Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Moody and Cliff

You may remember that in early March, our staff at Alexander & Alexander Orthodontics blogged about the advantage of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, and we thought a reminder today wouldn’t hurt. You see, April happens to be National Facial Protection Month, and it’s a good time to remind our young athletes about staying safe on the field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard, these accidents could prevent this along with other traumatic facial injuries.

The above video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists outlines five ways you can protect yourself this spring. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our staff. And remember to stay safe and have fun!

Dairy, your diet and periodontal disease, from Alexander and Alexander Orthodontics

Drs. Moody and Cliff Alexander want to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease, or gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

To learn more about how including dairy in your diet can help you lessen the risk the risk for periodontal disease, please give us a call!

When is a two-phase treatment necessary? From Drs. Cliff and Moody Alexander

Typically, patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth. But in some cases Drs. Alexander have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Our team at Alexander & Alexander Orthodontics call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, Drs. Alexander recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Drs. Cliff and Moody Alexander please give us a call at 469-619-0600 or 469-293-9664.

The importance of mouth guards, from Alexander and Alexander Orthodontics

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! Our team at Alexander and Alexander Orthodontics, however, know that spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Drs. Cliff or Moody Alexander for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Alexander and Alexander Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—Drs. Alexander will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Alexander and Alexander Orthodontics.

Ask Drs. Alexander: Who really benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Drs. Cliff and Moody Alexander will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment; whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry - you’re never too old for a beautiful smile! Set up an appointment for a consultation at Alexander & Alexander Orthodontics and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile - AND your life!