parents

LIVING WITH CANCER TAKES a special kind of strength; every day, you’re faced with a new set of challenges that can include anxiety, body pain, and stress, and it’s not always easy to deal with those mental and physical issues in a healthy way. You may be worried about what the future will bring, about financial concerns, or about taking care of all your responsibilities while making sure your health is still a priority. It can easily become overwhelming, so it’s important to do what you can for your mind, body, and soul every day.

Self-care can mean any number of things. It can range from eating healthy foods to taking a timeout when you’re feeling stressed. It can be something as small as sitting with a good book to something as big as taking a vacation to another state or country. The things that help you feel good, boost your mental health, and allow you to feel strong are the ones you need to focus on. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure that your overall health is in good shape.

Eat Well

Living with cancer often means looking for the best ways to help your body fight off illness, which means boosting your immune system as much as possible. One of the easiest ways to do this is to eat the right foods, which will help boost your strength and energy at the same time. Berries, nuts, fruit, and lean protein like turkey and fish will go a long way toward helping you feel good every day. Talk to your doctor about the best foods for your specific needs and look for ways to incorporate them into your daily diet.

Look for Exercise Alternatives

You may not be able to get as active as you want every day. Many individuals who are living with cancer have body pain or mobility issues. However, there are some ways you can exercise without sacrificing your comfort, such as stretching. Stretching exercises can help relieve tension, promote good circulation, and enhance your mood. If you need a little extra motivation to get moving, a cancer service dog can provide physical and emotional support you need. As an added bonus, the friendship of a dog is a well-known mood booster that can help fight the anxiety and depression that often accompanies an illness like cancer.

When you do work out, however, you might notice that your body hurts more afterward than it once did. As such, it’s important to incorporate rest days into your routine, regardless of your activity level. Also, many people have turned to products like CBD oil to help alleviate muscle soreness and inflammation. CBD can also help with stress and anxiety, as it often gives people a sense of euphoria not unlike a “runner’s high.” However, always talk to your doctor before adding any supplements, and search around online to learn more about all the best brands.

Meditate

Meditation can help improve your mood and ease stress, especially when it’s combined with a physical exercise like yoga. Meditation is a great way to focus on the present, which means it can help you reduce feelings of anxiety or worry, and it’s a wonderful way to be still and enjoy the moment. When you find that you need a few moments of peace and quiet, meditation can help you put all the noise aside and focus on your own needs. Look for a space in your home that will allow you to meditate without distraction.

Look For Support

Whether it’s from friends, family, a support group, or a church, look for a community who will be there to help get you through the difficult days. It can be extremely overwhelming to deal with the effects of cancer on your body, mind, and feelings, especially if you feel like you’re alone. With a little help from people who care, you can get through those difficult days with a little more comfort, and it will help boost your self-esteem at the same time.

Living with a disease like cancer can be stressful, but there are many things you can do to offset those feelings of stress. Think of the best ways to feel better that you can incorporate into your daily life, and talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen. This can help you avoid injury and keep your health in focus.

Written by Scott Sanders

From all of us at Gorczyca Orthodontics, your smile is our inspiration. (925) 757-9000

IT’S PART OF GROWING UP: back to school, losing baby teeth, back to the orthodontist. From age 7 to age 18, your orthodontist will be an important part of your childhood.

What To Expect At Your Back-To-School Visit

Here are things you can expect at your back-to-school orthodontic visit:

1. The question “What could we do to get you to love your teeth?”
2. Review of dental and medical history and oral habits
3. Evaluation of baby teeth and eruption of permanent teeth
4. A panoramic X-ray
5. Evaluation of oral health habits including brushing, plaque, and gingivitis
6. Examination of jaw function
7. Discussion of facial appearance
8. An in-depth functional look at your bite
9. Discussion about dental crowding, spacing, and rotations
10. Careful evaluation of your gums and smile
11. Evaluation of tooth shape
12. Referral to an excellent general or pediatric dentist if you need one
13. Proposed diagnosis and orthodontic treatment plan
14. Customized payment plan
15. Scheduling of your orthodontic records appointment

What’s The Next Step?

Your orthodontist will either see you periodically to evaluate your growth or start orthodontic treatment with orthodontic records. These include:

1. Orthodontic study models
2. Lateral cephalometric X-ray and panoramic X-ray
3. Orthodontic photos

After orthodontic records, your orthodontic treatment will be started. The sooner you start, the sooner you finish!

Keep Your Beautiful Smile For A Lifetime!

This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com. To find an orthodontist in your area, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.com.

Start the school year right! Here’s to your beautiful smile.

NO MATTER WHAT sport you play, custom mouthguards keep your teeth protected.

Custom Mouthguards Are Made Just For You

Custom mouthguards are made just for you and precisely fit to your teeth, arch, and bite. This mouthguard will feel comfortable and not fall out during sports play or at the time of a sports injury.

Custom Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion

Studies say that custom-made mouthguards can also reduce an athlete’s risk of concussion. Multiple layers of absorbent material lessen the traumatic blow to teeth so that there is minimal chance of tooth fracture or a tooth being knocked-out during injury.

Sports which recommend a sports guard or mouthguard include: football, baseball, basketball, boxing, hockey, karate, lacrosse, martial arts, motocross, soccer, rugby, softball, tae kwon do, and wrestling.

Custom fit mouthguards are thicker and more form fitting than boil-n-bite mouthguards. Your sports mouthguard can be designed with your school logo or your team logo, team colors, or cool graphic. Your name or helmet strap can be added.

We Offer Custom Mouthguards at Gorczyca Orthodontics

Recently, Patti and Gwen from Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California visited the dental office of the Oakland Raider's Football team to learn how to make professional grade sports mouth guards. They are available at our office. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-7000.

Protect your teeth or your child’s teeth with a custom fit mouthguard today. No matter what sport you play, your custom mouthguard will fit your need, and your parents need, to protect your teeth.

THE CDC REPORTS THAT 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, it should be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes: Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.
2. Set reminders to brush twice a day: Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.
3. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful: Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.
4. Be persistent: Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.
5. Set their first dental appointment before age 1: Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

We Love Helping Young Smiles

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we see young patients as early as age 4. Functional shifts in bites may cause asymmetric growth patterns and need to be treated early.

Our initial orthodontic exams are complimentary at no charge. If parents are in need of a pediatric dentist for their child or a family dentist for the whole family, we are happy to refer you to an excellent dentist in our East County dental community.

The American Association of Orthodontists and all orthodontists recommend that every child have an orthodontic examination with an orthodontist by age 7. To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

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

Here's to your child's happy life and health smile.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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.

WHAT IF YOU'RE 13 YEARS OLD AND you still have a baby tooth? A baby tooth at age 13 indicates an orthodontic and dental health problem.

Baby Teeth Shouldn’t Be Present After Age 13

Most children lose their last baby tooth by age 12. Girls can be up to two years earlier than boys and lose their last baby tooth by age 10. Boys could lose their last baby tooth as late as age 13. In either case, boys or girls, baby teeth present after age 13 are cause for concern.

If you or your child are over the age of 13 and still have a baby tooth, it is important to have an orthodontic examination with an orthodontist as soon as possible.

4 Possible Problems of a Baby Tooth at Age 13

#1: Your baby tooth is stuck to the bone (ankylosed).

It will not fall out on it's own. The permanent tooth below is unable to push the baby tooth out. This baby tooth needs to be extracted as soon as possible.

#2: The baby tooth is mechanically blocked from falling out.

It is obstructed by crowded side teeth. It can't make an exit, like being too wide for a doorway. There is crowding and braces are needed to allow the baby tooth to fall out or be extracted.

#3: The permanent tooth below is crooked, malpositioned, or sizeways and can't push the baby tooth out.

The permanent tooth in the bone under the baby tooth is is in a poor position and will never come into the mouth without orthodontic treatment. Even if the baby tooth is extracted the permanent tooth will not come into the mouth. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon can bring this impacted permanent tooth into position by removing the baby tooth, exposing the permanent tooth, and then moving it with braces into the mouth.

#4: A permanent tooth is missing.

Below the baby tooth there is a missing permanent tooth. You have tooth agenesis (congenitally missing tooth). You will need to maintain this baby tooth as long as possible and replace it with a dental implant or bridge in the future.

We're Here To Help!

If your general dentist has told you or your child that there is still a baby tooth at age 13, see an orthodontist as soon as possible. To find an orthodontist in you area, contact the American Association of Orthodontist at www.mylifemysmile.com.

At 13 years old, you're not a baby any longer. Take care of your last baby tooth today to find out how you can restore dental health.

Follow Dr. Gorczyca on Twitter @drgorczyca
Gorczyca Orthodontics, www.clubbraces.com.

A GAP BETWEEN YOUR seven year old's front teeth may look cute at 7, but unless you're Madonna, it may not be wanted in adolescence or adulthood. To prepare for your child's future, many 7 year olds have their gap closed by orthodontic treatment.

A gap, or diastema, is common at age 7 when half baby teeth and half permanent teeth are present. Orthodontic treatment at age 7 is called Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment. It is treatment of half permanent teeth. Additional Phase 2 treatment of all permanent teeth may be needed at age 12.

If a diastema is larger than 2mm, it will not close on it's own. Your orthodontist can help to close this space and get your 7 year old's teeth looking beautiful.

A diastema is often caused by a thick frenum, a piece of skin between the front teeth. Frenums are often hereditary in families. The frenum is best removed once the diastema is closed. The space will be held closed by a wire on the back side of the front teeth.

A periodontist, or gum specialist, will remove your child's frenum to make space closure permanent. Frenum removal is done AFTER the space is closed by your orthodontist.

If you have questions about your child's diastema or frenum, Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca and Gorczyca Orthodontics can help. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

WHEN YOUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD says “Cheese!” at her birthday party, take time to notice if her bite is right.

Most children see a pediatric dentist by age two. By age four, your child may be referred to an orthodontist for severe tooth and bite problems.

There are four childhood conditions treated by an orthodontist as early as age four.

1. Crowded Baby Teeth

Baby teeth should have spacing between them. Overlapped baby teeth are a sign of severe crowding. The permanent front teeth are larger than the baby teeth they replace and need adequate space.

2. Crossbite of Baby Teeth

Crossbite occurs when upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. If your four year old is experiencing difficulty chewing or bites her cheeks, she may have a crossbite. A crossbite can cause grinding and wearing down of baby teeth. Long term, a crossbite will create an abnormal growth pattern.

3. Lower Jaw Shift with Baby Teeth

Baby teeth out of position can create interference tooth hitting and produce a lower jaw shift. Tooth interference with jaw shifting will wear down teeth and create an abnormal growth pattern.

4. Narrow Upper Jaw with Baby Teeth

A narrow upper jaw indicates narrow nasal passages. This can create open-mouth breathing and sleep problems. Lack of sleep can significantly contribute to difficulty learning at school.

Correction of these early bite problems is of great health benefit to your four year old child. Early treatment by an orthodontist will minimize the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment at a later age.

To Find An Orthodontist Near You...

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at mylifemysmile.org. To find a pediatric dentist nearby, you can visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) at mychildrensteeth.org.

This patient was treated by Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics, in Antioch, California. For a free consultation call (925) 757-9000.

Make sure your child’s bite is healthy when saying “Cheese!” and that she enjoys eating her birthday cake at age four, or any age.

YOU NEVER GET a second chance to make a good first impression. Many young people say braces were the best thing that ever happened to them. Many parents report that braces had a very positive impact on their child's confidence and self-esteem. Who doesn't want to look and feel their best?

A Smile Can Affect All Aspects Of Your Life

Parents: your child's smile will affect how they feel, who they date, who they marry, what type of job they get, and ultimately how successful they may be in life. That's why at Gorczyca Orthodontics, we are passionate about giving young people the orthodontic treatment they need for the happiest and most successful life possible.

Dr. Gorczyca has over 25 years of orthodontic experience and our professional team has over 100 combined years of knowledge in delivering orthodontic satisfaction . We have treated over 10,000 happy patients. We understand what your child's straight teeth mean to them and to you.

We Help Create Happy And Healthy Smiles

Advanced orthodontics can give your child amazing results. We create a personalized orthodontic solution to your child's unique needs. Call us today at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com to schedule your child's complimentary orthodontic evaluation.

Parents: whatever your child's orthodontic needs, we're here to help. You will be very happy with the way your child looks after orthodontic treatment. People's reaction to your child's smile will be beyond positive and everyone will feel great.

EVERYONE LOVES THE MOVIE “A Christmas Story”. In it, Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder air rifle for Christmas. In addition, he is a victim of neighborhood bullying by one of the big boys. Ralphie finally confronts the bully, letting him know that his stunt is over. In doing so, he earns the respect of his parents and peers.

Bullying starts as early as kindergarten. It starts as early as kindergarten. It is seen more frequently in boys/men then in girls/women. And, if you are a little bit special because of dental and skeletal malocclusion, that only makes the odds for childish bullying worse.

If Teeth Are A Cause Of Bullying, We Can Help

If your child is a victim of schoolyard bullying, he may not want to go to school. He may lose his happiness, joy for life, or find it hard to smile. If you notice these behaviors, your child may be bullied. If teeth are a cause, your orthodontist can help.

Social acceptability may become a factor in the decision for early orthodontic intervention as early as age six. In some cases, in addition to straightening teeth, distraction osteogenesis may also be needed to correct a jaw to normal size.

We’re Listening To What Our Patients Have To Say

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we recognize and are sensitive to bullying. We listen closely to what our young patients tell us about how they feel and what is going on at school. Kids trust us and we’re here to help.

Your Child Has Better Things To Think About

Lessen the load of being a kid. End bullying. We want kids thinking about rainbow bracelets and Red Ryder air rifles and not worried about their teeth.

To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.