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    Your Health

    5 New Year’s Goals for a Healthier Smile

    12 January 2021
    Advyon
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    Categories: Your Health

    Did you know that almost 75% of Americans make resolutions—changes they want to make in their lives in the coming year? And 50% of those resolutions are related to health. Unfortunately, most people forget one important aspect of their health: dental care. Listed below are five easy-to-adopt habits that could improve not only your overall dental health, but could also result in a healthier smile.

         1. Follow the 2×2 rule for brushing. This is an easy habit to develop: brush twice a day for two minutes. Brushing your teeth helps remove food and plaque—a bacteria-containing film that forms on your teeth. That plaque produces acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities. Unfortunately, 30% of Americans don’t brush frequently enough.

    Not only do you need to brush often, but you need to brush for at least two minutes. One study showed that brushing for one minute only removes about 27% of plaque on your teeth.  So that extra minute makes a difference.

         2. Floss at least once a day. If you develop this simple habit, you’ll be doing better than 85% of the population. Your toothbrush can’t reach into tiny areas, like the gum line between your teeth. Flossing removes debris like food and plaque, which helps prevent gum disease. It can help eliminate bad breath as well.

         3. Evaluate your bite.Crowded or crooked teeth don’t just affect your smile. They can cause multiple problems, including your ability to brush and floss thoroughly. This can lead to more severe issues, such as:

    • Periodontal disease
    • Improper chewing
    • Digestive problems
    • Speech difficulties
    • Excess wear on the teeth, gums, and jaw
    • Chronic headaches

         4. Cut back on smoking and other tobacco products. You know that tobacco can cause throat, lung, and oral cancer, but those aren’t the only complications. Using tobacco can also cause tooth discoloration, gum recession, periodontitis (gum disease), cavities, and even tooth loss.

         5. Drink more water. Lots of studies have shown the importance of proper hydration for your body to function as it was designed. But drinking water also helps keep your teeth healthy and strong. That’s because any acids in your mouth, even natural ones, can weaken your teeth and cause dental erosion. By drinking water often, you neutralize those acids and hydrate the tissue in your mouth at the same time. Not only that, but when you drink water at meals, you rinse away food particles that could get stuck in tiny crevices.

    Here’s one more suggestion: It’s the new year, so it’s a great time to get a new toothbrush! If you’ve had your toothbrush for three months or more, it’s time for a new one, especially if the bristles are frayed.

    A quick trip to our office can be the starting point for not only improving your smile but also your overall health. Children as young as seven need an orthodontic check-up. Just call or email us and we can schedule a personalized orthodontic evaluation.  We have two offices in the Summerville area for your convenience.

    If you want more tips for a better smile and better dental health, please refer to our website.

    Tongue Rings and Oral Health

    15 January 2020
    admin
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    Categories: Braces, Teeth, Your Health

    Tongue Rings and Oral Health

    Tongue rings are a popular accessory for teens and adults. However, they do not come without risks. As an oral health professional, I want to make you aware of a few potential problems that can arise from this fashion trend. After reading this blog, you can decide if the risk is worth the reward.

    Image 1 (photo from dentagama.com)

    Problem 1: Tongue rings frequently cause a receding gum line.

    See Image 1. The receding of the gum usually occurs on the inside (backside) of the teeth and near the lower front teeth, but it can also occur in other areas. As the gum recedes, the root of the tooth becomes exposed. These roots are often sensitive and cause discomfort.

    In addition, as the gum recedes, the affected teeth have less attachment because the gum is no longer there. That means less “dirt around the fence post,” or less attached tissue to hold your tooth in your mouth. At present, dentists do not have a solution for receding gums on the tongue side of teeth, so they cannot be regenerated.

    Problem 2: Tongue rings can cause bacterial infection.  

    The mouth is full of bacteria, even if you practice good oral hygiene. An infection occurs when the bacteria becomes trapped inside the piercing. Much of the bacteria is introduced by eating and drinking (although there are other sources), and new piercings are more prone to infection than older piercings. Signs of infection include:

    • Uncomfortable swelling
    • Severe pain
    • Persistent warmth
    • Excessive bleeding
    • Fever
    • Chills
    • Yellow discharge or pus
    • Bump around the piercing

    If these problems surface, see your doctor as soon as possible. Complications can arise, and in some very rare cases, infection can lead to death.

    Image 2

    Problem 3: Tongue rings can interfere with braces.

    As you see in Image 2, the bottom part of the tongue ring is caught on a lower bracket. The barbell on the upper part of the tongue ring has been removed. This required a trip to the ER, then to the orthodontist to have the tongue released from the braces.

    Other problems associated with tongue piercings include:

    • Chipped teeth
    • Nerve damage
    • Excessive drooling
    • Choking
    • Damage to fillings

    Listed above are a few of the complications that can arise from a tongue ring.  While the fashion and popularity of a tongue ring might be calling your name, be sure to weigh the pros and cons prior to booking your appointment with a piercing artist.

    Considering Direct Smile Aligners? READ this first!

    16 November 2018
    admin
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    Categories: Braces, Caring for Your Braces, Orthodontic Knowledge, Your Health

    Don’t let your DIY orthodontics become a Pinterest Fail

    You see them everywhere these days…those ads from mail-order aligner companies promising to give you perfect teeth, with little hassle, all without ever making you leave your house.

    Of course, that sounds like a great idea. It’s convenient, yes. And while we have super comfortable chairs and a really welcoming office, the idea of putting on aligners on your own couch while watching Netflix is appealing. You could even post about your newly straightened teeth on Pinterest!

    The problem with these companies, though, is the lack of hands-on, personal oversight. Without an orthodontist, you could suffer serious, irreversible damage to your teeth. You might save a little gas money, but your teeth could ultimately pay the price if you use one of these companies–and that would make for one massive Pinterest fail.

    Still on the fence? Here are several reasons why mail-order aligners are a bad idea:

    1) You don’t have regular checkups.

    With traditional treatment, you’ll visit the orthodontist for x-rays, initial photos and a diagnostic plan (the most important part). After your initial smile analysis, you’ll revisit in 8-12 week intervals to see if you need new aligners, your bands need to be tightened, and for your overall dental health. From start to finish, treatment can take as little as 6 months.

    With mail-order, you don’t have regular checkups. They send you a kit to help you take impressions of your teeth, you send it back, and your new aligners are mailed to you with instructions. Convenient, yes, but not the best way to treat your teeth.

    The companies claim your treatment will be done in three to six months, and you’ll never likely see a licensed professional before or after that.

    Who is checking the diagnostic plan? 90% of the time it’s not an orthodontist (a dentist with 2-3 years extra training in tooth movement). Instead it’s anyone with a dental license regardless of their education and training in tooth movement. The huge problem here is dental school doesn’t teach you about tooth movement. You need further education to become an orthodontist to understand how to do that.

    Who is evaluating the final bite to see if your “new bite” will cause you harm in the future? No one.

    What about the overall health of the bones and gums as the teeth move…who is monitoring that? No one.

    2) You’ll receive substandard care.

    Aligning your bite and straightening your teeth isn’t a quick fix. It’s a slow process that’s all about shifting ligaments and bones around your teeth. If this isn’t done the right way, and if it’s not closely monitored, you can do serious, even irreparable damage to your pearly whites.

    The American Association of Orthodontics (they’re really smart people) even issued a warning about this. “The risks associated with ‘do it yourself’ orthodontics can, and should be, avoided,” they said.

    We agree.

    3) The mail-order company doesn’t know what it doesn’t know.

    In other words, you can’t begin orthodontic treatment until your teeth and gums are cleared by a dentist. And, in many cases, you need a dental specialist, periodontist, to further evaluate your bone health prior to starting orthodontic treatment.

    If you have problems like gingivitis, periodontitis, chipped teeth or cavities, an orthodontist is going to send you back to a dentist to get these taken care of first.

    You’re not going to get that type of treatment and interaction from a mail-order company.

    4) Your insurance probably won’t pay.

    The mail-order companies advertise that their treatment is often covered. But self-treatment, without the right supervision, likely wouldn’t be a covered expense in most insurance plans.

    Insurance companies aren’t going to pay for something that doesn’t meet their quality standards–because when the treatment fails, more expenses are headed their way.

    5) Cost.

    Most of these companies charge around $2,200 for alignment and retainers. This fee is for very limited simple fixes. But guess what? MOST orthodontists can give you a better, faster result for simple fixes at or near the same fee.

    Our advice to you: Stay away from do-it-yourself orthodontic care. If not, you’re taking a big risk and only asking for trouble.

    Schedule an appointment with a licensed orthodontist, like Reagin Orthodontics, to learn more about your options when it comes to making your teeth pretty enough for the perfect Pinterest post!

    What is a Water Flosser?

    9 October 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Braces, Caring for Your Braces, Early Treatment, Meet Reagin Ortho, Orthodontic Knowledge, Self Esteem, Teeth, Your Health

    water flosser

    At Reagin Orthodontics we are all about good oral health! Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth as well as maintaining your 6 month visits to your dentist is the cornerstone of good oral health.

    One of the most important areas of your mouth to clean is in-between your teeth and around the tooth/gum junction. These are the first places bacterial plaque will form, and it is also the hardest to keep clean.  Water flossers, like Waterpik™, are a good tool to clean between the teeth and around orthodontic appliances.

    At Reagin Orthodontics we really like the use of water flossers. Here is what we have found:

    Waterpik™ makes several types of water flossers including some just for kids. Personally, we like the countertop Waterpik™ Ultra Water Flosser, since it holds a good amount of liquid and patients find they have more control over the water pressure than the cordless Waterpik™. The Ultra Water Flosser runs about $60, but if you live by a Costco you can get both the Ultra Water Flosser and the Cordless Plus Water Flosser for only $79.

    Water flossers typically come with several attachments and you can try them all out if you like, but the Classic Jet Tip works best. If you have braces the Plaque Seeker and Orthodontic Tips can help you clean around the brackets.

     

    What to expect at your Initial Orthodontic Consultation

    28 September 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Braces, Caring for Your Braces, Early Treatment, Orthodontic Knowledge, Summerville SC, Teeth, Your Health

    Consult

    When you meet an orthodontist for an initial consultation, we strongly recommend consideration of the following:

    – What is the practices philosophy? Make sure it lines up with what you are looking for.

    – What is the orthodontist’s level of experience and how long have they been practicing?

    – Does the practice have multiple offices forcing you to go to different office locations for your appointments?

    – Is the orthodontic practice conveniently located close to your home, office or child’s school?

    – Ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Are the results to your liking?

    – How varied and advanced are the treatments offered? Revolutionary new technologies such as temporary mini-screws, translucent aligner scanning (such as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen) and self-ligating brackets.

    – Is the orthodontist familiar with the different cutting edge accelerated treatment options such as AcceleDent, Propel, and Wilckodontics?

    – What is the orthodontist’s diagnosis and plan of action for your teeth and how clearly has it been explained to you? Did the orthodontist provide information about alternatives? How practical is the treatment plan in light of your personal, business and social needs?

    – What is the office ambiance like? Specifically, are you (or your child) comfortable with the orthodontist’s chair-side manner? Is the staff friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns? Since orthodontic treatment takes an average of two years, with appointments typically every six to eight weeks, it is important to establish a rapport with all of those who will be providing services.

    – Emergencies are unlikely, but just in case, what is the office protocol?

    – What are the financing options? Are their multifamily discounts? Paid in full discounts?

    – Does the fee for treatment include retainers and is there a “Lifetime Guarantee” offered? Make sure to ask.

    – Does the practice focus on educating you (and/or your child) on the care of their braces and/or appliances?

    At Reagin Orthodontics we believe that finding an orthodontist you trust is like forming any important relationship in your life. Do some research, get to know them, ask your friends and trust your instincts!

    Do I need to floss my teeth with braces?

    17 September 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Braces, Caring for Your Braces, Meet Reagin Ortho, Orthodontic Knowledge, Teeth, Your Health

    flossing_w_braces-federal

    Absolutely! At Reagin Orthodontics we are committed to good oral hygiene and flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums when you’re wearing braces. Because braces may hold food, sugars and liquids upon eating, it is very important to keep on top of your brushing and flossing, as well as visiting our office for regular adjustments.

    While we know it’s tough enough to get kids to floss daily but remember that by not flossing, you will become more prone to cavities and gum disease. When flossing, remember to gently massage your gums in between the teeth. You will find that flossing with braces takes extra time, as you will have to weave the floss through each bracket. When flossing, there should be no signs of blood. If you see blood, you are not flossing enough or properly.

    Using an electric toothbrush is also a good idea to massage your gums before or after flossing as electric toothbrushes can help remove any harmful bacteria that are lingering in your mouth. And don’t forget to add a mouthwash to your routine to break up any bacteria that has formed. A good mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums in good shape during your treatment.

    Dr. Reagin and our team at Reagin Orthodontics will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you’re wearing braces. If you have any questions about flossing or your orthodontic treatment at Reagin Orthodontics please don’t hesitate to give us a call or during your next adjustment appointment!

    Caring for your Invisalign Trays

    10 September 2015
    admin
    1 Comment
    Categories: Braces, Caring for Your Braces, Orthodontic Knowledge, Teeth, Your Health

    Cleaning Trays

    How do I clean my Invisalign aligners?

    Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential in keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible, and odor free. Although the Invisalign allows for aligners to be easily removed for eating and drinking, failing to properly clean your trays afterwards can result in discoloration and a buildup of bacteria.

    Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you keep your aligners clean and crystal clear:

    DO:

    — Rinse your aligners when you remove them: Dry saliva and plaque create a perfect breeding ground for foul smelling bacteria.

    — Brush and floss your teeth before reinserting your aligners: Proper oral hygiene is key in maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding cavities and decay. Since Invisalign is form fitted, failing to brush and floss properly can trap harmful particles between your teeth and aligner, increasing your risk for dental issues in the future.

    — Clean your aligners with a clear anti-bacterial soft soap: A clear anti-bacterial soap is an excellent and inexpensive way to keep your aligners clear, fresh, and free from harmful bacteria.

    — Soak your aligners once a week: Denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, and the official Invisalign cleaning crystals are all excellent options in keeping your trays clear and sanitized.

    TIP: Brush your aligners gently: Vigorous brushing can scratch your aligners and leave visible etchings. Brush carefully!

    DON’T:

    — Eat or drink (anything but water) while wearing Invisalign: Many foods and drinks can stain or discolor your aligners and cause them to stink.

    — Use toothpaste to clean your aligners: Many types of toothpaste (especially those with whitening agents) are abrasive and can dull your aligners or create small traps for bacteria to dwell.

    — Use colored soaps: Although anti-bacterial soap is a great way to clean your Invisalign braces, using anything but clear soap can cause your aligners to take on alternative hues and shades.

    — Leave your aligners exposed or unprotected while eating: Aside from an increased risk of misplacing them, leaving your aligners in the open exposes them to harmful germs and bacteria. Rinse them, soak them, and then rinse them again before returning them to your mouth.

    Take Good Care of Your Teeth

    4 September 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Orthodontic Knowledge, Teeth, Your Health

    Tooth with heartAlison Ashton, Cooking Light, September 2015

    “Every time you smile, you reveal much more than your pearly whites and a friendly mood. When periodontist Sally Cram, DDS, PC, examines a patient’s mouth, she discovers all kinds of clues to his or her well-being. “We say your mouth is the window to your overall health,” says Cram, a spokeswoman for the American Dental Association. “It can show signs of a lot of different things, from nutritional deficiencies to systemic disease.” Pale gums might signal an iron deficiency. Chronic bleeding gums can be a sign of unhealthy blood sugar— and undiagnosed diabetes.

    More than half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease, and that puts their overall health at risk. “When a periodontal infection gets into the bone around your teeth, it can enter your bloodstream,” says Cram. “From there, it travels to other parts of your body and an contribute to medical problems.” “There’s a very clear association between poor oral health and heart disease,” says Keith Roach, MD, chief medical officer of the health website Sharecare and associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. A new study in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests the culprit is body-wide inflammation caused by oral bacteria. Other studies reveal an association between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and rheumatoid arthritis. An expectant mom’s own poor oral health may lead to low birth weight and premature birth. There’s even evidence linking periodontal disease to human papillomavirus (HPV) and rising rates of head and neck cancers. “That’s why you need to be routinely checked for oral cancer, even if you don’t have a traditional risk factor, like drinking or smoking,” says Roach.

    Other medical conditions boost your risk for oral health problems. Obesity may raise your risk for periodontal disease. Fluctuating blood sugar from diabetes encourages gum disease. But these three simple steps can help keep your smile—and the rest of your body—in good shape.

    Step 1) Brush Twice Daily for two minutes each time. Ask your dentist which toothbrush is best for you. Some people, such as kids and elderly folks, may need the boost of an electric model. And change your toothbrush every two to three months. “When the bristles aren’t straight anymore, the brush isn’t doing the jobs as well,” Cram says. Also use a fluoride toothpaste with the American Dental Association seal of acceptance to ensure it’s safe and effective.

    Step 2) Floss once daily. It helps to remove plaque from areas between teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Any type of floss you prefer-waxed, unwaxed, or extra-thick-will do the job.

    Step 3) See the dentist twice a year. Anyone who is prone to cavities, has a history of periodontal disease, has a family history of heart disease or stroke, or has diabetes may need to see the dentist more often, says Cram.”

    What is Invisalign Teen and how does it work?

    27 August 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Orthodontic Knowledge, Self Esteem, Summerville SC, Your Health

    invisalign-teen

    Invisalign takes a different approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of clear aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place.  You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every 10-14 days, until your treatment is complete.

    Developed in collaboration with leading orthodontists who understand the physiology of tooth movement as well as the treatment demands of teenagers, Invisalign Teen combines the benefits of the Invisalign system with new teen specific features.  These features include: ABlue Dot Wear Indicator that fades when the aligner becomes worn and is ready to be changed; Eruption Tabs to accommodate the growth of second molars; and other features to address clinical needs common to teens.

    Dr Reagin has vast experience with Invisalign as a tool to move teeth,  and once he determines that you are a good Invisalign candidate your teeth are scanned with our state of the art Itero scanner.  Itero 3D technology is used to create a digital model of your teeth and with this technology the old yucky impressions become completely obsolete.  Once the digital model is uploaded Dr Reagin uses his orthodontic knowledge to create a custom tooth movement plan to give you the best and most efficient treatment result.   Then the aligners are fabricated to mimic the movement Dr Reagin has designed and shipped to our office.    After initial placement and fit of the aligners you will visit our office approximately every 10 weeks.  Don’t worry we can and often do work your appointment intervals around college schedules, work trips and vacations!   Dr Reagin’s knowledge, combined with invisalign as a tool to move your teeth, allows you to achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life.

    Additional benefits of Invisalign: office visits every 10 weeks so you miss less work and school, no emergency broken brackets or poking wires, the ability to floss and brush without braces, and the ability to eat what you want, barely noticeable, great treatment results when used by a well educated clinician such as Dr Reagin.

    Dr. Reagin is the only Premier provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Summerville and he can determine if Invisalign Teen is the right orthodontic treatment for you or your child.  To schedule your complimentary consultation call our office at 843-871-4411.

    Reagin Orthodontics sponsors toothbrush giveaway

    13 August 2015
    admin
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    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Community Interest, Orthodontic Knowledge, Summerville SC, Teeth, Your Health

    Toothbrushes

    Dr. Britt Reagin has an offer to which you can’t, or at least shouldn’t, say no. As part of a buildup to “National Gum Care Month” in September, the Summerville orthodontist wants to give you a free Oral-B toothbrush. No strings attached, no pledges to brush and floss at least twice per day, just an opportunity for Dr. Reagin to “put his toothbrushes where his mouth is.”

    In considering how to promote “National Gum Care Month” in September, four glaring statements came to mind and suddenly the “toothbrush exchange” struck him as a worthwhile investment.

    • The ADA recommends that people brush at least twice daily and change toothbrushes every three to four months.

    • Studies show that only 1 in 6 people change their toothbrushes as frequently as once per year.

    • Research shows that crowded teeth contribute to gum disease. Gum disease nearly doubles the risk of heart disease.

    • Proper oral hygiene habits, once established, become permanent. Get your kids started now!

    Aug. 10-13, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., simply visit Reagin Orthodontics at 401 W. 4th North Street to pick up a new Oral-B toothbrush. If you need more than one, such as for your spouse and/or children, bring the old toothbrushes and Dr. Reagin will swap them, too.

    “It may get expensive if this campaign gets traction and all of Summerville shows up,” said Dr. Reagin, “but that’s an investment I’d be very proud to make for the community.”

    As part of the “toothbrush exchange campaign” Dr. Reagin is also going to award two Oral-B Pro 5000 electric toothbrushes, valued at $179 each. To enter to win one of these two toothbrushes, simply visit the practice’s page on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ReaginOrthodontics, like the “toothbrush exchange” post, and share it with your friends and family. The winners will be selected from all people that have liked and shared the post in a random drawing on Aug. 14, and announced on the Facebook page that same day.

    Every toothbrush that Dr. Reagin gives away represents, for him, the positive impact that one person can make to the cause of community health.