Simple Tips to Find an Orthodontist near Danville, IN

Now more than ever, people are looking to improve their smile, bite, and dental health through orthodontic treatment. The first step to achieving this is by finding an orthodontist near Danville, IN that is experienced, recommended, and one of the best around. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics has asked a few of his patients for some tips that they would give to someone who is looking for an orthodontist. After all of this research, the team at Chapman Orthodontics has come up with a few simple tips to help you find an orthodontist near Danville, IN!

Look for an orthodontist that is licensed and certified.

Choose an American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) certified orthodontist. An orthodontist who is a member of the AAO is assured to have two or more years of special orthodontic training beyond dental school and a high level of skill and accreditation. Dr. Peter Chapman says to check for logos from these organizations on the orthodontist’s website or office, or simply ask the practitioner if they are an orthodontic specialist.

Check to see that their technology is up-to-date.

Practicing orthodontists are obligated to keep up with the current technology and orthodontic treatment techniques. With the technology today flying ahead breakneck speeds, the orthodontist with the most advanced technology most often also has the best results. Ask the orthodontist about the different technology they have to offer. Chapman Orthodontics, has highly qualified staff that keeps up with all the latest orthodontic technology to keep evolving and offering their patients the most effective treatment options possible.  

Check what type of treatments they offer.

Does the orthodontist have advanced treatment options such as Invisalign, Damon, Incognito, or surgical procedures in addition to traditional braces? If you’re looking for flexible options, or a solution to difficult problems, then selecting a versatile orthodontist may be the way to go. Chapman Orthodontics offers traditional braces, advanced traditional braces, ceramic braces, clear braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, and more. They have almost every type of braces and surgical oral health options available to you.

Ask about their payment types.

Orthodontic treatment can get expensive quickly, and we understand that. Most orthodontic practices today have flexible payment options, and many will contact directly with your insurance company and take on almost all of the costs from them. Finding the orthodontics practice that fits your budget is as important as finding one that fits your teeth. If you’re worried about paying for orthodontics treatment, Dr. Peter Chapman or an associate from the Chapman Orthodontics team will take some time to discuss your options with you.

 

Chapman Orthodontics is board certified, has top of the line technology, offers many treatment options, and will work with you on your budget. Hopefully these tips have made your search a little easier and remember, choosing them as your new orthodontists will bring you your best smile in the best way possible! To learn more or to make an appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman, call Chapman Orthodontics near Danville, IN at 317.852.5566 today!

How Old Does My Child Have to be to Start Invisalign?

In today’s world, Invisalign is advertised as an equivalent to braces. However, many do not realize that this is simply not the case. Although completely safe for adults and teens, Invisalign is NOT advertised towards children. Some practices are Invisalign preferred providers, and will try to sell you on the idea of a clear aligner system for your child in order for them to further their profit. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics provides Invisalign near Avon, IN, and can help you decide on what type of braces that your child really needs.

Although Invisalign has a relatively average cost (around the same as treatment with traditional braces) for orthodontic treatment, there are a few drawbacks to the aligner system at an early age. Firstly, Dr. Peter Chapman says that if your child hasn’t lost all of their baby teeth (full permanent dentition has not yet occurred) and their permanent teeth haven’t come in yet, then they aren’t eligible for Invisalign OR braces. You need to wait until all of your child’s permanent teeth have grown in first. This will usually occur around twelve to thirteen years old, give or take a few years. Secondly, compared to treatment with braces, Invisalign only provides approximately 43% improvement (with braces having 90-95%). Depending on the severity of your child’s case, Invisalign may not be the right method of treatment as it cannot treat certain malocclusions (like crossbites). Make sure that you’re seeing a certified orthodontist for your treatment and not a general dentist, because dentists have not taken the extra education and other steps that orthodontics requires.

Something else to consider is your child’s maturity level. They must be mature enough to remember to wear the aligners for 22 hours of the day, only taking them out to brush, floss, eat, or clean them. If an aligner is lost, the Chapman Orthodontics professionals say that Invisalign Teen will replace it, but there is a limit to how many they can replace. Many offices will replace the first lost set for no charge, but will ask you to pay around $100 for each (double that per whole set). This can be frustrating for all parties because your doctor will need to have the sets made, you will be paying for them, and your child will not be receiving the benefits for as long as they aren’t wearing the aligner.

If you really have your mind set on Invisalign, then good news- there are many reasons as to why clear aligners are a preferred option. Dr. Peter Chapman mentioned that since they’re clear, they are practically invisible. Your child won’t have to worry about peer opinions, and it may be more comfortable for them in social situations. A Chapman Orthodontics associate stated that Invisalign may also be comfortable wear-wise because there aren’t any brackets or wires to poke at their cheeks or lips. They will have an easier time brushing and flossing, improving their dental hygiene. As I mentioned earlier, the cost of Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces, with the aligner system costing approximately $4,000 to $7,500 and braces costing around $3,000 to $7,000.

Is Invisalign the right direction to go for your child’s orthodontic treatment? Consult with your orthodontist to find out. If you’re seeking an orthodontist near Avon, IN, then look no further than Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics. Give them a call at 317.839.6533 to ensure the safety of your child’s bright, beautiful smile today!

Easter is coming up, but my kids have braces. What should I leave in their Easter baskets?

One of the easiest gifts and nicest gifts to get your kids for Easter is a basket filled with goodies from a grocery or drugstore, but most contain sweets and candies that shouldn’t be eaten while wearing braces. They can get stuck in the brackets, and make brushing and flossing a pain. However, there are many other things that you can put in your children’s baskets for this special holiday. To explain is Dr. Peter Chapman and his team at Chapman Orthodontics. They’re here to help you make your Easter in Brownsburg, IN special- even without the sweets!

Non-Edible Treats

Who said that the goodies inside your Easter basket had to be candy? Dr. Peter Chapman says that replacing sweets with a new pair of headphones, T-shirt, a gift card or a new CD or game will provide much more enjoyment than the seconds that kids get from eating a few jellybeans. The possibilities are endless! For girls: nail polish, a new book, or some art supplies will go a long way. For boys: Nerf guns, Lego sets, or video games make great gifts.

Baked Goods

Most baked goods are completely safe to eat with braces, as long as your kids do some brushing afterwards. A Chapman Orthodontics associate says that cookies, brownies, or cupcakes are the perfect sweets for kids that want to see some snacks on Easter morning. You can write “Happy Easter!” on them in frosting, or make some Easter designs with colored sugar and sprinkles!

Chocolate

Although chocolate might be a sugary sweet, it’s actually fine for your kids to have some during the holiday. Dr. Peter Chapman says that since chocolate is soft, it won’t damage braces. However, you shouldn’t give your kids chocolate with nuts, and they should DEFINITELY brush well after eating them!

Marshmallow Chicks

Who doesn’t love Peeps? This sugary marshmallow Easter treat might not be the healthiest of snacks, but they are completely safe to eat with braces. Just as Dr. Peter Chapman says, brush after eating them!

Family Activities

One great recommendation from one of our friends at Chapman Orthodontics is to include something to do together in your Easter baskets! A new board game, puzzle, or sports tickets are great ways to spend time together!

All-in-all, there are many substitutes for anything harmful to braces that you can place in your child’s Easter basket. If you’re looking for more great ideas, or need an orthodontist in Brownsburg, IN that’s good with kids and gets results, then Dr. Peter Chapman is only a call away! If you call 317.852.5566, any member of his fantastic Chapman Orthodontics team will schedule a free consultation for you, and will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Happy Easter!

When Will I Get My Braces Off?

Many people are concerned about the length of orthodontic treatment, and want to learn how to quicken their treatment. It is true that orthodontic treatment is often a long, time consuming process. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, treating a mild or severe case, orthodontic care takes some time to get it just right. Every patient’s treatment length will vary, and most patients are eager to complete their treatment and begin living life with a beautiful smile. Luckily, Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics says there are some steps you can take to keep your orthodontic treatment running on schedule and get an even faster result. And you’ll be on track to get your braces off in Marion County, IN fast!

  1. Maintain Good Oral Health: First, it is extremely important to maintain good oral health. After all, straightening teeth is only one part of the battle – keeping teeth from decaying or developing plaque is extremely important and key to protecting your oral health. Having braces in Marion County, IN makes brushing and flossing a bit more difficult, but very necessary to keeping your treatment on track. Dr. Peter Chapman recommends brushing your teeth after every meal, before bed, and once you wake up. Additionally, it is important to floss as often as you can, using regular floss or super floss, to make sure that all food remnants are gone from on and around the teeth. The team at Chapman Orthodontics suggests packing a braces-hygiene kit and bringing it with you every time you go out. Your kit should have a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. This way, you will never have to worry about your oral health slowing down your orthodontic treatment process.

  2. Listen to your Orthodontist: Secondly, be sure to always listen to your orthodontist. There are many adjustments patients must make when they get braces in Marion County, IN, and sometimes many of the new rules may seem hard to follow. However, Dr. Peter Chapman wants to remind you how important it is that you listen to rules. One of the most important rules is avoiding hard and sticky foods, as these can hinder your treatment. If a food is especially hard or sticky, it can possibly break a bracket, wire, etc., and potentially extend treatment time. Additionally, many patients tend to need orthodontic appliances that assist with their braces treatment. These appliances are things like rubber bands, which help to move the teeth to the right position. Use these appliances exactly as they are directed, or treatment time will be longer.  

  3. See your Orthodontist with Any Problems: Third, understand that accidents do happen, but it is extremely important to seek care for them immediately, as any problem that goes untreated will most likely produce a delay in treatment. Braces are made of delicate brackets and archwires, and they can pop free or snap from eating hard and sticky foods. If for some reason your braces do break, don’t panic. First, Dr. Peter Chapman recommends placing wax on any area that is causing you discomfort, and then contacting Chapman Orthodontics as soon as possible! You should come in so the damages can be repaired, keeping your braces functioning properly and avoiding any delays. Dr. Peter Chapman also recommends that any patients that play sports wear mouthguards to avoid accidents. Whenever you are playing, wear a mouthguard so that your braces are not exposed to any pressure or hits. This will keep all the parts in the right places and keep you on track to get your braces off as soon as possible!

  4. Follow your Schedule: Lastly, follow a strict schedule with your orthodontist. Throughout your orthodontic treatment, you will need to come into the office for checkups, adjustments, and more. The Chapman Orthodontics team will work with you to make appointments on dates and times that are best for you, so it is important that you do attend each and every one of them. We understand that our patients in Marion County, IN have busy schedules, and are sometimes unable to make it. If this is the case, be sure to let us know as soon as you can, and create a new appointment right away, as staying consistent and on time with your appointments is just another important step in making sure that your treatment runs smoothly and efficiently.

By following these simple steps, patients can do their part to speed up their treatment time wearing braces and get that beautiful smile you’ve been anxiously awaiting! If you have any questions about these steps, or are looking for the best orthodontist to help you achieve your goal, feel free to contact Chapman Orthodontics in Marion County, IN today at 317.484.6388!

What is the Perfect Age To Begin Taking My Child to the Orthodontist?

The topic of orthodontics is very popular among adults and children alike near Mooresville, IN. As a child develops, one of the first things parents may begin to worry about is their child’s oral health. Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics near Mooresville, IN is often getting questions regarding what signs to look out for to determine if a child may eventually need orthodontic attention, and at what age should a child should begin treatment? No two cases are the same, but Dr. Peter Chapman has the answers to a few of the most important questions that you may have below:

When is it best to Begin Treatment?

In many cases, orthodontic issues can be detected early in life. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children should get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

  • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while baby teeth are still present, predicting possible problems that might arise in the future.

  • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist, like Dr. Peter Chapman, is able to detect.

  • A check-up with a dentist may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. But an orthodontist specializes in identifying a developing problem that isn’t very noticeable. The doctor will likely  recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin orthodontic treatment at a time that is appropriate for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early orthodontic treatment.

  • Early orthodontic treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age less time consuming and complicated. A Chapman Orthodontics associate says that in some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing, preventing orthodontic treatment later in life.

  • Early treatment will give your orthodontist the chance to:

    • Guide jaw growth

    • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

    • Correct harmful oral habits

    • Improve appearance

    • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

    • Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. Dr. Peter Chapman says that through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile!

If your child is older than 7, it is never too late for a thorough examination with Dr. Peter Chapman and the team at Chapman Orthodontics!

What are the first steps?

If you are interested in orthodontic treatment for your child near Mooresville, IN or surrounding areas, the first step is to contact us! Dr. Peter Chapman and the team will examine your child and discuss which options are best suited to correct their issues. Once you have determined the appropriate treatment plan with Dr. Peter Chapman and the amazing staff at Chapman Orthodontics, you will be on the road to the gorgeous smile you have always wanted! We invite you to call Chapman Orthodontics to learn more about orthodontic treatment for children near Mooresville, IN at 317.852.5566!

 

 

 

Is Invisalign Teen Expensive?

Invisalign for adults is fairly straightforward and costs about as much as traditional braces. However, Invisalign Teen is less clear about its cost and effectiveness. Money is definitely a concern, but don’t forget to consider the other expenses for your teen: social standing, dietary changes, and confidence. These less straightforward costs ought to be included in your consideration of Invisalign according to Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics near Pittsboro, IN, as the teenage formative years are extremely important for your child to find their identity in the world.

Let’s start with the fiscal costs. The monetary cost can seem expensive for a teen set of Invisalign trays, but the data adds up. Braces, adult Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen all cost about the same. However, it is worth noting that spending money on Invisalign Teen is great at preventing future dental health problems. With teeth lined up and malocclusions fixed, teens can avoid costly and sometimes painful procedures with deep-rooted problems. In fact, shelling out the cost at Chapman Orthodontics will save you more in the long-run and other dental problems can be diagnosed and fixed before they become serious issues.

Money isn’t the only cost, especially for a teenager. The embarrassment of braces can earn stress and anxiety, as well as scrutiny from their peers. As teenagers get older, they get a great smile, but at the cost of social standing and confidence. Invisalign Teen does away with all of this, as the clear set of trays are practically invisible. Performing the same job as braces, often in half the time, Invisalign is more than a gift, it is a doorway to new friends, experiences, and confidence. Dr. Peter Chapman says that maturation is tough enough with today’s teens’ values and the need to build a support network near Pittsboro, IN.

Equally important is an identity your teen latches on to. Invisalign gives your teen a clear path to try new hobbies, stick to a healthy diet, and handle responsibility. No more gossip about an unsightly smile caused by brackets and wires. The folks at Chapman Orthodontics say “How are your teeth so straight?” will be the question on everyone’s mind. This builds confidence, which builds opportunity, and so on. Invisalign Teen provides more than just straight teeth! Don’t forget to consider this important part of your teen’s life.

Just mentioning a healthy diet may make some teens cringe, but don’t worry. Dr. Peter Chapman says that as long as you remove your Invisalign trays before eating, you still have a wide choice of foods to eat. Soft breads and meats are perfect on their own or in a sandwich. Similarly, soft fruits and vegetables are great both raw and cooked into a meal. Invisalign gives your teen a chance to sample new foods and stick with fluorinated water instead of sugary sodas and acidic juices. Salads and other greens are tasty when combined with a bit of dressing. Anything undercooked or overcooked shouldn’t be eaten normally, but it’s worth reminding that most hard foods and candy in general aren’t good for your teeth. You may wonder exactly why food is included in this list of costs. One of our friends at Chapman Orthodontics says that healthy foods are a foundation for good dietary habits and don’t interfere with the Invisalign Teen process. Straight teeth, great health, and new foods are all benefits of a cost that can’t be quantified: they are simply priceless.

The choice is clear: Invisalign Teen beats other treatments as young adults not in price but in health, social standing, reliability, and confidence. If you’re looking for an experienced orthodontist who can provide your child with Invisalign Teen near Pittsboro, IN, then Chapman Orthodontics is right for you! You can call 317.852.5566 at any time, and Dr. Peter Chapman will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, or schedule a free consultation. So what are you waiting for? Call today!

How Old is Too Old for Braces?

If you think you’re too old for braces, think again. There is no such thing as being “too old” for braces. Braces are used to help improve your smile, no matter what your age may be. Starting from the moment you lose your last baby tooth and all of your adult teeth have grown in, you are eligible to receive the proper orthodontic care and may find that braces are the right fit for you. Here at Chapman Orthodontics in Marion County, IN, Dr. Peter Chapman will be able to look at the progress your teeth have made, and will determine the best orthodontic treatment for you.

Why do I need braces?

Braces are used to help restore the alignment of your teeth, fixing crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, and any incorrect jaw position or disorders of the jaw. We know that everyone’s teeth grow in different ways (shape, size, alignment, etc.). Dr. Peter Chapman says that patients with orthodontic problems at any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment.

How long will I need braces?

You can count on having your braces anywhere from 18-30 months, in order for your teeth and jaw to properly align. However, a Chapman Orthodontics associate says that in rare cases, some people may need to have their braces on longer in order to fix more extreme malocclusions. In the long run, all you need to worry about is having the straight teeth and smile you’ve been working so hard for.

How do I clean my braces?

  1. Brushing: You should brush normally with your manual toothbrush twice a day.

  2. Flossing: You should use regular dental floss to get through and clean between the teeth. Take extra care when working around the archwire so as to not cause any damage

  3. Interproximal Brush: Using an interproximal brush, you will be able to clean between the archwire of your braces and your teeth all around. You want to use this every time you brush your teeth to get rid of any food substances stuck within your braces.

Will I look weird with braces?

Are you feeling anxious about wearing braces? Is the idea of others seeing you with braces making you nervous? Dr. Chapman says that he has seen plenty of adults who wear braces, and promises you that it looks completely normal. When you’re wearing braces, all you should think about is how amazing it will feel to have a new straight and healthy smile when they come off. All of your hard work toward keeping your braces nice and clean will pay off in the end, and will give you that bright healthy looking smile you’ve always wanted.

Don’t let the fear of your age or what others may think get in the way of fixing your teeth and bite. If for any reason, you feel that braces are not right for you, we here at Chapman Orthodontics in Marion County, IN offer other alternative treatment plans. Call us at (317) 484-6388, and we will set you up to see Dr. Peter Chapman for an appointment to discuss all treatment plan options that he feels are right for you.

What is an Orthodontist?

While both Dentists and Orthodontists work with mouths and teeth, not many patients know the differences between the two or even what specifically an orthodontist is. Because patients with orthodontic treatments spend a year or two of their life going to an orthodontics office, Dr. Peter Chapman of Chapman Orthodontics near Wayne Township, IN believes it is important for patients to know exactly what an orthodontist is.

What is an Orthodontist?

Like Doctors who choose to specialize in different fields, like neurology and endocrinology, an Orthodontist is a Dentist who has received special training to treat facial and dental anomalies. While all Orthodontists are qualified to be dentists, not all dentists can be orthodontists. This is because Orthodontists are qualified dentists first before going on to taking extra years of university-based classes and an orthodontic residency program.

What Services do Orthodontists provide?

Dr. Peter Chapman provides care and treatment in aligning a patient’s teeth, mouth, and jaw. Orthodontists help to correct patients’ malocclusions which is an abnormality in the alignment of the upper and/or lower teeth. These include underbites and overbites, crossbites, spaces between teeth, overcrowding of teeth, and the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Orthodontists can fix these issues through different types of braces or retainers.

When it comes to fixing malocclusions and aligning smiles, Chapman Orthodontics uses four main types of braces: Traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign.

  • Traditional Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces are the most common form used in treatment. They consist of metal brackets that are adhered to the front of the teeth, and banded together with a thermosensitive wire that slowly bends teeth into their intended position over time.

  • Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces are just like metal braces, but are clear or tooth-colored, camouflaging them into the teeth.

  • Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are metal braces, but are adhered to the back of the teeth. This makes them much more expensive due to the difficult adhesion procedure, but completely hidden from view.

  • Invisalign: Invisalign is a set of clear plastic aligner trays which can be removed to eat, brush, and floss. Each set is almost completely invisible, making Invisalign a popular method for teens and adults.

While Orthodontics provide these helpful services, they are not a substitute for dental checkups. It’s important to keep good dental hygiene a part of your daily routine, as it will keep your teeth healthy and clean and will reduce your treatment time. If you have non-removable braces, food and plaque can become stuck between gums and teeth, under wires, or between brackets. To lessen the risk of cavities, it is important to practice good brushing and flossing habits as well as reducing the consumption of foods that will cause damage to your teeth like candy or soda.

Orthodontists want to help you achieve a picture perfect smile through the use of orthodontic appliances such as braces. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Chapman and Chapman Orthodontics, please visit our office near Wayne Township, IN or call (317) 484-6388.

The Benefits of Choosing Invisalign to Improve Your Smile

Are you looking to straighten your teeth but don’t know which orthodontic treatment option is right for you? Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces are all great options, but what if there was another solution available for all cases? Chapman Orthodontics is a proud provider of Invisalign, an orthodontic breakthrough that may just be the perfect solution for you. There are many benefits of Invisalign near Mooresville, IN, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top 3:

  1. What Braces? Invisalign is one of the only solutions to crooked teeth that is virtually invisible. The Invisalign system is a series of clear, plastic aligners, which are custom fit to align the teeth just as Dr. Peter Chapman directs. In this way, they work as effectively as any other orthodontic treatment, without all the hardware. Over the same period of time as most other treatments, the Invisalign aligners will get teeth straight and positioned to correct any bad bites. So, patients can get beautiful results in the most discreet way possible, and leave people asking “Wait, what braces?”

  2. Comfort and Ease: Invisalign’s material not only allows for an invisible look, but also a comfortable feel. There is no poking or prodding, and no painful emergencies such as a broken wire or bracket. Dr. Chapman says this is a huge benefit, as it prevents setbacks in the treatment schedule while also making for a more relaxed patient experience. Plus, Invisalign is the only system that is completely removable. Chapman Orthodontics believes this is one of the best benefits of Invisalign near Mooresville, IN. Patients can brush and floss teeth more thoroughly, aiding in better oral health throughout orthodontic treatment, and do not have to worry about trapped food between metal braces causing cavities.

  3. Real Results: The third reason Chapman Orthodontics urges patients to get Invisalign near Mooresville, IN is their great results. Of course, the end goal of any orthodontic treatment is to get straight, better functioning teeth. Like other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign helps accomplish this. However, unlike other treatments, when Invisalign comes off, the teeth are whiter and healthier, in addition to being straighter. This is because the removable nature of Invisalign allows patients to continue to use whitening toothpaste or strips, and the elimination of attached metal parts also eliminates the possibility of blotchy discoloration and staining. And, better brushing and flossing means better overall oral health near Mooresville, IN. At the end of the Invisalign treatment, patients get the best results from orthodontic treatment with Chapman Orthodontics.

Invisalign near Mooresville, IN is one of the best orthodontic systems. Patients of all ages, including kids, teens, and adults, can enjoy the many benefits of Invisalign such as their comfort, look, and great results. If you have crooked teeth and think Invisalign may be right for you, schedule an appointment with Chapman Orthodontics. Dr. Peter Chapman and the team will assess your personal case and help you get your Invisalign treatment started. Contact us today at (317) 839-6533.

Tips to Present a Kissable Smile on Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day: a day of romance for couples, another lonely holiday for others, and the greatest profits for chocolate producers. Regardless of which category you fit into, dental hygiene is even more important than any number of kisses. How would you even kiss with bad breath? What about the loners with comfort food? Read ahead, dear readers, and get a free pass to smile right!

Let’s start with the lips and gums. Both of these organs fulfill similar purposes. Gums hold our teeth together and lips keep teeth and gums protected from the weather. On Valentine’s Day, these two organs are not only visible, but on display. Chapped lips and receding gums are no way to present yourself nicely, nor does it encourage healthy habits. For lips, make sure to use lip balm, preferably containing sunscreen. When brushing your teeth, be careful not to excessively put tension on the corners of the mouth and cause them to crack. Gums require an even simpler regimen. Make sure to brush and floss both your teeth and gums twice daily. For more in-depth cleaning, you should go to a dentist at least two times per year.

Don’t get ahead of yourself just yet, Romeo or Juliet. Bad breath and missing teeth are strongly linked to heart disease and other health problems. Generally good dental cleaning daily and regular visits to a dentist will not only help your teeth but the rest of your bodily health. Bad breath often begins on the gums, travels up to your teeth, and ends up on your tongue. Buy a tongue scraper to safely remove odorous bacteria. It may take a week or so, but you will find that the results are well worth it. A caution, however: using mouth sprays for better breath can contain sugars, making your bad breath even worse.

Ready to kiss after all that dental advice? Yes! Almost. Your mouth isn’t the only one which needs to be clean. It may be awkward, but there isn’t too much harm in making sure your significant other has a healthy mouth. Asking directly can feel like a huge risk, but it doesn’t have to be hostile or demanding. If you’re both already kissing, you can assess their dental health well before it becomes an issue on Valentine’s Day. 

Dental health is an important issue and the best way to spread the message is through word of mouth (pun intended) and linking to this article through social media. Couples will thank you, loners will be reminded they have a better chance with these tips, and chocolatiers can improve sales that won’t drive health wary customers away. Once you’ve followed these tips, you’ll be able to confidently and truthfully smile right.

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