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Having to live, eat, and brush around braces is certainly a big task. Many teens and adults who have braces worry about braving the dating scene. Braces can make dating seem daunting and heightens nerves all around. Never fear! There’s no reason your orthodontic treatment should hamper your romantic life. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, dating with braces is possible and still just as fun. Here are a few of our tips and suggestions for a painless date night!

 

 Can You Kiss with Braces?

Yes! We know that kissing with braces seems daunting. We’re asked about how to go about kissing with braces, or if people get stuck together when kissing with braces. So, here are a few facts about kissing to reassure you. Kissing has its benefits! Saliva production increases when kissing, making it great for your teeth and oral health. Contrary to belief, exposure to your partner’s germs can also improve your immune system. A passionate kiss can help you to burn a few extra calories when your heart rate increases.

While it’s true that your mouth is full of bacteria, and that especially during cold and flu season it’s easy to exchange germs, a good oral health regimen can keep disease at bay. 

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With all the effort put towards eating right, staying fit, and otherwise taking care of themselves, there is no reason why adults should not investigate having beautiful teeth! There are many benefits to getting braces at any age. Everyone wants a straight and gorgeous smile and the positives do not stop with appearance. When teeth are crowded or badly positioned, it can lead to serious problems in the future. A poor bite can affect the function of the teeth and can even lead to tooth loss and gum disease. Don’t wait any longer for the smile you deserve! There is no better time than the present to schedule a complimentary exam. 

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients is an adult. With so many options available in modern orthodontics, there’s no reason to put off aeautiful smile. There are many new treatment options available to reduce treatment time and discomfort. 

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Oftentimes, older teens and adults who are referred to an orthodontist aren’t very excited to begin treatment. Rightfully so! Having a mouth full of metal to clean, eat, and live around can be daunting. The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths!

 

 Successful Treatment

It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or consider improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. 

During Invisalign treatment, the visits are shorter than the average braces visit, they are less frequent, and discomfort is reduced. You will notice a significant difference even before your treatment is completed. 

Non-believers may say that Invisalign is not as effective as traditional braces. With the latest advances in Invisalign technology, treatment success can be as satisfying as that of someone who has braces. Many patients will finish on time, or even early with their treatment! Plus… the flexibility of Invisalign improves self-confidence and encourages patients to cooperate with their treatment and cleaning while experiencing a metal-free mouth when working toward a perfect smile.

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We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you ever thought about the toll your running habit could be taking on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Read on for some advice about the correlation between running and oral health from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

While the rest of your body may be in great shape, with each extra training hour, your risk of tooth decay actually increases. Additionally, there are two very specific oral health problems that athletes are at risk for: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects.

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Most people love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! For those of you who love catching some rays, you’re in luck! A little sunshine actually helps your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A little sunshine has been found to have several benefits, such as improving mood, our immune functions, and catalyzing vitamin D production in our bodies. Keep reading for some advice on how sunshine can help your teeth from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS.

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D actually helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

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Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. However, you may be surprised to know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath. For some people, bad breath can be genetic, however, it could also be certain foods that may be a part of your daily routine that are to blame. Read on to find out about some bad breath causing foods from Dr. Dennis Flanagan at Dennis J. Flanagan DDS MS!

1. Pasta Sauce

The acidity from tomatoes in pasta sauce can cause a buildup of acids in the mouth and foster the growth of bacteria. These pesky bacteria can result in bad breath.

2. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a protein packed favorite among many of us, however, its paste-like consistency makes it difficult for saliva to break down the proteins once they’re in your mouth. The stickiness makes it so peanut butter can stay around your mouth for hours. Bad breath bacteria thrive on protein, making peanut butter a potential culprit for your stinky breath.

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