Can I Prevent Enamel Damage?

Can I Prevent Enamel Damage? 

Are you concerned about damage to your tooth enamel? Well put your worries aside because there are several things you can do to prevent enamel damage such as decaying or discoloring.

Avoiding enamel decay can be as easy as cutting out or limiting high-acidic foods from your regular diet. High-acidic foods include items such as blueberries, sugar, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, cranberries, and more. Another thing you can do is remove high sugar drinks from your diet in addition to acidic foods is also a good idea.

Fortunately, there are several measures you can take to prevent your enamel from discoloring or decaying. 

The easiest way to avoid decay is to steer clear of high-acidity foods. This may not always be possible, but eliminating sugary fruit juices and soda from your diet is a good start. 

Brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing frequently also preserves your enamel. Another good idea is to rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after eating to wash away high-acidity particles.

Although enamel damage is common, it does not have to be an inevitable occurrence. Knowing the foods that harm your teeth gives you the tools to prevent discoloration and decay. With some easy preventive measures, your teeth will stay strong and white for years to come!

Cavities, Braces and You!

If you’re a patient at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics, you are used to visiting us for your regular adjustment appointment every 6-8 weeks. 

While our hygienist is in your mouth making those adjustments, it’s important for you to remember our team is working on your braces and trips to your general dentist are still very much needed.

When we work on your braces, we are not looking specifically for any cavities and anything we do notice is a by-product of monitoring your oral health from an orthodontic perspective. Even if we did find something suspicious we don’t have the facilities to correct it. For this reason, we tell you to maintain your regular dental checkup schedule of once every 6 months. Another important thing to remember is that your oral hygiene needs to be flawless.  

The appliances that are in your mouth are, unfortunately, a magnet for plaque buildup. If you are a bit lax with brushing and rinsing out your mouth after eating, you may just find that you have a beautiful straight smile with stained teeth. 

While having braces does not increase the risk of cavities, not caring for your teeth and having braces does. If you have any questions regarding your oral hygiene, click here to visit our website or contact McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics at our office (847) 251-6228

Adjusting to Braces! Tips from McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics

Are you a new patient at McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics?

You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces. 

Tip #1: Give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable. 

Tip #2: Be confident! Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. 

Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!
Tip #3: Be sure you know what to do, if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. 

If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.

Autism Speaks - April's Check-In for Charity

McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is taking part in the worldwide support for Autism this month! 

What is Autism Speaks?
Autism Speaks is a charity with the goal to increase the public understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Aside from the amazing outcome of this charity, they are famous for their “Light It Up Blue” campaign. Wear blue to your appointments in April to show your support for Autism Speaks.

Facts about autism according to Autism Speaks:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates autism’s prevalence as 1 in 68 children in the United States. This includes 1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls. 
• An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year. 
• Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal. 
• Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability. 
• Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. 

How can you join us in supporting Autism Speaks?
Because McClellan & Sagun Orthodontics is a check-in 4 charity member, you can show support for Autism speaks by checking-in on Facebook at our office. Each time you check-in participate in our donation to Autism Speaks in April. Another fun way to get involved is to wear blue at your April appointments!