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WE KNOW that frequent snacking on processed, sugary foods isn’t kind to the waistline. But what about its effects on your oral health?

As we eat, naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths feed on sugars. This produces acid. When acids aren’t cleared away, they can erode tooth enamel, which leads to tooth decay.

Two Snacking Factors Can Increase Dental Decay Risk

Two major aspects of snacking affect cavity risk. They are:

1. Consumption frequency, and
2. The amount of time foods are in contact with teeth

The more frequently we eat, and the longer our teeth are exposed to the sugars in our food, the more vulnerable we are to tooth decay.

Consider The Texture Of Your Snack Foods

There are clues to snacking dangers that center around the texture of foods. Soft and/or sticky foods provide a more ideal environment for bacteria to adhere to teeth and thrive over time. So, given that clue which of the following snacks would you guess is better for your teeth... A hand full of animal crackers or a square of plain chocolate? You’re right—the chocolate.

4 Snacking Tips

• Avoid added sugar and acidic beverages to maintain a neutral pH in your mouth.
• Brush twice a day (or after every meal) and floss every night before bed.
• Rinse your mouth with water after snacking.
• Snack on foods like almonds, cheese, fruits and vegetables with high water and high fiber content. Carrots and apples are great!

Oral Health Is Connected To Whole Body Health

It may seem silly to state the obvious... But always remember that what goes on inside our mouths is connected to what goes on throughout our bodies. In our modern world it’s really easy to get into the habit of snacking all the time. Make good choices to keep your healthy smile looking, and feeling, its best.

Thanks for being our valued patients and friends. We appreciate the trust you place in us!

AGE 7 IS THE PERFECT AGE for a Phase I orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist. Phase I orthodontic treatment fixes bite problems when the mouth has 12 permanent and 12 baby teeth present.

Early Orthodontic Treatment Can Prevent Serious Problems

Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious teeth problems from developing. When Phase II orthodontic treatment is necessary at age 12, this treatment of all the permanent teeth will be faster and easier to complete.

At your child's orthodontic evaluation, the orthodontist will evaluate:

• Tooth eruption and permanent tooth development
• Space needed for all permanent to erupt naturally
• Bite relationship and jaw growth pattern
• Oral habits, tongue position and speech
• Teeth protrusion, overjet and overbite
• Smile and teeth straightness
• Facial profile
• Lip posture

Orthodontists are able to achieve better results with Phase I Phase II orthodontic treatment in 15% of cases. Should treatment not be needed, the orthodontist will monitor tooth eruption and growth and development until all permanent teeth are present at age 12 and let parents know if treatment is necessary and the most appropriate type and time for orthodontic treatment.

We Can Give Your Child A Beautiful, Healthy Smile

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org or visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com for call us at (925) 757-9000.

There are good reasons for your child to have an orthodontic examination by age 7. Here's to your child's healthy smile.

DO YOU HAVE a teenager not excited about braces? Here's some great news: teenagers can straighten teeth with Invisalign Teen and get great results.

Invisalign Teen Provides More Confidence In Your Smile

Invisalign Teen and your orthodontist will give your teenager a great smile without metal braces. Straight teeth will also give your teenager more confidence with their smile and make them feel terrific.

The Invisalign Teen system is a series of customized, clear trays which gradually move teeth. Orthodontic tooth movement is done by the trays and orthodontic elastics attached to teeth and aligners which help move teeth to an ideal position.

Invisalign Treatment Is Quick And Easy

Average treatment with Invisalign Teen is one to two years. Aligners are comfortable and help maintain good oral hygiene. Invisalign Teen can be removed so teenagers can eat whatever they want. Lastly, the blue dot indicator let's parents and the orthodontist know when trays have been worn the prescribed number of hours.

Your teenager will love Invisalign Teen. Ask us about Invisalign Teen at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary Invisalign consultation.

Give your teenager the gift of Invisalign Teen. Enjoy straight teeth, a beautiful smile, and your time together.

Top image by Flickr user Carrie A. used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

ARE YOU ON INSTAGRAM? We are too. We know it might seem crazy to follow a healthcare provider on Instagram, but we honestly treasure our relationships with you. We consider you friends, and we care about what’s going on in your lives!

The Advantage To YOU, Our Valued Patient

• No obnoxious self-promotion; every post is considered from your point of view.
• You’re the first to know about cool news and deals at our office.
• Get those regular reminders and tidbits about how to have the best personal daily care.

We love getting to know all of our patients at Gorczyca Orthodontics and we hope that you would enjoy getting to know us. Instagram gives us the opportunity to show you our practice culture and what makes us unique as your orthodontic healthcare providers.

Our Instagram posts feature our patients, our team, treatments, and visits our personal lives. You will see us feature events from our office, Antioch, and Northern California community.

Keep In Touch, Stay Healthier!

A better relationship with your healthcare team means better health for you. Reminders and information about daily care is what makes a big difference in a healthy lifestyle.

Thank you for being counted among our Gorczyca Orthodontics Instagram friends and family. We look forward to seeing you on Instagram!

Gorcyzca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, California 94531 www.clubbraces.com (925) 757-9000.