We still support Brooke!

Unfortunately, Brooke didn't win last night at the Comeback Student Athlete of the Year banquet. She was in the top 3 for fan favorite voting and the top seven for the second scholarship offered by judges' votes. She was a little bummed, but perked up because she was on Channel 12 news last night!

Here is a note from Brooke's golf coach, Jason:

I also wanted to comment on what a great evening it was last night. On the drive home, I really reflected on what is important in the grand scheme of things. In these tough economic times, especially being a teacher with budget cuts, tax overrides, and the like, being in that room really showed me what the true meaning of life is. To hear some of the stories from the kids that were nominated really made me appreciate how good some of us have it. The battles and the perseverance that these young adults have shown at such a young age is truly remarkable. I certainly hope that in my lifetime, I won’t be faced with some of the challenges that I saw and heard last night from kids that haven’t even graduated from high school yet. However, I now see that if those challenges do present themselves for me or my family, that there are others that have battled and overcome great obstacles.

Brooke didn’t win the scholarship award, and for that I am disappointed. But every student that was nominated certainly came home a winner. I am very proud to have had the pleasure of being one of Brooke’s teachers, and now her coach. I very much look forward to her playing golf the next two years to finish her high school career. I am even more proud to have been a part of last evening to support her in this journey she has gone through. People say being a teacher is a powerful job as we inspire and effect the lives of young people, and mold them for the future. I think this is a case where the student has truly inspired the teacher!

Thank you for your support and your time.

Comeback Student Athlete of the Year Banquet Tonight!

Well, the votes have been cast, and tonight - at a banquet - we find out if Brooke Alden will be the 2010 PCH Sports Medicine Comeback Student Athlete of the Year! If Brooke wins, she will be awarded scholarship money and on top of that, her golf program at Sunrise Mountain High School will receive $1000!

GOOD LUCK BROOKE! From our entire team at Hunter Orthodontics!

Ask Dr. Hunter: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Our staff at Hunter Orthodontics will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention before and after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Hunter. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

But what about toothpaste? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth and gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Congratulations Garrett!

For those unfamiliar with how we run patient contests, we periodically have online contests where we send out an e-mail to all our fantastic patients and have them answer questions about our web site. Garrett K., pictured above with Dr. Hunter, is our online contest winner for our contest that ran from January through March.

PS! A friendly reminder from our staff: don't forget to wear you mouth guard out on the field! A lot of our patients play sports and participate in physical activities, and we want them all to be safe! For more information about sports and facial protection, please visit the American Association of Orthodontists Sports Safety page. Have a great weekend everyone!

This April, a reminder to play it safe! From Dr. Hunter and team

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, however, and during this time, Dr. Hunter and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Dr. Hunter will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Hunter Orthodontics. Stay safe!

April Fools' and NEW contest at Hunter Orthodontics!

Traditionally, April 1st is known as April Fool's Day. Dr. Hunter and our entire team would love if you shared a great story about a trick you played, or someone else played on you, on this silliest of days.

Feel free to post them here or on our Facebook page.

In other news, we have a NEW online contest starting TODAY! Here's how it works: Post a 1-minute video on our Facebook page about why your mom is the best! The Best video will be chosen by Dr. Hunter and the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Massage Envy for MOM!

So send us your videos! We can't wait to see them!