Oral Report: Let’s Talk About Teeth

Brush Happy!

• Make sure to change your toothbrush every three months. It accumulates food particles and bacteria.

• Switch to a new toothbrush  after a serious cold or an illness.

• Chewing a parsley will also help keep your breath fresh.

• For after meal situations (especially when garlic or onions were involved), pop in a chocolate for instant, better-smelling breath.

Get Wired!
Your FAQ’s about braces–answered.

Q. Why should I wear braces?
A. You’re a good candidate if you have any of the following conditions:

• crowded or crooked teeth

• overbite or underbite

• deep bite (lower teeth are hitting against palate)

• to many gaps between teeth

• a lisp or speech difficulty due to misaligned teeth or a wrong bite.

Q. What’s the best age to get braces
A. Between 12 to 14, which is when you get all your permanent teeth. But each case is unique and will depend on how fast you grow. Consult with a few orthodontists to find out the right time for you.

Q. How long do I keep teeth healthy?
A. Do the following regularly:

• Brush your teeth after every meal.

• Floss to extract the food debris caught between your teeth.

• Use inter-dental brushes, which are miniscule brushes that you can easily slide in through your wires.

• Visit you dentist four times a year for cavity check-up and cleaning.

Lip Tips
If your grin’s gleam is because of your braces, cheer up! Here’s how you can keep you smiley pretty:

1. Apply a lip balm regularly to avoid chapped lips. Your lips tend to dry up with the wires. You can also used lipsticks that come with some moisturizer.
2. Stick to matte lippie. Glossy and high-shine lipsticks will make your mouth look like a neon sign on the highway.
3. Select colors that enhance your natural lip tint. Sheer and nude lipsticks usually do the trick.

Did you know?
Did you know that dieting can lead to gum disease and tooth decay? It’s true! You need calories to keep your mouth healthy. To void depriving your body of
important nutrients–such as calcium, vitamin D, and protein–always eat a balanced meals of fruits, veggies, grains, meats, and dairy products.