A Picture Says A Thousand Words...

It may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause:

• Gums that are red, swollen, and tender.
• Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.

As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:

• Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth.
• Bad breath that won’t go away.
• Pus coming from the gums.
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
• Loose teeth.

YOU OBVIOUSLY DON’T WANT THIS!!!

TREATMENT

• If you have a mild case of gum disease, you will probably be able to take care of it by brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular cleanings at your dentist’s office.
• If your gum disease has become worse and you have periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a method called root planing and scaling. This removes the plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. You may also need to take antibiotics to help get rid of the infection in your mouth. If your gum disease is severe, you may need to have surgery.

PREVENTION

• Gum disease is most common in adults, but it can affect anyone, even children. So good dental habits are important throughout your life:
  • Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss your teeth once each day.
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.
  • Don’t use tobacco products.

If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing & flossing techniques you learn from the orthodontist and don’t forget to get regular checkups from your dentist to keep the disease from getting worse.

Having gum disease may increase a pregnant woman’s risk of having a premature, low-birth-weight baby. Also, studies have found a direct link between between heart disease and the bacteria that cause gum disease. So taking good care of your teeth and gums may have benefits beyond keeping your mouth healthy

Watermelon Sorbet

 

Summer is here and there’s no better way to cool down than with a cool, braces-friendly summer treat! We have a great watermelon sorbet recipe from the AAO that would be the perfect treat to take to any summer barbecue!

Watermelon Sorbet

{Ingredients} 

¾ cup water

¼ cup sugar

1 teaspoon lime juice

2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

{Directions}

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at lease 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according the manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

It's Time for Summer!

Now that school’s out for summer, we want our patients to have fun & stay safe! Here are some fun facts you might consider sharing!

• Wearing sunglasses blocks up to 99% of UV rays, which can easily cause damage to the eye. So now you have a legitimate medical reason to get those new shades!
• Children should wear a sunscreen of at least SPF30 when outdoors, even if the sun isn’t shining. Overcast skies can be just as damaging to the skin as sunny skies.
• Watermelon is a particularly refreshing summer treat because it has such high water content – 92% water and 8% sugar. This high water content can also help clean your teeth and gums.
• If you’re near a beach, consider taking a swim! The ocean’s salt water decreases bacteria in your mouth, providing a healthy oral environment.
• While you don’t want too much sun, casual and limited sun exposure can be beneficial to your smile, since it increases Vitamin D.
• Here’s a great reason to chew gum (sugar-free, of course): It promotes the production of saliva to help you stay hydrated during the hot summer months.
• Play it safe around fireworks! There are 8,500 fireworks-related injuries in the U.S.

Welcome!

 Welcome to the blog of Farr West Orthodontics! Located in Farr West, Utah, our practice's top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment. We utilize the latest technological advances in the industry, such as invisible ceramic braces and Invisalign, along with the latest in computer technology to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.

We recognize that every patient has different needs, and we pride ourselves in the courteous service we deliver to each person who walks through our doors! Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, our knowledgeable doctors and staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!