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Words of Wisdom No.9: “Brush Your Teeth When You First Get Out of Bed and Before You Get Back In at Night“ 1

Words of Wisdom No.9: “Brush Your Teeth When You First Get Out of Bed and Before You Get Back In at Night“

bed

If you currently do not brush your teeth every morning and night, your oral health may suffer in the future. Preventive care means being responsible for the health of your teeth and gums. Even though it may seem like an unwanted chore, it only takes a few minutes to brush your teeth twice a day. The results may reveal less cavities and stronger teeth. If you wear braces, you need to brush two times a day.

Avoid Plaque Build-up in Your Mouth

Plaque is an arch enemy of good oral health. If you do not brush your teeth before you go to bed, you are not eliminating the plaque build-up taking place in your mouth throughout the day. If you avoid brushing your teeth in the morning when you first get out of bed, you risk skipping the event until bedtime. One reason why it is important to brush your teeth in the morning is because you need to get rid of bacteria and plaque remaining in your mouth while you sleep. If you wear Invisalign braces, you still need to brush twice a day.

Do Not Brush Your Teeth Right After Eating Drinking Citrus Juice

If you drink a glass of orange juice or grapefruit juice in the morning, you should not brush your teeth right away. You could brush the acidic fruit juice onto your teeth and Invisalign braces. A good habit is to brush your teeth when you wake up and then rinse your mouth with an oral antiseptic mouthwash after eating breakfast.

Ask Your Orthodontist about Which Type of Toothbrush to Use

If you are not sure whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush, ask your orthodontist for professional advice. One thing to remember is that most orthodontists recommend brushing the teeth with a soft toothbrush. Make an appointment with Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today.

Words of Wisdom No.8: “Practice Flossing with Your Eyes Shut“ 2

Words of Wisdom No.8: “Practice Flossing with Your Eyes Shut“

flossing

Braces are an orthodontic treatment that can greatly improve the appearance of the teeth. However, if you don’t take care of the teeth while the braces are worn, then there won’t be as much of an improvement as desired. Invisalign is an option for those who want to be able to eat the foods that they enjoy while still getting the straight teeth as a result of the orthodontic treatment. One of the things that is essential when caring for the teeth is flossing.

All About Flossing

While you are flossing the teeth, consider doing so with your eyes closed. This will force your hand to examine the teeth and gums while you are using the floss. It can help to get the string around each tooth instead of looking in a mirror while flossing only the areas that you can see. The orthodontist can show you how to floss in this manner so that you get the best results. Invisalign makes this a little easier as you can remove the tray from the mouth while cleaning the teeth.

There are a few benefits of flossing the teeth that your orthodontist might not tell you about. One of the reasons to floss your teeth is to keep your teeth in your mouth. This might seem like something that couldn’t happen, but if you don’t floss between the teeth, there is bacteria that can build. This can create tartar. It can soon lead to gingivitis, which can cause loose teeth if it’s not taken care of as soon as possible. When you floss, you remove the bacteria that is between the teeth. Live bacteria can get into the bloodstream through the gums. This bacteria can lead to heart disease and other conditions that could easily be avoided if you floss on a regular basis.

To learn more about how to properly care for your teeth, Invisalign or braces, contact an orthodontist at Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur to schedule an appointment!

Words of Wisdom No. 7 - Stay Fresh 3

Words of Wisdom No. 7 – Stay Fresh

fresh food

Our grandmothers always told us to stay fresh when going out in public by wearing clean clothing and brushing our teeth. You can also stay fresh by making sure that your teeth are straight and strong by wearing braces that are designed by an expert orthodontist. If you are an adult with crooked teeth that cause a feeling of embarrassment, then learn about the benefits of clear Invisalign aligners. Clear aligners are perfect for mild to moderate malocclusions of your teeth, especially the ones toward the front of the mouth. These soft and comfortable devices are easy to wear for most of the day, and other people do not see these items inside your mouth.

Orthodontic Treatment can improve Your Overall Appearance

There are other types of braces that help you to keep a fresh appearance by reducing the wide spaces between your teeth. While traditional silver metal bracket and wire devices are still an affordable option, you can opt to wear self-ligating or ceramic orthodontia devices instead. It is possible for young children to undergo orthodontic treatment to ensure permanent teeth erupt into the correct positions, but more adults are choosing to keep fresh by improving their smile. Visiting an orthodontist is an important way to improve your overall health by correcting a bad bite that causes jaw pain.

Schedule an Appointment Today

An important part of orthodontic treatment is getting a natural and individualized smile. A knowledgeable orthodontist understands how to look at a patient’s facial anatomy to determine the best type of braces for their teeth, including:

• Invisalign aligners
• Damon devices
• Color brackets and wires

At Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics in Larkspur, Calif., patients are able to receive treatment from two experts:

• Dr. Bill Schmohl
• Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Schedule an appointment with an online form or telephone call to 415-459-8006.

Words of Wisdom No.5 - Gargle with apple cider vinegar 4

Words of Wisdom No.5 – Gargle with apple cider vinegar

apple cider vingear

Braces are a way to straighten the teeth and are applied by an orthodontist. There are a few things that need to be done in order to keep the teeth as clean as possible and to decrease the amount of bacteria that might hide in the mouth as a result of the braces being on the teeth. An option is Invisalign as this is a tray that is placed in the mouth that straightens the teeth instead of brackets. The orthodontist will take a mold of the teeth before creating the Invisalign braces. However, the mouth still needs to stay as clean as possible, and gargling with apple cider vinegar can help.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Although vinegar might not sound like it would be pleasant, apple cider vinegar can help freshen the breath. You only need about a teaspoon in order to begin seeing the difference in the way the breath smells. The vinegar can be mixed with water so that it’s not as potent and to decrease some of the strong flavors. You can use the vinegar each day after brushing the teeth. It can be used as a mouthwash, or you can gargle with it so that it helps to cleanse the throat as well.

A benefit of using the vinegar is that it can kill bacteria in the mouth and the throat. This can help to keep the teeth and gums healthy not only while the orthodontic treatment is being used, but after the orthodontic treatment is completed. The vinegar can break down plaque that might form on the gum and the edges of the teeth. It can also help clean in between the teeth as brushing sometimes doesn’t get to these areas.

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for more information about orthodontic treatment and the added benefits of using natural substances for cleaning the mouth.

audrey invisalign child

Five Tips in Caring for Your Braces During Orthodontic Treatment

orthodontist

If you want your child/teen to have the perfect smile, getting braces on the teeth is not enough. While that is an important first step, you also need to make sure he/she cares for them properly. Fortunately, caring for them is easy when you know what to do.

Tip #1 Proper Brushing

If you want your child to have a beautiful smile, you have to make sure he brushes his teeth properly. Forget everything you know about brushing teeth. It is a different process when orthodontic devices are involved.  Make sure your child brushes both above and below they brackets, keeping the toothbrush in place for several seconds on each tooth. It is as if the braces are diving each tooth into a top and bottom half.

In addition, replace the toothbrush on a regular basis. Braces can cause toothbrushes to fray so you will need to give your child a new one more often than you did in the past. Otherwise, the toothbrush won’t be able to remove all of the bacteria on his teeth.
We also recommend patients use an interdental toothbrush in addition to a regular toothbrush. This toothbrush looks similar to a pipe cleaner and it fits underneath the brackets and wires. Make sure your child uses the toothbrush gently to avoid damaging the wires. If used gently, it is a great way to clean underneath the wires and remove any additional bacteria.  Finally, make sure your child brushes often enough. He should brush after each meal and before bedtime. If there is a situation where brushing isn’t possible, we recommend rinsing with water.

Tip #2 Flossing

Some people think that they don’t need to floss when they have braces, but that could not be further from the truth. Proper flossing is critical to have healthy teeth and gums when the braces come off. The way to get the floss under the wires is to use a “floss threader” or the floss that is stiff on 1 end and run the floss under the wire by the gums in order to get access in between the teeth. Once finished, unthread the floss and move down the line to the next two teeth. Preloaded floss such as Platypus that are mounted in a plastic holder and come down halfway between the teeth form the top and “water piks” are also great adjuncts.  Flossing should be done every night. If flossing has not been done regularly, the gums may bleed some in the beginning, but this should go away with a few flossing sessions.

Tip #3 Fluoride

Fluoride is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay, since it makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks and can even reverse some signs of beginning decay. This can be very helpful with when your child has orthodontic appliances. We recommend a stronger toothpaste during orthodontic treatment of 5000 ppm (instead of regular toothpaste which is only 1000 ppm). Consider putting a timer out so your child can get the most out of it, since brushing should take at least a minimum of 2 minutes. At night time, it is best to spit out the extra toothpaste when done instead of rinsing, so that the fluoride can stay in contact with the teeth overnight.

http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/ada-seal-of-acceptance/product-category-information/toothpaste

Tip #4 Eating Right

Patients with braces need to be mindful of what is going in their mouth. Certain foods can break the wires/brackets, which is likely to push back the anticipated braces removal date.  Foods to avoid:

  • hard foods
  • sticky foods
  • chewy foods

Your child should also avoid sugary and starchy foods. These foods promote tooth decay and can bend or break appliances, causing teeth to move a direction different than what the doctors intended.

Tip #5 Habits to Avoid

Your child also needs to avoid some habits while he is under the care of an orthodontist. Habits like biting nails and chewing on pens can distort the wires and lead to longer treatment time.
When properly cared for, orthodontic appliances are the best way to get a great smile.

If you need additional help, Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for reliable orthodontic services.

Words of Wisdom No.4 - Eat cleansing foods 5

Words of Wisdom No.4 – Eat cleansing foods

foods

For the ultimate natural and long-term sustainability mouth care maintenance, eat cleansing foods. These are foods that will protect your teeth whether you currently have or have had braces or invisalign. Caring for your teeth should be a top priority because a beautiful smile can make your day and the day of everyone around you even brighter.

Drinks

Certain drinks can help to promote good health in your teeth. Green tea will help to fight against gum disease, plaque and cavities. Milk and yogurt are high in calcium and low in acidity making them dual protectors and enforcers of your smile. Water is also an important drink for your teeth care routine. It helps to rinse away food particles, and it also promotes saliva which is essential in preventing tooth decay.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables help your teeth both externally and internally. Apples and fruits with seed are excellent ways to clean and whiten your teeth naturally. The seeds and fibrous flesh act as abrasives that safely remove stains. Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and celery can also help to clean your teeth and gums. Many orange vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes assist in creating tooth enamel.

A Few Surprises

Sesame seeds also help to promote tooth enamel. Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint and parsley can act as a natural breath freshener. Cheese fights against cavities. Raw onion will help to kill certain varieties of bacteria. And, whole grains are good for your gums.

As any good orthodontist will tell you, natural food sources are the perfect tooth care compliment to braces or invisalign. They are a spectacular way to protect your teeth and for the overall good health of your mouth. For more information pertaining to the treatment of teeth during and after your orthodontist treatments, contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Words of Wisdom No.3 - Clean your tongue 6

Words of Wisdom No.3 – Clean your tongue

tongue

When you use Invisalign, it is important to keep your tongue as clean as possible. You can easily remove Invisalign when you need to so that you are able to care for your teeth and tongue properly. If you want to have good oral health, you can ask your orthodontist to help you figure out a cleaning regiment that will be right for you.

An Unclean Tongue Can Lead To:

  • Bacteria
  • Plaque in Your Mouth
  • Bad Breath
  • Gum Disease

Bacteria

When you forget to brush your tongue, bacteria can start to form in your mouth. This bacteria can cause all sorts of problems. Whether you have braces or not, it is going to be necessary to keep your entire mouth clean. If you leave bacteria on your tongue, you could end up having to deal with more plaque in your mouth. This plaque can dull your beautiful smile, so you should be sure to brush your teeth up to the 3 times a day and make sure that your tongue is properly cleaned. You can enjoy the results of having a tongue and mouth that is well taken care of.

Bad Breath

If your tongue is not properly cleaned, you could develop a case of bad breath. By making sure that your tongue is cleaned correctly, your breath will be as fresh as possible. You can also avoid tooth decay if your tongue is cleaned on a regular basis and stop gum disease from starting too.

When you visit your orthodontist, be sure to ask him for tips on keeping your tongue clean. If you have braces, you should be sure to talk to a dental expert about the importance of properly caring for your teeth, tongue, and gums. You want to make sure that you have great overall dental health. Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics for reliable orthodontic services.

Words of Wisdom No.2 - Chuck your toothbrush 7

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” 8

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 9

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.