Orthodontic Partners visits Double Diamond to teach 2nd Graders good Oral Hygiene Habits

Orthodontic Partners and their bear O.P. recently visited 5 of the 2nd grade classes at Double Diamond Elementary to teach the students good brushing and flossing habits. This is a fun presentation where students can interact with O.P. the bear (whose voice is done by Katherine hidden behind the bear). The students also share their knowledge of which foods are good and bad for their teeth and learn a little dental trivia. Did you know there are 20 baby teeth and 32 adult teeth? The reason we like to visit the 2nd grade is because the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the age of 7 and this gives us a chance to address any concerns the students may have about braces. We were fortunate that one of the students in this class, Connor, is a patient of ours and not only helped us with the flossing demonstration but also shared his orthodontic experience.

If you would like us to do presentation for your classroom, please call Ann at 823-5200 x106 or if you would like to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation, please call our office at 825-4804.

Oral Hygiene Field Trip

Orthodontic Partners hosted a field trip today in our Sparks office for nine of the most adorable pre-school children. The children practiced how to brush and floss. They also learned what foods are good and bad for their teeth and learned a little bit about orthodontics from Dr. Corbridge. An impression was taken of each child's thumb and poured in plaster for them to take home. If your organization is interested in a field trip to our office, please contact Ann at (775) 825-4804

Answering all your burning questions about mouthwash

While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:

• Fluoride - fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.

• Antiseptic - an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.

• Combination - a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.

• Prescription - for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.

There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:

• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)


If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!

--Orthodontic Partners, Reno NV

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Orthodontic Partners

Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth, from Orthodontic Partners

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Orthodontic Partners