to chronic and serious sinus infections.

Other conditions that can cause problems include overbite, when the lower jaw is shorter than the top, and lance teeth, when the upper canines point out rather than down.

Braces may also be used when a dog’s baby teeth fail to fall out properly. As the adult teeth come in, the mouth becomes more and more crowded, leading to a higher risk of infections.

In more extreme cases, braces may also be applied after part of the jaw has been removed for canine cancer treatment. Orthodontic treatment in these cases helps to minimize tooth drift.

It’s up to a veterinarian to determine whether the dog’s teeth are just crooked, or crooked and causing problems. They will not apply braces for cosmetic reasons.

Remember, the end treatment goal is not to give the dog a dazzling Hollywood smile, but to give the dog a mouth that’s healthy and functional.

Dr. Kevin Horner and Dr. Keri Barrow are only able to treat humans with orthodontic issues! Talk with your vet if you think your dog is having issues with his or her mouth.

If any of our Sioux Falls, SD patients have a dog that is also undergoing orthodontic treatment, we would love to see photos!

Feeling Sad? Life Got You Down? Try Smiling!

August 19, 2016August 19, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

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!

Back-to-School Braces Action Plan

August 12, 2016August 12, 2016Dr. Keri Barrow

Fall in Sioux Falls, SD is an exciting time for parents and their children. Fall brings back-to-school time, and the anticipation and anxieties that come with it. This can certainly be the case for children (and parents of children) undergoing orthodontic treatment. Parents look forward to hearing about their child’s new classes, teachers and friends, along with the many activities their children will be involved in. Kids may be excited about the new school year, seeing their friends after summer break, and possibly even showing off their latest accessory – their new braces.

For a child, going back to school with braces or a retainer can also be troublesome. It’s the fear of the unknown. “What foods can I eat with braces on?” “How can I keep food from getting stuck in my braces?” “What do I do with my elastics when I eat?” “What if I accidentally throw away my retainer?” For the parents, it can mean less control and supervision over their child’s orthodontic hygiene and care.

One way to put parents and children at ease when it comes to orthodontics at school is to have a “Back-to-School Braces Action Plan”. If you and your child understand the plan ahead of time, it can help ensure a successful school year, at least orthodontically-speaking!

Horner Barrow Orthodontics “Back-to-School Braces Action Plan”
• Put a toothbrush in that backpack. It’s always good to brush your teeth after you eat lunch. It doesn’t take much time and will help keep your teeth and braces free of food, which helps to avoid cavities, possible permanent staining on your teeth, as well as bad breath. If you forget to take a toothbrush to school or you can’t find time to brush at school, be sure to at least rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating. Another good idea is to use a disposable toothbrush as your school toothbrush. Keep it in your locker in a toothbrush case, along with some toothpaste, and you won’t have to remember to pack it in your backpack.

• Drink plenty of water. Take a BPA-Free water bottle to school and drink throughout the day. This helps keep your mouth clean by rinsing away food particles stuck in your braces after eating, and by neutralizing acids in your mouth from the food you ate, which will, in turn, help prevent staining and demineralization of your teeth.

• Pack your lunch (and snacks). When choosing what foods to pack, avoid ones that are hard, crunchy, sticky or chewy to prevent bending wires or breaking braces. If you like crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots or celery, cut them into smaller pieces before you leave for school. Biting into hard fruits and vegetables can damage your braces, which can cause discomfort, and could also lengthen your overall treatment time in braces.

• Retainers. Make sure your retainer case is properly labeled. Remember to take your retainer case to school. Always place the retainer in the case whenever it is not in your mouth. The SAFEST place for your retainer is INSIDE YOUR MOUTH, so if you are nervous about losing it at school, go ahead and eat with it in, just be very careful about eating hard foods. Many patients who need replacement retainers (which can be quite costly) forgot to take their case to school and left their retainers on a lunch tray, or in their lunch bag, and it ended up in the trash can. It’s no fun to have to “Dumpster Dive” to look for your lost retainer!

• Elastics or rubber bands. Remember to change your elastics regularly, and keep aplenty of them in your desk, backpack or locker. If it’s tough to remember to replace your elastics after eating, you can wear them while you eat. It’s a good idea to have a zip-top bag in your locker that has EVERYTHING you need to properly take care of your orthodontic appliances, and to make sure your mouth stays clean and comfortable while you’re in school.

• Orthodontic emergencies. If a bracket breaks off at school and isn’t causing any pain or discomfort, you don’t need to have it fixed immediately. Call our office, and one of our staff will advise you of the best way to handle it. If you are uncomfortable, we will be happy to accommodate you to make you comfortable until a repair appointment can be scheduled with Dr. Kevin Horner or Dr. Keri Barrow. Make sure to always have orthodontic wax with you in case of a poking wire or irritation.

• Play sports? Orthodontic treatment is a big investment for any family. Wearing a mouthguard while you play sports not only protects your teeth from any possible accidents; it also protects your braces. Not sure what mouthguard options are right for you and your sport? We’ll be happy to discuss them with you at your next appointment!

• Play a musical instrument? We have lip protectors for our braces patients who play an instrument with a mouthpiece. A lip protector is a plastic guard that slips over the wires and brackets to protect your lips from cuts or discomfort.

Once you have your “Back-to-School Braces Action Plan” in place, your orthodontic worries will fade, and you’ll be able to enjoy all the excitement that fall and going back to school bring!

Tooth Sensitivity. Get The Facts.

August 5, 2016August 5, 2016Dr. Kevin Horner

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.