Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are a very normal part of orthodontic treatment. However, we know that people sometimes find them to be a nuisance or difficult to adjust to wearing. It is important to know that Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics has you wearing elastics because they are essential to the completion of the patient’s orthodontic treatment.
Blog
How a Little Sunshine Helps Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment
Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well, sunshine lovers, Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increases vitamin D production in our bodies.
The Importance of Vitamin D
While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:
- It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium
Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.Read More
4 Surprising Foods that can Cause Bad Breath
Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find out what Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics has to say about some bad breath causing foods!Read More
Hey Runners! Pay Special Attention To Your Oral Health
We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not. Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics will explain the correlation between running and oral health.
Oral Health and Running
While the rest of your body may be in great shape, each extra training hour actually increases your risk of tooth decay. Athletes are at risk for two specific oral health problems: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects. Read More
5 Tips for Teaching Kids How to Brush
Good oral hygiene is a crucial part of a person’s health. Thus, it is imperative that parents help teach their kids not only to brush their teeth twice a day but also how to do so effectively. Rather than making it a chore, try to make cleaning their teeth a fun and enjoyable experience. To help, Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics shares some tips for teaching kids how to properly clean their teeth. Read More
Common Speech Problems Orthodontics Can Help
Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? If you struggle to pronounce certain words, your teeth could be the reason why. Thankfully, orthodontics can help. Dr. Christy Fortney at Hidden Valley Orthodontics can provide orthodontic treatment to resolve common oral problems such as:
Lisp or Whistling
Lisps or whistles are common in children and adults and are developed due to open bites. An open bite occurs when the tongue doesn’t make a true connection with the roof of the mouth. This typically happens when pronouncing words containing the letter “s” or “z.” Patients with an open bite often pronounce these words as if they have the letters “th” instead of an “s.”