October is an especially exciting month for kids who enjoy delicious Halloween candy and treats. Many orthodontists use this time to raise awareness about orthodontic health and provide helpful tips and reminders for kids and adults. With National Orthodontic Health Month just around the corner, here’s an overview of this annual event.
What Is National Orthodontic Health Month?
Autumn is filled with bright colors and delicious treats, especially around Halloween. National Orthodontic Health Month occurs annually in October. During this time, orthodontists and dentists work together to raise awareness about the importance of proper dental care and oral hygiene among children and adults.
What is Orthodontics?
Like dentists, orthodontists specialize in oral healthcare. Both types of oral healthcare professionals receive general training to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the mouth and teeth. Orthodontists receive additional training to diagnose, treat and manage issues that affect the jaw and bite, such as overbites, crowding and spacing issues. An orthodontist is the healthcare professional you’ll see if you need tools such as braces, palate expanders, removable retainers and aligners.
How Do Orthodontists Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month?
Many orthodontists celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month by offering timely tips and helpful suggestions for maintaining beautiful, healthy smiles. According to Stanford Children’s Health, kids are encouraged to see an orthodontist by the age of seven. Considering the wide range of ages they treat, many orthodontists raise awareness of good oral practices and promote their services for kids and adults during this month.
What Are Some Tips for a Healthy Mouth?
If you or your kids enjoy sweets and candy, knowing which treats to avoid can be beneficial. For example, ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty prefers chocolate, which “…washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy.” While many orthodontists offer tips for patients with braces and aligners, these tips are equally important for keeping your teeth, gums and mouth in top shape.
- Avoid sticky or chewy candy if you have braces
- Brush at least two minutes twice a day and floss once daily
- Use a mouth rinse to help remove debris
- Maintain routine appointments and reach out to your orthodontist as needed
