A Crucial Habit for Brace Wearers

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but for individuals wearing braces, it becomes even more critical. Braces create additional spaces for food particles and plaque to accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. One often-overlooked aspect of oral hygiene, especially for those with braces, is the regular replacement of toothbrushes.

Why Changing Your Toothbrush Matters

Over time, toothbrushes accumulate bacteria, food debris, and worn bristles, diminishing their effectiveness in cleaning your teeth and braces. Failing to replace your toothbrush regularly can compromise your oral hygiene and potentially lead to dental problems. Here are some reasons why changing your toothbrush is essential:

Optimal Cleaning: A new toothbrush with firm, intact bristles ensures thorough cleaning of your teeth, including those hard-to-reach areas around braces. Worn-out bristles may not effectively remove plaque and food particles, increasing the risk of dental issues.

Bacteria Buildup: As you use your toothbrush, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Regularly changing your toothbrush helps prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of oral infections and illnesses.

Maintaining Braces: Braces themselves can wear down toothbrush bristles more quickly due to their metal components. Regularly replacing your toothbrush ensures that it remains effective in cleaning both your teeth and braces, prolonging the lifespan of your orthodontic appliances.

Fresh Breath: A clean toothbrush helps maintain fresh breath by effectively removing food particles and bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Regular replacement ensures optimal oral hygiene and a confident smile.

How Often to Change Your Toothbrush with Braces

The frequency of toothbrush replacement varies depending on factors such as usage, bristle wear, and oral health conditions. However, individuals wearing braces should replace their toothbrushes more frequently than those without braces. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Every Three Months: As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months, regardless of whether you wear braces or not. This timeframe ensures that your toothbrush remains effective in cleaning your teeth and braces.
• Monitor Bristle Wear: Pay attention to the condition of your toothbrush bristles. If they appear frayed, flattened, or splayed before the three-month mark, it's time to replace your toothbrush sooner. Worn-out bristles are less efficient at cleaning and may cause damage to your braces or tooth enamel.
• During Orthodontic Adjustments: Schedule toothbrush replacement following orthodontic adjustments. These appointments often involve tightening wires or replacing bands, which can result in increased debris around braces. A fresh toothbrush ensures thorough cleaning after adjustments.
• Signs of Illness: If you've been sick or experienced any oral infections, replace your toothbrush immediately after recovery. Bacteria and germs can linger on toothbrush bristles, potentially leading to reinfection or worsening of oral health issues.

Changing your toothbrush regularly is a simple yet crucial aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene, especially for individuals wearing braces. By replacing your toothbrush every three months, monitoring bristle wear, and staying vigilant about oral health, you can ensure effective cleaning and protect your smile throughout orthodontic treatment. Remember, a healthy smile starts with a fresh toothbrush!

 

Braces Care

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

A dazzling smile is an asset that transcends time, and for those undergoing braces treatment, maintaining oral health becomes even more paramount. One often overlooked, yet crucial aspect, is the regular replacement of your toothbrush. This seemingly mundane practice holds the key to preserving the integrity of your braces as well as the overall health of your teeth and gums.

Braces introduce a new set of challenges to oral hygiene. The intricate network of wires and brackets creates nooks and crannies that are perfect breeding grounds for food particles and plaque. As these remnants accumulate, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease skyrockets.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. For individuals with braces, adhering to this guideline becomes even more critical. The intricate design of braces makes it easier for food particles to get stuck, and worn-out toothbrush bristles simply can't combat this dental battleground effectively.

• Braces Demand Extra Vigilance: Braces create additional surfaces that require meticulous cleaning. The wires and brackets create nooks and crannies that can trap food particles, making it essential to have a toothbrush with strong, effective bristles to reach those challenging spots.

• Preventing Plaque: Plaque is the arch-nemesis of oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. A frayed toothbrush can't stand up to the task of effectively removing plaque, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities. Regular toothbrush replacement ensures that the bristles maintain their stiffness and efficacy.

• Avoiding Bacterial Build-Up: An old toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria. The warm and damp environment of a bathroom, combined with the residual food particles on the bristles, creates a perfect habitat for bacteria to flourish. For individuals with braces, the risk of bacterial build-up is even higher, emphasizing the need for timely toothbrush replacement.

• Preserving Overall Oral Health: Braces treatment is an investment in a lifetime of healthy smiles. Neglecting oral hygiene during this crucial period can lead to permanent damage. Regularly changing your toothbrush is a small yet significant step in preserving the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring that the end result of your orthodontic journey is a radiant and healthy smile.

The importance of replacing your toothbrush during braces treatment cannot be overstated. It's a small but powerful gesture that safeguards your oral health and enhances the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment. By adopting this simple practice, you contribute to the longevity of your braces and pave the way for a bright, confident, and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. So, the next time you reach for your toothbrush, remember that it's not just a tool; it's your ally in the pursuit of a beautiful, healthy smile.

 

Gum Disease Prevention

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

 

A radiant smile is often associated with straight, well-aligned teeth. However, the benefits of orthodontics extend beyond cosmetic appeal. Proper teeth alignment plays a crucial role in preventing oral health issues, particularly gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease can range from mild inflammation to severe damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

Gum disease is a common oral health concern characterized by inflammation of the gums and potential damage to the supporting structures of the teeth. The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and gums. When plaque is not effectively removed through regular oral hygiene practices, it can harden into tartar, leading to irritation, inflammation, and, eventually, infection of the gums.

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?

• Oral Hygiene Habits - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ensure that you brush for a full two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth and gums. Regular flossing also helps remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and along the gumline, where a toothbrush may not reach effectively. Make it a habit to floss daily.

• Regular Dental Check-ups - Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Professional cleanings with your general dentist help remove tartar that cannot be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist will also monitor your gum health and provide guidance on improving your oral hygiene routine.

• Stay Hydrated - Drinking an adequate amount of water helps flush away food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of plaque buildup. It also promotes saliva production, which has natural antibacterial properties.

• Use Antiseptic Mouthwash - An antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce the levels of bacteria in your mouth, providing an additional layer of protection against gum disease.

The Role of Orthodontics in Preventing Gum Disease

• Improved Oral Hygiene - Misaligned teeth can create tight spaces and crevices that are challenging to clean with regular brushing and flossing. Straight teeth facilitate more effective cleaning, as there are fewer areas for plaque and bacteria to hide. When teeth are properly aligned, toothbrushes and floss can reach all surfaces more easily, ensuring a more thorough and efficient cleaning process.

• Enhanced Gum Health - Crooked or crowded teeth can create pockets and spaces where plaque can accumulate, leading to increased bacterial growth. This can cause the gums to become inflamed and contribute to the progression of gum disease. Orthodontic treatments that align teeth properly help eliminate these problematic spaces, promoting healthier gums.

• Early Intervention for Orthodontic Issues - Detecting and addressing orthodontic issues early in life can prevent more severe problems in the future. Early orthodontic intervention can guide proper dental development, reducing the risk of complications that may contribute to gum disease later in life.

• Long-Term Oral Health Benefits - Investing in orthodontic treatment not only enhances the aesthetics of your smile but also contributes to long-term oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, maintain, and are less prone to issues such as decay and gum disease, promoting overall dental well-being.

The relationship between orthodontic treatments and the prevention of gum disease is clear, as proper teeth alignment contributes to improved oral hygiene, enhanced gum health, and reduced risks of periodontal issues.

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, whether it's traditional braces or clear aligners, remember that the benefits extend beyond cosmetic improvements. By investing in orthodontics, you are taking a proactive step towards preventing gum disease and maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile for years to come. Consult with Quest Johnson Orthodontics to explore the options best suited to your needs and embark on a journey towards both aesthetic and oral health benefits.

 

2 Minutes 2 Times A Day

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Did you know that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? More than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated decay. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be linked to diabetes and heart disease.

Together with the American Dental Association (ADA), Quest Johnson Orthodontics recommends that kids, as well as adults, brush their teeth in a soft, circular motion for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily.

Two minutes twice daily is the optimal prevention brushing regimen as it takes two minutes for fluoride in toothpaste to work. In addition to allowing time for fluoride to work, there is the physical massage of the tooth surfaces that removes the plaque and makes a clean surface for the fluoride to do its job. When the enamel absorbs fluoride, it makes the tooth surface harder and more resistant to the bacteria-produced acids that cause tooth decay.

Beginning with the eruption of the first tooth, parents should begin brushing their child’s teeth with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives recommends that parents supervise their child’s brushing until age 8. Supervising your child’s brushing gives you an opportunity to teach them how to brush. Please remember that a baby or toddler should never use fluoride toothpaste unsupervised or independently.

It is also important to floss at least once a day, to clean in between the teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. Parents should start flossing their child’s teeth as soon as they notice that teeth are touching…which could be as early as two years of age.

The benefits of brushing for 2 minutes:

•  Clean teeth
•  Healthy gums
•  Nice breath

2min2x.org has videos to help your child brush the recommended 2 minutes each time. It can be fun to play the video for your kids to watch while brushing to get them started with this healthy habit.

If you need additional tips and tricks for better brushing habits, feel free to contact our Mooresville, Indiana Orthodontic office.

 

The Dangers of Chewing Ice

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Chewing ice is an incredibly common habit. Some people chew on ice after finishing a drink, while others do it to cool off in the summer heat. Chewing ice may also help relieve stress or aid in relaxation. No matter what the reason people chew ice, just like many other hard foods, chewing ice can cause a myriad of oral health issues, and even cost you an expensive trip to your dentist or orthodontist.

If you already have fillings, crowns, or veneers, or if you wear braces, use a retainer, or have expanders, chewing ice makes you particularly vulnerable to tooth damage.

How Chewing Ice Can Damage Your Teeth

Broken or Fractured Teeth - Teeth may seem tough and sturdy, but they aren’t designed to crunch extremely hard objects like ice. Chewing ice can easily lead to a cracked or chipped tooth, which will require an emergency dental visit to repair the broken tooth.

Cracked Tooth Enamel - Breaking or chipping a tooth is not the only outcome of chewing ice. Often times, people will crack their tooth enamel without knowing it. Tooth enamel is the first line of defense against cavities. If tooth enamel is damaged by chewing ice, it can leave a tooth more vulnerable to acid attacks and tooth decay. That’s because acids produced by bacteria can penetrate the softer layer of the tooth, the dentin, much more easily and cause tooth decay. Cracked tooth enamel can also lead to hot and cold sensitivities and tooth pain.

Damage Dental Fillings - Chewing ice can damage existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers. Damaging your dental work will require an immediate trip to your dentist for a repair. Something as simple as filling a cavity may be the solution, but other times root canals and crown replacements are necessary to repair the damage done from chewing ice.

Destroyed Oral Appliances - Oral appliances like braces and retainers play a vital role in developing healthy smiles. Despite their sturdy construction, chewing ice can cause severe damage to brackets, wires, and aligner trays resulting in extra visits to our office.

Although there are much worse habits to have, as your local orthodontist we recommend breaking this habit as soon as you can.

If you love chewing on ice and need some ideas to shake the habit, try these tricks:

Let Ice Cubes Melt in your Mouth - Instead of chewing on the ice cubes, try holding them in your mouth and letting them melt. The satisfying cool sensation will last longer, and you won’t damage your teeth or gums.

Say No to Ice - Skip ice altogether. If it’s not in your glass, the temptation to chew it is gone.

Choose a Crunchy Alternative - When you feel like you need a satisfying crunch, reach for carrot sticks, cucumber, or apple slices instead of ice…you will get the same crunch without any tooth damage. Also, chewing on healthy fibrous foods will stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouthwash.

As with any habit, the first thing you should do is make yourself aware. If you are concerned about your oral health or if you chew on ice frequently, make sure you schedule an appointment with your general dentist to have your teeth and gums evaluated. If your teeth are already damaged, your dentist will know exactly what to do to help.

Did you know? The intense craving to chew on ice is sometimes categorized as pagophagia. Pagophagia, or compulsive ice chewing, is a particular form of pica that is characterized by ingestion of ice, freezer frost, or iced drinks. It is usually associated with iron deficiency anemia. Not everyone who loves chewing ice has pagophagia, but studies show that some people who have the desire to chew ice also have an underlying health issue that has not yet been resolved.

 

Teeth Whitening After Braces

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The feeling you have after getting your braces removed is the absolute best! It’s such a relief knowing that your orthodontic treatment is over, your teeth have moved into their proper alignment, and you finally have the smile you’ve always wanted.

Unfortunately, some people get their braces off and are disappointed by the color of their teeth. It’s very common for patients to want a whiter smile after the completion of their orthodontic treatment. From toothpaste to whitening trays…there are many options when it comes to whitening your teeth after your braces have been removed that can give you the bright and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted to show off.

Whitening toothpaste & mouthwash – Regular toothpaste is designed to help remove some surface stains as they clean teeth and improve the health of your mouth. Whitening toothpaste takes it a step further by adding more abrasive ingredients to scrub the surface of the teeth and help remove even more surface stains. Whitening toothpastes are the least expensive and most easily accessible option for brightening your smile. However, it can take several weeks to begin to see results. Using a whitening toothpaste can help with minor stains, but because they don’t change the actual color of your teeth; any results can be undone by continuing habits that contribute to stains on your teeth.

At-home whitening kits – At-home whitening kits like Crest Whitestrips are relatively effective and can help whiten your teeth after braces. At-home whitening kits are able remove stains from under the tooth surface with whitening gels, or bleaching agents, that contain an oxidizing agent in the form of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The whitening gel reacts with the internal aspect of your tooth, mixing with the discolored areas and breaking them apart, giving your teeth a noticeably whiter appearance.

Professional teeth whitening – If you have serious stains or white spots on your teeth after your braces have been removed, a professional whitening treatment from your general dentist is the best choice. With professional whitening, you’ll be able to quickly reverse years of staining in a single appointment.

If you or a member of your family has just completed orthodontic treatment and are looking for teeth whitening options in Mooresville or the surrounding areas, the team at Quest Johnson Orthodontics can help answer any questions you have about achieving a brighter, whiter smile after braces. Give our office a call today!   

10 Tips to a Healthy Smile

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you and for many people, an ideal smile is a mouth full of pearly white, perfectly aligned teeth. It’s not a bad goal to have, but in addition to straight white teeth, you need to make sure that your smile is a healthy one.

Follow our tips below to make sure your mouth and your smile are in tip top condition.

1. Brush your Teeth Twice a Day, Every Day - You’ve been told this since your very first dental visit as a child: brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing removes leftover food particles that can bond with saliva to form plaque. These particles feed the bacteria that naturally live in our mouths and these bacteria can eat through our tooth enamel and cause tooth decay. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a quality electric toothbrush or a soft bristled manual brush. While medium and hard bristled toothbrushes are readily available, stiffer bristles and aggressive brushing causes gums to recede and can wear down your tooth’s enamel.

Because plaque can harden into tartar, frequent brushing helps your teeth stay whiter and healthier than in people who brush less often. How you brush is important. Angle the bristles toward the gumline at a 45-degree angle, with just enough pressure to make the tissue a lighter color. Gently make small strokes, focusing on one or two teeth at a time. Don’t apply too much pressure and invest in a good brush. And don’t forget to brush your gums…this will keep your gums healthy and remove the most plaque.

2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste - Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, making it an important additive to toothpaste. Using toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride can reverse tooth decay at early stages, reducing the need for fillings.

3. Keep your Tongue Clean - When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to brush your tongue. Running your toothbrush over the white or yellow area at the back of your tongue helps to remove the foul-smelling bacterial waste that causes bad breath.

4. Take Good Care of your Toothbrush - Your toothbrush doesn’t need any special cleaning, but make sure it dries completely after each use and there is no leftover toothpaste. Store your toothbrush in an upright position that is exposed to air. Don’t forget to change out your old toothbrush for a fresh new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months…or earlier if you see a lot of wear and tear on the bristles.

5. Floss Every Night - Flossing is important because it removes plaque between teeth and out from under the gumlines, where a toothbrush can’t reach. If left alone, plaque and tartar build up under the surface of the gumlines can cause periodontal disease, which leads to bone destruction and tooth loss. Nightly flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.

To floss properly, wrap the floss tightly around your finger and insert in the space between your teeth. Gently slide it up and down under the gumlines two to three times. If bleeding occurs, this is most likely due to gingivitis or gum disease. When flossing daily, the bleeding associated with mild to moderate gingivitis usually stops after about two weeks.

If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances…try using a floss threader to help you floss between and around each bracket.

6. Limit Sugary Drinks - The bacteria in our mouths thrive on sugar which makes sugary drinks a major contributor to tooth decay. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet combined with regular brushing and flossing can help keep the bacteria under control.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet - A healthy diet is not only important for your overall health, but it is important for your teeth as well. In addition to good nutrition provided by healthy foods that help your bones and teeth grow and stay healthy, a lot of fruits and vegetables are crunchy and chewy, which promotes the production of saliva. Foods that require a lot of chewing are good for the teeth because more saliva means the mouth is naturally washed out more often.

8. Drink Plenty of Water - Water is the healthiest drink for your smile and your body. Drinking water helps rinse teeth clean and discourages tooth decay. Not only that…but keeping your body hydrated helps your mouth produce enough saliva to keep your mouth and teeth clean. Saliva naturally washes out the mouth, removing oral bacteria and the food particles that they feed upon.

9. Don’t Chew on Hard Items - Don’t chew on hard candies or ice and keep non-food items like pens, pencils, and water bottle caps out of your mouth. These items aren’t designed to be chewed and can damage your teeth.

10. See your Regular Dentist Twice a Year - Regular dental visits are necessary to preserving your oral health. Having routine cleanings every six months helps to promote good oral health and a beautiful smile. Your dentist is trained to recognize early signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they cause severe damage to your teeth and mouth. Regular checkups are the key to maintaining a healthy smile. Visiting your dentist twice a year can help you avoid complicated and expensive dental procedures later in life. This is important even though you may be seeing the orthodontist regularly. We will point out any obvious problems, but we are not doing the thorough examination with X-rays that your regular dentist is skilled at doing.

It can take some time before you start to notice changes from improved oral hygiene. While these changes won’t come overnight, they are certainly worth the time and effort, both for the sake of your smile and your overall health.

With all the health advice available online now, it’s hard to know what’s important to your oral health. If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and mouth, don’t hesitate to call our office.

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

More than 47 percent of adults are living with periodontal or gum disease, which more often than not, goes unnoticed.

At Quest Johnson Orthodontics our goal is to continually raise awareness of the prevalence of gum disease while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Gum disease is something that most people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe.  Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including: heart disease, endocarditis, lung problems, colorectal cancer, diabetes, and kidney, pancreatic and blood cancers in men.

According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP), you may have gum disease if:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch. 
• Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss. 
• You see pus or other signs of infection around the gums and teeth. 
• Your gums look as if they are "pulling away" from the teeth. 
• You frequently have bad breath or notice a bad taste in your mouth. 
• Your teeth are loose or feel as if they are moving away from the other teeth.

A great oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are the absolute best way to take a preventative measure against gum disease. TheAmerican Dental Association (ADA) site recommends brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush that fits your mouth comfortably, so it reaches every tooth surface adequately. Plaque begins to re-form within 24 hours after brushing and flossing, so daily care is essential. Be sure to floss or water floss every day to ensure your gums are healthy.

With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, you can keep your teeth for a lifetime and avoid many significant health problems.

 

If you have any questions regarding the health of your teeth and gums, please don't hesitate to give Quest Johnson Orthodontics a call.

Protect Your Enamel

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

Braces provide patients with a spectacular tool for straightening smiles and correcting jaw problems that impact self-confidence and overall oral wellness. Your wires and brackets are fundamental to the treatment process, but they also can make it difficult to remove food particles that get stuck under and between your brackets and wires. Unfortunately, if this food is left to fester, the acidic content of the food can eat away at your tooth’s vital tooth enamel.

If you have braces, your smile can be prone to enamel erosion. Enamel erosion occurs when acid attacks the teeth and wears down the enamel. This can make your teeth vulnerable to tooth fractures and cavities. Pay special attention to cleaning your teeth every day. Permanent damage to tooth enamel can occur if the teeth and brackets are not kept clean.

To prevent enamel erosion, Drs. Quest and Johnson encourage you to:

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages: Consuming acidic products can expose your smile to the acid that harms the teeth. So, it’s best to avoid consuming acidic foods and drinks as much as possible.

Keep Your Teeth Clean: This includes regular brushing, an interdental brush, floss (and floss threaders) and possibly a water flosser to help you use the force of water to rid your mouth of stuck debris.

Use Fluoride: Fluoride can strengthen your tooth enamel and help you avoid enamel erosion. Use a fluoride toothpaste with every brushing and fluoride mouthwash at night before bed every evening.

When it comes to taking care of your teeth with braces, one of the best things you can do is pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Thinking about what is coming in contact with your pearly whites can protect your teeth from erosion and decay.

Certain foods and beverages are more acidic than others. During orthodontic treatment, focus on eating foods that are both good for your body and your teeth.

Less tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pineapples, raspberries, tomatoes, pickles, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.

More tooth-friendly foods and drinks include: bananas, mangoes, melons, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, milk, water, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, crackers, and pasta.

If you like to learn more about how you prevent enamel erosion while wearing braces, our friendly staff at Quest Johnson Orthodontics is available to train you in methods for keeping your teeth clean and strong.

Out With The Old

Quest Johnson Orthodontics

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you keep a toothbrush?

It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since it is constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn that's a clear sign you need a new toothbrush.

People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes more frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness.

It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement.

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush:

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria-ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck.

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that…an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque.

3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush.

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution. Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great at cleaning around facet fixtures and in tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes.

 

Quest Johnson Orthodontics: Simple Family Tips for a Healthy Smile

Our practice's top priority is to provide you with the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors. Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!

We see families of all types and love to see the initiative to keep your family’s teeth healthy. Here are a few tips to ensure your family is in tip-top shape before their next visit with us.

Brush Your Teeth Together: 
Make brushing your teeth a routine every morning and every night. Stick to the routine and ensure that you and your family keep a specific time for brushing your teeth, this will build a great daily habit.

Flossing is Key:
Flossing every day is even more important when you have braces. If you’re having trouble flossing, just use a floss threader with regular floss, or buy special stiff-tipped floss made for braces wearers.

Use Mouthwash: 
Using mouthwash, especially during orthodontic treatment is so important. Mouthwash can easily remove food debris from areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. After brushing and flossing, you can swish it around your mouth for a minimum of 30 seconds. This will remove any lingering bacteria and will even help with inflammation of the gums.

Steer Clear of Candy Canes

The holidays are just around the corner and Christmas is less than a month away! Certain holiday treats can damage braces and cause wires to come loose. It's best to stay away from, candy canes. Whether you love them or don’t, candy canes are everywhere during the holidays. However you feel about candy canes, if you have braces, you may want to avoid candy canes this holiday season.

Candy canes are one of the worst foods for teeth. Candy canes, are 100% sugar. Sugar can lead to cavities, tooth decay and loss. Candy canes are also one of the hardest treats to eat. One of the types of foods you should stay away from if you have braces (during orthodontic treatment) are hard foods and candies and candy canes fit the criteria perfectly.

Candy canes also take a while to eat, which give the sugar a reason to linger around longer and form into bacteria, leading to cavities. Here are other treats to stay away from this holiday season that are harmful to our teeth.

Foods to Avoid this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time for family, reflecting on what we are thankful for and of course, celebrating around food. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for those who come to us for their orthodontic health care. Whether it is braces, Invisalign or preventive care, you should always take care of your smile.

If you have braces, there are a few foods you may want to stay away from during Thanksgiving.

1. Uncooked Vegetables - uncooked vegetables, in their raw form are too hard to bite and chew and may damage braces. Instead, cook or steam your vegetables, which will be much softer for your teeth.

2. Corn on the Cob - on the cob, corn can do some damage to braces, but there is no problem if it is cut off. Just be sure to floss, so it does not get stuck to your teeth.

3. Nuts - nuts is an obvious food to avoid because it can damage brackets and cause wires to come loose. Watch out for nuts, often found in pies and other desserts.

4. Caramel - caramel is another obvious dessert to stay away from on Thanksgiving (and beyond during the holidays). It is sticky and can get easily stuck to your braces.

The #1 Summer Tip to Take into Fall in Mooresville

Summer is officially over and as a new season approaches, we are excited for new smiles and new seasons. We shared some great tips for a bright summer smile. As fall rolls in to our Mooresville and surrounding communities, here is the #1 tip to take into fall.

Switch out Your Toothbrush:
Switching out your toothbrush is an often overlooked tip that can make a difference in our smile. It is recommended to switch out your toothbrush every 3-4 months. As a new season rolls around, this is a perfect opportunity to switch out toothbrushes for the whole family.

If you are using an electric toothbrush, switching out the toothbrush head is recommended.

Our goal is to allow you to be seen on time for your appointment, do all necessary scheduled treatments, make appointments as stress free for you as possible and to minimize interruptions to your busy schedule. We understand that everyone has important obligations throughout the day and that your time is very valuable. Schedule an appointment today. 

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It's a new year! Remember to change out your toothbrush. 😃 #QuestJohnsonOrtho #HealthTip

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2 Benefits of Fixing an Openbite

If your upper and lower teeth don't touch when your mouth is closed, your doctor calls this an open bite. An open bite affects the way we eat food. With orthodontic treatment this can be corrected. Here are three benefits of fixing an open bite.

1. Your teeth will be cleaner. When your teeth become straighter, it is easier to clean in between teeth and keep your smile healthy.
2. In many cases, red and swollen gums are a direct result of teeth that are too widely spaced or too crowded, which can be minimized by straightening your smile.

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well and the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. Straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. Schedule an appointment today.

Braces Friendly Foods for You

If you just received braces any holiday, especially The Super Bowl could be tough, finding which foods you can and can not eat. If you are heading to a Super Bowl watch party try to stay away from these foods and enjoy these Superbowl friendly foods below.

First thing’s first, which foods are off limits? Stay off and avoid these types of foods.

• Hard nuts, candies, hard fruits (like apples and pears)
• Hard vegetables (like carrots and corn on the cob)
• Chips
• Taco shells
• Pizza crust
• Pretzels
• Sticky stuff like taffy, gum and caramels
• Foods high in acidity that could cause discoloration like lemons, limes and sodas.

Superbowl Friendly Foods:

• Burger Sliders
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Guacamole
• Meatballs 
• Smooth potato salad
• Cole slaw
• Soft Tacos
• Ice cream
• Cupcakes
• Cream-pies
• Soft pastries
• Soups
• Pasta

When it comes to braces, your first few days may be uncomfortable. It may even feel as if your braces are sticking out. Your gums may be sore and tender, but that does not have to stop you from living your life.

An important item to use for relief is dental wax. Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax can provide relief when a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment.

Dental wax is completely safe.

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.
Step 2: Wash your hands.
Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax
Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces


If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums. If you have any questions over dental wax, or any other orthodontic questions, please feel free to call us at (317) 834-4933 or at our Elwood Office at (765) 552-5461

A Foundation to a Healthy Smile

June is Oral Health Month!

A good oral hygiene routine is the foundation to a healthy smile, especially for young children. For parents, leading by example, should establish healthy habits like brushing, cleaning between your teeth and seeing your dentist. This ultimately leads to the big difference in the health and happiness of your entire family and in children, less fears about visiting their dentist.

Here are a few tips from the American Dental Association that are a great reminder to enforce.

Start a Routine and Stick to It:
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it. The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.

Toothpaste:
Learn how to apply the right amount of toothpaste for your child.

First Visit: 
Every parent celebrates the milestones in the first year, first words, first steps, first teeth.