Do you know where your mouth guard is?

At Hunter Orthodontics, we know spring sports are just around the corner, and we would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Dr. Hunter will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our Glendale office.

Ask Dr. Hunter: Who needs orthodontic treatment, anyway?

While orthodontic treatment can improve smiles at any age, there is usually a best age to begin treatment at Hunter Orthodontics in order to achieve maximum improvement with the minimum amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child’s first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven or earlier if a problem is detected. Early interceptive, or phase-one treatment can guide facial growth, prevent crowding of permanent teeth, correct crossbites, overbites and underbites, control harmful oral habits and even reduce the length of comprehensive treatment.

As for adults, more and more of them are deciding - wisely - to straighten their teeth. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent in the last 15 years! In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, we see more and more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Teenagers as well as adults also benefit from the skill of Dr. David Hunter's orthodontic treatment. You won't be able to stop smiling! Contact our Glendale office to schedule your free initial evaluation.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King

Today, our nation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward.

As Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” There are many ways that you can answer this question, whether it is participating in a local environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, supporting disaster services, or serving veterans and military families. Today, our staff at Hunter Orthodontics would love to hear what you’re doing for others in Glendale or the greater Phoenix area.

Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?

Great question. At Hunter Orthodontics, we know all too well the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing and enjoy the rest of the week!

What are cavities, and how do you avoid them while you're wearing braces?

At Hunter Orthodontics, we know one word no one wants to hear when they visit their general dentist is Cavity! Yes, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. David Hunter

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy New Year!