5 Reasons to Smile This Spring!

Now that you’ve finished your spring cleaning, it’s time to get out and show off your pearly whites! Spring is a special time of year when the flowers bloom, the sun shines, and everyone heads outside. As most of you know, Pittsburgh is on the rise and that means that there is always something to do in the city. To make things a little easier for you, we have gathered the top five events going on around The ‘Burgh for you to smile about this spring.

1. Phipps Conservatory annual Spring Flower Show--

Celebrate the season by heading over to the conservatory! Not only will you get to see the gorgeous plants that are there year round, but you will also get to see the “Masterpieces in Bloom” show. This year, works by Van Gogh, Monet, and other famous artists will be featured among nature to represent renewal and regrowth.

2. Pirates Season--

Head over to PNC Park to enjoy a day of sports, fun, food, and friends! This season is sure to be a good one. Andrew McCutchen has got his power back and he’s ready to use it! We can’t wait to see where we go this season. Opening day is April 3rd!

3. The Pittsburgh Wine Festival--

For the 14th year in a row, the Pittsburgh Wine Festival is giving all Pittsburghers the chance to travel the world in just one night. There will be wine from California, Italy, South Africa, and more! Our protip is to plan which wines you want to hit first and make a list so you maximize your experience. Also, check out our tips on how to make sure your teeth don’t stain after all of the delicious reds you’ll be tasting!

4. Patio Dining--

Being a city filled with foodies, Pittsburgh’s restaurant scene is amongst the best in the country. The only thing that could make eating out in the city more enjoyable is to eat outside! Here are some of the best rated spots with outdoor patios for you to check out this spring. Some of our favorites are Murray Ave Grille and Pusadee’s Garden.

5. The Pittsburgh Marathon--

Whether you participate in one of the various race options, you volunteer to keep participants on track, or you simply cheer on the runners, The Pittsburgh Marathon is a must-go spring event in the city. The marathon’s course crosses over all three rivers and five of our bridges. It goes through 13 of Pittsburgh’s amazing neighborhoods and has incredible views throughout the whole city.

So what are you waiting for? Go out, explore, and keep smiling!

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Smile

Winter is on its way out and spring is upon us, which means a healthy dose of spring cleaning to kickstart the much-anticipated season. Whether or not you have a plan in place to execute your spring cleaning, it’s not too late to make dental care part of that plan. With the holidays behind us and our bellies full of sweets and treats, it’s the perfect time to refresh your oral hygiene routine.

Here are 5 tips to spring clean those pearly whites of yours:

1. Ditch your old toothbrush

Out with the old and in with the new, right? If your toothbrush is looking a little too loved (aka frayed bristles) then it’s time to get a new one. The general rule of thumb is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or anytime after you’ve been sick. Brushing with a used and abused toothbrush doesn’t effectively reach all of your teeth’s nooks and crannies for a proper cleaning. Have a little fun upgrading your toothbrush and keep the old one for cleaning tough spots around the house!

2. Take advantage of seasonal produce

With all of the desserts that are a special part of Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine’s Day, it’s time to take advantage of the fresh produce spring brings. The season’s favorites include strawberries, asparagus, and spinach, all of which are both nutritionally beneficial and tooth-healthy. For instance, strawberries contain malic acid, an ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes that stimulate saliva production and reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. So whenever you are at the grocery store next, make sure to pick up an extra batch of strawberries, because the tasty fruit plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy!

3. Brush twice, floss once

We hear this rule all too often, but it really is a vital dental care regimen to maintain. If you need to be reminded of the risks of forgetting to brush before bedtime, check out our recent blog on the topic. This is also a good time to replenish your floss supply, because if you’re flossing daily and using 18 inches of floss every time as recommended, that’s roughly 45 feet of floss a month.

4. Check the expiration date on your mouthwash

Most mouthwash has a shelf life indicated on the bottle. Although using it past the expiration date won’t cause any real harm, it will be doing less of what it is supposed to do. It is highly recommended to follow the date on your bottle to get the best benefits.

5. Schedule a professional cleaning

No matter if you’re the world’s best brusher and flosser, the fact of the matter is there are certain areas we just can’t reach on our own that require a professional. Patients should get their teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months to help clean those neglected, hard-to-reach places and to prevent bigger issues that could require an expensive fix down the line.

Are you ready to get your dental spring cleaning on? Contact us today if you’re looking for ways to improve your smile during the happy, flowery season.

(Image Credit: Gabriel Rocha, Flickr)

5 Tricks to Get Kids Excited about Brushing

Just like eating greens and veggies, brushing isn’t always an activity children greet with excitement. In their eyes it’s considered a chore, and what kid wants to do a chore every morning and evening? If you’re worried about your children’s resistance to brushing twice a day, here’s a couple tricks to put the fun into a solid tooth-brushing regimen:

1. Get a fun toothbrush.

Getting your child a toothbrush he or she is excited about can make all the difference. There are plenty of children’s toothbrushes out there made to look like Disney characters, race cars, dinosaurs, and anything your child fancies. Shop together with your child and have him or her pick out their favorite one. This also applies to toothpaste, too!

2. Brush together.

Make brushing a family affair and lead by example. Kids naturally want to be just like mom and dad so show them that brushing twice a day is an important habit to develop healthy teeth and a bright smile.

3. Create a reward system.

Incentivizing your child in a small way could encourage them to brush his or her teeth to help establish good oral habits. Creating a sticker chart for the entire month is a great way to track progress. After a month of stickers and constant brushing, allow your child to pick  a prize of their choice.

4. Make a game out of it.

Kids love a good game. Have them sing a song for the recommended two minutes of brushing. Or, better yet, give them a timer to countdown and watch the time. Last, but certainly not least, create a story. “The plaque monsters and sugar bugs will make holes in our teeth if we don’t brush them away!” Create a story, make a countdown, sing a song - find the right combination that works for your child.

5. Compliment your kids.

As with any task you want your child to accomplish, compliment them when they brush well. Praise can go a long way to help a child think positively and develop a good attitude towards a specific task such brushing your teeth.

What other fun tactics have you used to put the excitement into teeth-brushing? We’d love to hear from the momma’s out there! If you have any questions about children orthodontics treatment, contact us today.

(Image Credit: makelessnoise, Flickr)

Celebrating February with Red Color Ties

Roses are red, violets are blue. We’re celebrating February with red color ties, how about you? Poems may not be our forte, but celebrating the month of love in true orthodontic fashion is! This February, for every child who chooses red color ties around their braces, we will donate $1 to the American Heart Association.  

The Idea:

The Red Color Tie campaign came about in a very organic way; a couple of employees chatting over coffee realized that kids love to change the color of their braces for seasonal holidays. So, why not take the opportunity to turn the holiday cheer into a giving back opportunity? The patients get to show off their red smiles, while we make a charitable donation to an organization close to our hearts, the American Heart Association. A win-win for everyone!

What are color ties?

The part of the braces that come in different colors is the elastic tie. The elastic tie, officially called an elastic ligature, is a tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket and holds the archwire in place. Changing the colors of your elastic ties is a fun way for children to give their braces a fresh new look.

The color red:

Choosing the color of your braces is one way to express your personality! So what does the color red have to say about you? You are extroverted, optimistic, brave, and confident. You find a sense of excitement in everyday situations. You have a passion and enthusiasm for life and are not afraid to pursue your dreams and goals. In February especially, it is also a sign of love and compassion.

Red smiles:

Our February campaign has kicked off with a bang! It is so nice to see so many children choosing red color ties in honor of our pledge to donate to the American Heart Association. Love is in the air at our two office locations in the North Hills and Squirrel Hill and here are some happy smiles to prove it:

Thank you to every child so far who has chosen the color red for February! Whether you have an appointment booked or need to schedule one for February, make sure to hop on the red color tie bandwagon! You’re heart and smile will thank you.

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.

Celebrating with Braces

With the holidays behind us and New Year’s Eve tomorrow, we’re sure you’ve done a little bit of drinking to either enjoy or survive this time of year. However, now that you’ve got some new additions to your mouth, can you drink the same drinks that you’re use to? The answer is a little complicated…

In general, alcohol should have no direct effects on your braces. While you’re encouraged to stay away from alcohol free mouthwash because it might deteriorate the rubber bands in your mouth more quickly, your average everyday alcoholic beverage should be more than fine. However, while there are no direct effects from knocking a few back, there are some side effects you should watch out for that could cause damage to your braces and/or teeth.

Staining

If you are a connoisseur of red wine, then you likely know this already. However, if you’re just starting to gain a taste for this sometimes bitter beverage, then be aware. Red wine is a notorious tooth stainer. The intensity of the color in the drink contributes to its staining power. In order to prevent staining, some experts recommend getting a cheese plate with your wine to protect your teeth. However, a good, thorough brushing after a few glasses should do the trick.

Tooth Decay

The fact that sugar leads to tooth decay is well known. However, sometimes it’s hard to imagine the fact that some of the more tart alcoholic beverages contain a hefty amount of the sweet stuff, as well as the fact that they’re highly acidic. Both of these factor cause an increased possibility for tooth decay, especially with all of the nooks and crannies that braces create. Once again, the best solution to keep tooth decay at bay is brushing your teeth well after a night on the town.

Binge Eating

They don’t call them the drunk munchies for nothing! It’s important that regardless of what type of beer goggles you’re sporting that evening to remember that there are some foods to steer clear of with braces on. It’s also just as important for those with Invisalign to remember to quickly pop your retainers out before chowing down, and replacing them after you’ve finished and brushed.

Overall, popping a bottle or two in celebration of the New Year is more than fine. However, it’s important to remember to brush your teeth completely once you get home, and to drink in moderation. Have a safe and happy New Year Club Reed!

If you want to start 2016 with a stunning new smile, contact our office to set up your consultation today!