Words of Wisdom No.2 - Chuck your toothbrush 1

Words of Wisdom No.2 – Chuck your toothbrush

toothbrush

We brush our teeth to keep them clean, but what we often don’t think about how many germs are lurking on our toothbrush. Our mouths are full of bacteria; any time a toothbrush is used, these microorganisms can contaminate the toothbrush.

Replace Your Toothbrush Often

A professional orthodontist, who is responsible for helping patients to straighten their teeth, recommends throwing away toothbrushes often. Because viruses and bacteria can linger on toothbrushes for months, you should replace your toothbrush at least every three months or more often if any of the following occur:

  • Anyone accidentally uses or borrows your toothbrush
  • After having the cold or flu
  • When bristles become frayed or worn out

Clean Your Toothbrush Often

In addition to replacing your toothbrush often, it needs to be kept clean. Many people mistake rinsing their toothbrush off after use as a means to properly clean it. Because of the viruses and bacteria that toothbrushes have, they should be deep cleaned at least once a week. To properly clean a toothbrush, simply:

  • Rinse it thoroughly after each use
  • Soak it in mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher
  • Store it upright in a cup or rack to allow it to aerate and dry properly

There are also toothbrush cleaners available for purchase that use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria from the bristles of the toothbrush.

If you currently have braces or are using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, it is especially important to keep your toothbrush clean and to throw it away often. Food particles may get stuck in braces that can lead to tooth decay. These germs can easily be transferred to a toothbrush.

After you have finished treatment with your orthodontist, you will want to keep your new, straight smile clean and decay-free by brushing often and keeping germs away by cleaning your toothbrush and replacing it often.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions or concerns about your or your child’s teeth, or if you would like to get started on a plan for braces or Invisalign, call Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today so we can get started on your new smile.

Words of Wisdom No.1 “Go On a White-Teeth Diet” 2

Words of Wisdom No.1 “Go On a White-Teeth Diet”

diet

Are your teeth looking stained and discolored, even though you brush daily and see your orthodontist regularly? What you might not realize is that your diet could be playing a huge role in this problem. There are many foods that can contribute to stains on your pearly whites, which is why going on a “white-teeth diet” can be so beneficial. By utilizing the effective tips listed below, you may find that your teeth are much whiter in no time!

Foods to Eat:

Broccoli

Raw broccoli is a snack that you can feel good about eating. The texture of a floret will gently scrub the teeth as you chew, which can help reduce stains and keep teeth clean.

Strawberries

Most people think strawberries will stain their teeth because they’re bright red and sweet, but because they have malic acid in them, they can help remove discoloration from the surface of teeth. Just watch out for the seeds, especially if you have braces or use Invisalign.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses are generally colorless, so they won’t stain your teeth like most other foods would. In addition to this, the calcium in them can help build stronger teeth.

Avoid Staining Foods and Beverages

Foods like blackberries, tea, wine, blueberries and pomegranates will stain your teeth, so try to only enjoy these on an occasional basis with a large glass of water to wash away discoloration.

Nuts or Seeds

Walnuts, cashews, almonds and peanuts are all high in protein, but their abrasive texture is what makes them great for gently wiping stains from the surface of teeth.

Enjoying Your Smile

Ready for more expert tips on dental care, or do you just need a reliable orthodontist for things like braces and Invisalign? Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics would be glad to help!  Schedule an appointment today.

Smile and forgive; it's the only way to live 3

Smile and forgive; it’s the only way to live

quotes about smiles

If you want to forgive someone, then just begin to smile, and you will begin to live again. Smiling is easier when your teeth are perfectly straight and you have a firm bite to consume nutritious fresh vegetables and fruit. When your teeth are misaligned, you can visit an orthodontist to learn more about the different types of braces, headgear and retainers available to create a gorgeous smile. You might learn that the best type of orthodontia for your malocclusions is traditional wire and metal brackets or Invisalign aligners instead.

Invisalign Orthodontia

A parent should take a child to an orthodontist as they are getting their first permanent teeth, and an adult can also request an evaluation for their own teeth. A child can wear modern braces such as:

• WildSmiles
• Color wires and brackets
• Damon Clear

Alternatively, adults with mild malocclusions can wear clear Invisalign aligners that are easy to remove while they are eating meals or brushing their teeth. Imagine how much fun it is to wear aligners at the same time your children are wearing braces. You can help each other throughout the process with reminders about flossing your teeth each day to avoid cavities and bad breath.

Unique Smiles for Your Facial Structure

At Marin Ortho in Larkspur, Calif., you can schedule an appointment with two knowledgeable orthodontists:

• Dr. Jasmine Gorton
• Dr. Bill Schmohl

Certain guidelines are used by these professionals to create a WOW smile that shows off your new straight teeth from the front of your mouth to the back. With modern three-dimensional imaging techniques rather than old-fashioned impression molds, you can receive orthodontic appliances that are perfect for your facial structure to get a gorgeous smile. With a smile like that, there is no reason not to forgive someone and begin to live again.

Use your smile to change this world, but don't let the world change your smile. 4

Use your smile to change this world, but don’t let the world change your smile.

life quotes

There’s something about a smile that has the ability to turn someone’s entire day around. When you put a smile on your face, you can accomplish amazing changes. Not only does it turn your day around and keep your attitude bright no matter who you’re dealing with, it also makes other people more likely to go along with you. When you approach the world with kindness, you’re much more likely to receive kindness and understanding in return. Unfortunately, for many people, a world filled with judgment and unkindness has slowly started to make their smiles slip away. It’s a hard world to live in, and letting a smile shine bright is the last thing on their minds.

The Need to Fix Your Smile

For some people, it isn’t even current judgement and unkindness but the fear of what they’ll experience that has their smiles slipping away. Their teeth aren’t properly aligned, and they’re embarrassed by their smiles. The solution? A visit to an orthodontist to talk about invisalign.

The Perfect Solution for People Who Dread the Appearance of Braces

There’s no reason why braces have to be right out there in the open, where everyone can see them. Adults, in particular, often feel that they’re “too old” for braces, or that they don’t want to display how long it took them to take care of their orthodontic needs for the world to see. Invisalign realigns teeth and makes smiles shine bright once more without the inconvenience of everyone seeing a face full of metal every time they look at you. If you’re avoiding letting your smile shine because you’re ashamed of the appearance of your teeth, it’s time to make a change! If you’re in Larkspur, California, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today for an appointment. These talented orthodontist staff will give you back the smile that you’ve always dreamed of and help you use it to make a difference in the world again.