Flouride Facts

Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, the 13th most abundant element, which is naturally present in water, soil, and air, as well as in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, helping to strengthen it, and is also is effective in preventing cavities from forming.

Fluoride was first added to community water supplies in the 1940s, but today, most cities and countries add fluoride to their public water supplies. Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. This method of fluoride delivery benefits people of all ages and socioeconomic status.

Your teeth are made of a form of the mineral calcium. Bacteria that naturally live in your mouth combine with food particles and become plaque, which secretes acid that can weaken a spot in your tooth enamel, which in turn, becomes a cavity, also called tooth decay.

Fluoride helps to prevent this tooth decay in three ways:

1. The fluoride in your saliva can be absorbed into the surface of a tooth where decay has occurred. The presence of fluoride then attracts other minerals, such as calcium, resulting in the formation of new tooth mineral.
   
2. The fluoride present in your mouth not only repairs the decay damage to your teeth, it creates a tooth surface that is more resistant to decay. The mineral that is re-formed on your tooth by fluoride is a "harder" mineral compound than what existed when the tooth initially formed and is therefore more resistant to the acid in plaque.
   
3. The third way in which fluoride prevents tooth decay is to decrease the rate at which the bacteria in dental plaque produce acid. Fluoride disrupts plaque's ability to metabolize sugars, which lowers the amount of acid that will be produced, which means fewer attacks on your tooth enamel.

To take advantage of these decay-preventing properties, you need prolonged exposure to a very small amount of fluoride. Brushing three times a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride is an ideal way to keep fluoride in your saliva. So is drinking fluoridated water. Research has shown that simply introducing fluoride into a city's drinking water supply can reduce its inhabitants' rate of tooth decay between 40 and 70 percent.

If given to children while teeth are forming, fluoride becomes part of a child's teeth and gives some protection from decay for the life of the teeth. However, the intake of fluoride in young children should be monitored. Too much fluoride in this developmental stage of your child's life can lead to dental fluorosis, a discoloration of the tooth enamel. That's why you should help your child brush his or her teeth when they're very young (up until about age six). Use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste and make sure your child doesn't swallow their toothpaste. If your child is younger than two, talk to your dentist about an alternate to fluoride toothpaste.








Used with an excellent regime of oral hygiene and a balanced diet, fluoride can help keep your teeth cavity free for life.

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Common Reasons for Braces

Your smile is the most striking part of your face. Do you like your smile now? Do you think your smile (or that of your child's) can be improved?

Orthodontics can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth, TMJ and other dental injuries.

Most bite problems are inherited, and therefore can't be prevented. Other factors, such as trauma, thumb-sucking or early loss of baby teeth may affect the shape of your mouth, the alignment of your teeth and your facial balance.

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that treats dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists use a variety of treatments, but braces are the most common method of balancing your teeth, your smile and your face. Some of the most common reasons for braces include:


Crowding -- About 90% of patients have an orthodontic condition known as crowding, in which teeth are crooked, turned, or overlapped. Generally, crowding is genetic (you've inherited a relatively small jaw or relatively large teeth) or caused by habits such as nail biting and thumb sucking. The bone and gums over the roots of extremely crowded teeth may become thin and recede as a result of severe crowding. Complications include teeth that should have come in but have not, poor biting relationships and undesirable appearance.


Overjet -- This condition is characterized by upper front teeth that protrude beyond normal contact with the lower front teeth, making them prone to injury. Protruded upper teeth are associated with a lower jaw that is short in proportion to the upper jaw and may indicate uneven jaw growth or a poor bite of the back teeth. Thumb sucking can also cause of overjet.


Deep Overbite -- The front lower incisor teeth biting too close or into the gum tissue behind the upper teeth characterize this condition. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of incisors, bone damage and discomfort.

Open Bite -- The upper and lower incisor teeth do not touch in an open bite. This open space causes chewing pressure to be placed on the back teeth, causing chewing to be less efficient. The excessive rubbing of the teeth may also cause significant tooth wear. Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are habits that can have an affect on the development of open bite, as can speech problems such as lisping and genetic misalignment of the upper and lower jaw. Open bite is not a common problem, and those who seek treatment do so primarily for appearance. However, patients who have moderate to extreme open bite need treatment because the condition can affect the joints of the jaw and cause recurring pain.


Spacing -- The most common concern of patients with excessive tooth spacing is poor appearance. Spacing occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the population and may be caused by thumb sucking or genetic factors, such as inheriting a large jaw and small-sized teeth.

Crossbite – Crossbites of both back teeth and front teeth are commonly corrected early due to biting and chewing difficulties. Uncorrected crossbite problems can lead to TMJ, premature wear of the teeth, and muscular problems in the jaw. Usually, one set of teeth will either fall inside or outside of the opposing set, leaving teeth out of place when the mouth is closed. The most common is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (toward the tongue). However, approximately 3-5% of patients have a lower jaw that is longer than the upper jaw, which causes the lower front teeth to protrude ahead of the upper front teeth. Heredity and delayed loss of baby teeth are two of the most common causes of crossbite.

Gummy Smile -- Too much pink tissue showing when a person speaks or smiles is called a 'gummy smile.' This condition may result from an enlarged upper jaw, a short upper lip, short upper front teeth, a forward position of the front teeth, or disproportionate lip length or tooth height.

Tongue Thrust -- You swallow about 2000 times each day and each time you do, 1-6 pounds of pressure is applied to the inside structures of the mouth. Normally when you swallow, your tongue is placed on the roof of the mouth, however, when the tongue slides between and behind the teeth, this pressure can push the teeth apart and out. Known as 'tongue thrust,' this abnormal swallowing can cause causing distortions of the face and teeth. It is most common in children with prior severe thumb sucking habits. Working with a speech therapist may help this behavior, but in severe cases, a special orthodontic appliance that inhibits this damaging tongue movement may be prescribed.

It is estimated that more than 5 million people in the United States and Canada are in the care of an orthodontist and looking forward to the day their braces come off and they can see their beautiful, healthy smile in the mirror.

Clenching and/or Grinding Your Teeth?

Most people refer to bruxism as "grinding" or "gritting" the teeth. When you "brux", you tightly clamp your top and bottom teeth together, especially your back teeth. Many people who clench also grind their teeth at the same time. Grinding is when you slide your teeth over each other, generally in a sideways, back-and-forth movement. Many people clench and grind their teeth during the day, but the nighttime bruxing is of most concern, because it is harder to control and can lead to eventual jaw, tooth and gum damage. Experts don't agree on what causes bruxism. Some researchers believe that it's caused by a bite that is not correctly aligned, while others believe it is a central nervous system disorder. Children frequently exhibit bruxism behaviors in response to pain and discomfort of illnesses such as colds, ear infections or allergies. Excess intake of alcoholic beverages may affect your level of grinding and clenching, and stress is also a huge factor in bruxing, with most experts saying that you may show elevated stress levels in your mouth before any other area of your body. Many experts believe it's a combination of these and other problems and that different people brux for different reasons. Almost everyone "grinds their teeth." The problem is the degree of bruxing. Some people only grind their teeth a bit and show few symptoms, but for those who brux frequently and over a period of many years, the effects on teeth and the surrounding structures of gums and bone can be severe. The pressure that you can apply to your teeth can range from 100 to 600 pounds per square inch! Severe bruxism can result in wearing or breaking of teeth, sensitive or loose teeth, receding gums, loss of supporting bone around the teeth, bony ridges in the gums, cheek irritation, sore muscles, headaches, earaches and TMJ (tempomandibular jaw) dysfunction. Pain caused by bruxism can also lead to insomnia, depression and even eating disorders. If you or a family member shows signs or sounds of bruxism, ask your dentist for an evaluation. An examination will rule out disorders, such as an ear infection, that could be causing the symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, the goals of treatment are to ease pain, prevent damage to teeth and surrounding areas, and reduce bruxism behavior as much as possible. To prevent damage, your dentist may prescribe a mouth guard or some other appliance, such as a splint, for you to wear at night. Appliances may protect teeth from the pressure of clenching and may even reduce clenching, however some patients find that it makes their bruxism worse. There is no one cure-all for bruxism, so it may take a team effort between you and your dentist and perhaps other dental professionals, such as an orthodontist, to find the cure for your problem. Just remember that bruxism is not a dangerous disorder and that with conscious effort and professional help, you can prevent damage to your oral and overall health.

Tongue Thrusts and Thumb Sucking

What Is A Tongue Thrust?

A tongue thrust is an abnormal placement of the tongue or a deviant swallowing pattern that causes the tongue to push against or between the teeth. Other facial muscles also function incorrectly during a tongue thrust.

Infants utilize tongue thrust actions for feeding purposes. However, by the time a child reaches the stage of mixed dentition (both permanent and baby teeth), tongue thrust actions should disappear.

What Are the Results of A Tongue Thrust?

Abnormal placement of the tongue or an incorrect swallowing pattern can result in malocclusion of the teeth. Therapy can help to retrain the muscles involved in swallowing and aid in correcting resting posture of the tongue and lips and in creating and maintaining a h ealthy oral environment. Because the orthodontic process can be hindered by the tongue thrust action, we recommend that our patients who need braces seek an evaluation when we feel it is appropriate.

What Can Be Done To Help?

An intense myofunctional therapy program may be recommended to eliminate tongue thrust behaviors, improve tongue and lip resting posture, and alleviate related oral habits (thumb sucking, etc.). A professional who specializes in this area usually carries out the program. In less severe instances these therapy sessions will be held in our office.

Tongue Retraining

Various “reminders” can be used to help re-train the tongue.

1. A “basket” or “crib” can be placed behind the upper front teeth to catch the tongue before it can be placed between the teeth.

2. Little metal spurs can be placed behind the lower front teeth to restrain the tongue before it p asses over the lower front teeth.These types of reminders can be quite irritating for several days after placement. Please be assured that everything will become comfortable within a few days. You may use any form of non-prescription pain reliever that you would normally use during this period.

3. A very simple type of reminder may be used in a retainer type of device. A “bump” or “hole” can be placed in the plastic behind the upper front teeth. This form of reminder is not uncomfortable at all, but may be necessary on a long-term basis.

4. A sugarless lifesaver can be placed on the roof of the mouth behind the upper front teeth. The tip of the tongue is then placed in the “hole” of the lifesaver while swallowing. This can be done at various times throughout the day when speech is not necessary.

Thumb and Finger Sucking

We all know that thumb sucking can cause very serious dental and orthodontic problems. If this habit is stopped at an early age (two to three years), in most cases no long-term ill effects are likely. However, if continued beyond this age, permanent changes will usually occur. If thumb sucking is discontinued, orthodontic treatment alone is almost always successful in a child who is still growing. Even orthodontics, however, cannot overcome the continued effects of this habit.

There are various ways to overcome this problem. We have had a high degree of success in assisting our patients in solving this problem.

Mouth Breathing

(Due to allergies, nasal obstruction, enlarged adenoids, etc.)

We place great emphasis on the airway. The way a child breathes can definitely affect the development of the jaws. Normal breathing occurs with the lips together, inhaling through the nose. Narrow nasal openings are a sign that breathing is occurring mainly through the mouth. Another sign of mouth breathing is red, swollen gums. There are several causes of mouth breathing:

1. Enlarged adenoids

2. Allergies that can cause nasal blockage

3. Under-developed nasal passages

4. Malocclusions (bad bites) that are characterized by the upper teeth and jaws being so far forward that the lips cannot easily close

5. Deviated nasal septum

6. Enlarged nasal turbinates

These conditions cause the lower jaw to grow downward, which then causes an “open bite.” This condition is exhibited when the front teeth do not meet.

How can you tell when there is an airway problem? Below is a list of symptoms and signs.

1. Chronic open mouth position

2. Gummy smile

3. Swollen gums

4. Chronic dark circles under the eyes

5. A crease on the nose (about 1/3 of the way up from the tip)

6. “Pouting” lower lip

7. Short upper lip

8. Narrow “V” shaped upper jaw

9. Upper teeth in “bucked” position

10. Chronic chapped or cracked lips

11. Excessive snoring

Since ninety percent of growth is accomplished by age twelve, it is important to begin treatment very early. Typical treatment in our office includes a combination of expanders and braces.

“Easy on Teeth” Recipes

Really Simple Sloppy Joe's
1 lb. ground round
1 bottle of Heinz chili sauce
1/2 small onion (finely diced)
Mustard
Thoroughly brown the ground round and diced onions over medium heat in a medium pan, stirring occasionally to make sure the meat breaks up. When thoroughly browned, add 1 bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce. Then fill empty bottle 1/3 to 1/2 way with water. Shake to mix remaining sauce, and pour into mixture. Reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Spoon mixture on to hamburger buns and spread a dab of mustard.

Doc McDermott's Corn Pudding
1 can cream-style corn
2 eggs, well beaten
1 Tbsp either bacon drippings or melted butter
1 l/2 Tbsp sugar (or Splenda)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 1-quart glass dish. In a bowl combine the corn, eggs, butter or drippings, and sugar, and pour into the greased dish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Rodabough Redd Beans, Rice, and Sausage
Re1 pkg red beans and rice mix (recommend Zatarain's)
1/2 lb. smoked or Polish sausage
1 Tbsp butter or oil
1/2 small onion, diced
In a medium saucepan, add butter or oil and onions. Sauté until tender. Add water and the red beans and rice mix to pan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Slice sausage into thin slices and add to the mixture for the last 10 minutes of the simmering. Remove from heat, let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving. This tastes GREAT and is easy to chew and swallow!

Easy Noodles Romanoff
Combine one medium onion (chopped), one half pound of cooked noodles, one cup sour cream, one cup cottage cheese, and a half cup of grated cheddar cheese in a baking dish. Bake for about a half hour at 325 degrees.

Bankhead's Incredible Edible Tuna Pasta
1 box of macaroni and cheese
1/2 cup of milk
1 can of tuna
1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup

Prepare macaroni and cheese per box instructions. Stir in mushroom soup, milk, and tuna. Heat to serving temperature. Makes 3 servings.

Potato Pancakes
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 diced small onion
1-1/2 Tbsp flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 cup of milk
1-1/2 cups of cubed raw potatoes

Blend egg, onion, salt, flour, baking powder, and milk in blender until smooth. Pour into a greased frying pan to form pancakes. Cook until brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Makes 6 servings.

Mixed Fruit Smoothies
Quick, colorful, and delicious, these four-ingredient fruity shakes are as good-looking as they are good for you.

2 bananas chilled
2/3 cup strawberries or mango slices
1 12-ounce can grape juice or mango, apricot, strawberry, or other fruit nectar, chilled
1 8-ounce carton fat-free yogurt
1 Tbsp honey (optional)

Combine bananas; strawberries or mango slices; grape juice or fruit nectar; yogurt; and, if desired, honey in a blender container. Cover and blend until smooth. Pour into six tall, chilled glasses. If desired, sprinkle with ground pistachio nuts. Makes 6 smoothies.

Note: For two-tone smoothies, make mango smoothies and strawberry smoothies. Transfer to separate pitchers or glass measuring cups. Taking a pitcher or cup in each hand, slowly pour both smoothies at the same time into opposite sides of the glass.

Frosty Fruit Smoothie
1 medium banana, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup orange, pineapple, grape, or apple juice or low-calorie cranberry juice, chilled
½ cup fat free milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 ice cubes
In a blender, combine the banana chunks, chilled fruit juice, milk, vanilla, and ice cubes. Cover and blend until frothy. Pour mixture into glasses. Serve immediately.

Critter Shake
Place 2 scoops ice cream, 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, and 2 jelly snakes in a blender and process on medium for 30 seconds. Add 2 strawberries, 2 crushed chocolate biscuits, and 1/2 cup milk and process on medium for another 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup crushed ice.

Tangy Cherry Milkshake (sugar free)
3/4 cup (approximately 12) cherries, rinsed and halved
1/2 cup fruit-sweetened cherry yogurt
1/3 cup 1% milk
Sweetener as sweet as 2 teaspoons sugar, such as 1 packet Equal® or NutraSweet® (caution: some people have concerns about aspartame, the primary ingredient)

Fully freeze the cherries. Freeze the yogurt for an hour. Thoroughly purée all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Serve immediately. Makes one portion.

Is Invisalign Really Customized for Each Patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. If you were a candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we’d do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we would then look at this current positioning and compare that to the ideal placement of your teeth – in other words, exactly where we would want them to end up.

Next we’d use the software to map out the exact path your teeth would take from now through the end of your treatment. Based on this precise prescription, a set of custom aligners would be created specially for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you’d wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time, each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And the whole time it would be your secret, since the aligners are virtually invisible!

Drs Bankhead, McDermott & Rodabough are Premier Invisalign providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at one of our offices.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in. In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.”

We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two usually involves a full set of braces, or Invisalign. In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with either Dr. Bankhead, Dr. McDermott, or Dr. Rodabough or visit our web site.

Remeber to Visit Your Dentist Regularly!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your normal orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt• Detect cavities and early signs of decay• Treat oral health problems early• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teethDuring an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat?

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whipped cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Good Breath Gone Bad! - Drs Bankhead, McDermott & Rodabough

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

The Tooth Fairy - Drs Bankhead, McDermot & Rodabough

The Tooth Fairy - Drs Bankhead, McDermott & Rodabough
Losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project I found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)What you will need• I large empty match box• Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray• Ribbon • Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)• Markers• White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox• Scissors Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box. Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

Baby Teeth and Gums Need Special Care!!! Bankhead, McDermott & Rodabough Orthodontics

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth. When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed. If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Drs. Bankhead, McDermott and Rodabough.

Understanding Cavities - Bankhead, McDermott & Rodabough Orthodontics

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.
So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Warrenton Opens!

 

 

 

 

 

Cheese Cake Factory Anyone?