A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Baker Orthodontics

Dr. Baker and his team at Baker Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Baker Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Breaking bad habits

At Baker Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Baker.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Baker if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Baker Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

August is National Eye Exam Month

August is National Eye Exam Month, which seems timely as we tackle our to-do lists before the kids go back to school and the lazy days of summer come to an end. August is also Cataract Awareness Month; Children's Eye Health and Safety Month; and Children's Vision and Learning Month. Even if you think your eyes are healthy, it's important to get regular check-ups to prevent any issues. Eye exams for children are extremely important, because 5 to 10 percent of preschoolers and 25 percent of school-aged children have vision problems. So, make your families’ appointments today!

WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY – August 26TH

Girl! Women's Equality Day commemorates the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. In 1971, after much work, and at the urging of U.S. Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY), Congress designated August 26 each year as “Women’s Equality Day.” This day was selected to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution on August 26, 1920. This amendment granted women the right to vote. What next – a female President!

Baker Orthodontics presents: A braces-friendly recipe

LEMON PUDDING YUMMIES: So very moist, these are especially nice for those first few tender days after braces go on or after an adjustment appointment.

Ingredients:
¾ cup shortening
½ cup sugar
2 (3 ¾ oz.) package of instant lemon pudding (dry)
3 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shortening, sugar and dry pudding mix, using an electric mixer and blending until creamy. Add eggs and mix thoroughly. Add flour, baking soda, salt and milk, and mix until well blended. Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes. This recipe makes about 4 dozen.

Recipe from The Braces Cookbook – Recipes You (and Your Orthodontist) Will Love by Pamela Waterman and Brenda Waterman.

Today is National Book Lovers Day

Book Lovers Day encourages you to find a place in the shade to relax with a good book. Book reading is a great hobby. It's an important one, too. Employers look for it on resumes. Reading is educational, informative, and relaxing. It makes us both smarter and happier people. Book Lovers Day is a great day to celebrate. Please feel free to share your favorite books with everyone on the Baker Orthodontics Facebook page. Happy reading!

Hello August!

What’s not to love about August? School is still out, pools are open, and baseball is still being played. It’s a great month. We’ll be sharing some special holidays, some great puzzles and brain teasers and more with you throughout the month so be sure to visit the Baker Orthodontics social networks often!

Now here are just a few facts you might not know about the great month of August: August birthstone is the peridot or onyx. Its birth flower is the gladiolus or poppy, meaning beauty, strength of character, love, marriage and family. In common years no other month starts on the same day of the week as August, except in leap years when February starts on the same day. August ends on the same day of the week as November every year. Now, you know the rest of the story about August!