Is Forgetting to Brush your Teeth Before Bed Really that Bad?

Here’s one scenario we know all too well: Get home from the full-time job with a dinner to prep, dishes to wash, children to tuck in, exercise to be accomplished, and a television show to sneak in to keep your sanity. By the time the long-list is checked off, you lazily fall into bed without brushing your pearly whites. You quietly think to yourself, “It’s just one night. What’s the worst that can happen?” 

We’re here to let you know, it happens to the best of us! But there are some things to be mindful of if skipping your nightly brush becomes a habit:

1. Plaque

Skipping your second brush in the evening means that the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks you’ve had throughout the day stick around and between your teeth. As a result of this bacteria build-up, plaque begins to harden and calcify on your teeth. Once plaque has calcified, a toothbrush and floss can no longer fix the problem and a hygienist has to step in for a proper tooth cleaning.

2. Cavities

We’ve all heard it, but it’s true. The consistent build up of plaque can lead to cavities. Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are the destruction of your tooth enamel; the hard, outer layer of your teeth. A cavity can be filled, but remember, fillings don’t last forever. Eventually they will need refilled, and, at some point, you’ll have to get the tooth capped. This equates to a big expense when brushing and flossing twice a day could generally prevent the entire problem.

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a worst case scenario, but nonetheless something to be aware of. The first sign of gum problems is when your gums bleed during brushing and flossing. While brushing only once a day is definitely not recommended, if you only brush once, doing it at night gives you a better chance of avoiding cavities and gum disease. The biggest consequence of gum disease is the likelihood of losing your teeth and having to consider very expensive implants.

So, the next time you’re snuggled into bed realizing you forgot to brush your teeth, think of these potential risks and take the two minutes to get out of bed and brush! You and the people around you won’t be sorry.

Brace Yourself Moms: A Definitive Guide To Teenage Orthodontics

Being a mom is hard work. From the time you first hold your little one in your arms all the way until when you are jet-setting them off to college, every little moment is full of a rollercoaster of emotions and decisions. Luckily, Reed Orthodontics is here to help you through some of those years, specifically your child’s teen years when braces become the talk of the town at school. No need to brace yourself in fear though, because we’ve got some of the most FAQ’s and answers to soothe any curious and loving mother who is considering braces for their child.

1. Why should I get my kid checked out by an orthodontist by age 7?

The saying, “fix it sooner rather than later” applies to most orthodontic problems such as underbites, severe crowding, and narrow jaws. These types of corrections are usually made between ages 7-10 while the jaw is still growing. Most work done at this age is referred to as “Phase I” treatment. Even if you think your child is not in need of such treatment, it’s important to visit an orthodontist to see if any problems hidden to the common eye exist. Determining the next step of action and planning for future orthodontic treatment can only help families budget for the future.

2. What’s the best age to get braces?

There is no “set” age to get braces and here’s why: Treatment with dental braces begins when a child has lost most of his or her baby teeth and a majority of his or her adult teeth have grown in. As you can imagine, this could be very different from one child to the next. In most cases however, this usually occurs between the ages of 8-14.

3. How long do people have to wear braces?

Again this depends on the child and the specific treatment, but most people wear braces between 1-2 years. It also depends on the cooperation of the patient in terms of maintenance, oral hygiene, and keeping follow-up appointments.

4. My kid’s teeth are coming in crooked- will they need braces?

This is one of the most FAQ’s Oral-B receives on their website and we completely agree with their response:

“Possibly, but not necessarily. The mixed dentition stage where adult teeth are first starting to come in is known as the “ugly duckling” stage for teeth, so some crookedness can be normal. However, if you notice significant crowding, the chances that your kid will need braces are higher. Only an orthodontist can tell you for sure.”

5. Other than making teeth look good, are braces really necessary?

There are patients who receive braces for mainly cosmetic reasons, but there are also health benefits to straighter teeth everyone should be aware of. Straight teeth can help you chew properly, speak more clearly, reduce or eliminate the need for jaw surgery, protect your gums from becoming unhealthy, and reduce or eliminate the need for extracting permanent teeth.

6. Are there any alternatives to braces?

The most popular alternative to braces is Invisalign. If you haven’t heard of this orthodontic buzzword, it’s a series of clear removable slipcovers that are used to straighten your teeth without bands, brackets, or wires. At one point, Invisalign was only recommended for adults. However, we are excited to share that Tina Reed Orthodontics offers this approach for teens as well. We also offer clear, ceramic braces that are made of translucent material which makes the braces themselves less noticeable.

We hope you curious moms find these questions and answers helpful as you begin your orthodontics journey with your child. Contact us for a consultation today, and we’ll happily guide you through the rest of the process.