What Soda Does to Your Teeth

Who doesn’t love a cold, bubbly soft drink on a hot day? In fact, half of the American population drinks soda regularly. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, have seen the gruesome effects of constant soda consumption on teeth. This is why we are committed to educating our patients about cutting back on soft drinks and maintaining good oral hygiene. If soda is something you can’t give up, limiting your consumption of it can definitely make a difference. 

So how does soda actually damage your teeth? Well, there are actually two major ways: by erosion and cavities. Erosion begins when the acids in your favorite soda meet with your healthy tooth enamel. The acids reduce the hardness of the enamel, making the teeth more brittle and thus susceptible to chipping or breaking. Soda can also cause cavities since it can eat through the layer after enamel, dentin, and even damage fillings.

Help prevent the damaging effects of drinking soda by:

- Using a straw

- Getting regular dental cleanings

- Avoiding soda before bed

- Drinking in moderation

- Drinking your soft drink quickly, so as to not let it linger on your teeth

- Waiting thirty to sixty minutes before brushing your teeth after consumption

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Tips for Tongue Hygiene

So you brush and floss your teeth two to three times a day as is recommended. That’s great! But did you know that you should also be brushing your tongue? Just as your teeth and braces are covered in food and bacteria throughout the day, so is your tongue. Your tongue has its own nooks and crannies that it could be carrying just as much bacteria as your teeth. This creates the perfect environment for bad breath. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, have a couple of tips to get you on the right track to good tongue hygiene.

We know what you’re thinking, “isn’t my tongue cleaned enough with toothpaste and a good rinse?” Unfortunately, like your teeth need a good scrubbing to get them clean, so does your tongue. That buildup on your tongue is so tough to remove that even mouthwash doesn’t always do the job. If anything, mouthwash successfully removes the top layer of bacteria, but what’s underneath can still thrive. The bacteria can lead to not only bad breath but tooth damage.

Every time you brush your teeth, brush back and forth and side to side on your tongue to remove some of that buildup, then rinse with water. Be careful not to over brush though, it would be very uncomfortable if you broke the skin! Just a gentle yet thorough brushing will do the trick. Some people prefer tongue scrapers, though there is no proven evidence that tongue scrapers prevent bad breath. 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Protect Your Braces With a Mouthguard

While preventing head trauma is the main concern during contact sports, some people rarely consider their teeth and any hardware attached to them as another vital area to protect. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, recommend athletes of any age to wear a mouthguard while participating in high impact sports. Such sports include football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer. Mouthguards are especially beneficial for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. You are given only one set of teeth, it’s up to you to take matters into your own hands and protect it!

In addition to mouthguards protecting the structural integrity of your teeth, they also protect against jaw damage and lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouthguards have also been proven to decrease the risk of concussions. What’s better than another way to protect yourself from serious head trauma? While mouthguards are available in most sporting goods stores, these don’t always offer the best protection since they can be ill-fitting.

A custom made mouthguard is the best option if you want to have the highest level of comfort and protection. It is created with thin, hardened plastic specifically to fit your mouth and your mouth only. The thinness of a custom mouthguard also allows for easy breathing and communication between your teammates. To ensure optimal protection on the field, court, or rink, always choose a custom made mouthguard.

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

Fluorosis

Dr. Cynthia Wong treats patients of all ages at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, though a large majority are children and adolescents. Because of this, she often treats the dental phenomena known as Fluorosis. This occurs when a child is exposed to an abnormal amount of fluoride. The results are thin and white streaks on the teeth. Fluorosis isn’t harmful, but it does alter your child’s appearance. To learn more, visit our office in Orland Park, IL.

 

It’s important to note that fluorosis isn’t a dangerous or harmful condition. This isn’t a cause for concern. Children are the only ones at risk because fluorosis affects teeth that haven’t emerged from the gum line. Fluoride is a mineral that naturally occurs in our water supply. It keeps teeth clean and healthy! It’s only recommended that a child is evaluated for fluorosis because it is a sign of a nutritional imbalance.

 

The best way to minimize a young child’s oversaturation of fluoride is through breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents breastfeed their child until it reaches the age of three. This is not possible or recommended for everyone. Breastmilk contains all the necessary nutritional elements that your child needs. Using formula increases your child’s risk of fluorosis. That’s because many types of formula require water. As mentioned, water is one of the largest sources of fluoride. You also need to pay attention to how much toothpaste you’re using. Your Orland Park dentist recommends brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Children under the age of three should never use more than a grain of rice worth of toothpaste.

 

Once a child reaches the age of three, they should start brushing twice a day. Being negligent of their dental care guarantees gum disease and cavities. Children don’t need more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste each time. Make sure they aren’t swallowing it after brushing. Using too much toothpaste or ingesting dental products is a surefire way to develop fluorosis.

 

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, your child’s health is our top priority. If you are interested in learning more about Fluorosis or our orthodontic services, contact our office in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Broken Retainer

After your braces are removed, you will require some sort of retainer. This might be bonded, removable, or a combination. But what should you do if you break your retainer? You’ll need to reach out to Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away! It must be replaced immediately. Your retainer keeps your teeth in their new position, maintaining all your progress. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong as soon as possible. Contact her office in Orland Park, IL.

 

You might not notice right away when a bonded retainer is damaged. It’s one of the reasons you need checkups with your Orland Park orthodontist. No matter how careful you are, wear and tear put your retainer at risk. There are also hard foods and sports injuries too.

 

Do not try fixing your retainer by yourself. It needs to be repaired by an orthodontic professional only. You may cause more damage to the retainer, or even injure yourself. There are a few things that you can do while you wait. First, buy an over-the-counter nightguard. This works as a makeshift retainer for your teeth. It helps prevent your teeth from moving too majorly while you sleep. Make sure to avoid any harder foods too. These will damage your retainer even more.

 

Pay attention to any irritated or injured areas. Treating these early stops them from worsening. Try gargling with salt water to soothe these spots. You might also want to invest in an antibacterial mouth rinse too.

 

Straightening your teeth with orthodontic treatment is a lifelong investment. Your retainer is what keeps it all together after! Contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away when your retainer is damaged. She is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Getting Your Braces Removed

After all the appointments, discomfort, and pain, you’re finally getting your braces off! Congratulations! There’s no need to be nervous before your last orthodontic adjustment with Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. It’s a straightforward and simple process. Just in case you are worried, your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist has put together this simple guide. Here is everything you need to know about getting your braces off.

 

The braces removal process is quick. It takes about an hour maximum. The best part is that it is completely painless! The only thing you’ll notice is a bit of pressure and some scrapping while finishing everything up. Your orthodontist clips off the brackets while a scrapper or polisher removes the adhesives from the surface of the teeth. After Dr. Wong finishes, your teeth will look brand new! The only thing you might notice is some white spots where the brackets were. These are easily treated though.

 

Almost everyone requires a retainer of some sort after removal. This is to keep your newly aligned teeth in place. Your teeth will be loose for a while so they need the support. The type of retainer and how long you wear it depends entirely upon your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist’s discretion. There are both permanent and removable retainers. With removable retainers, it’s recommended you wear them at all times in the beginning. Once your teeth set a bit more, you can start just wearing it at night. Dr. Wong will let you know when and how long you should be wearing it for.

 

After your braces are removed, care for your teeth just like you always have! Always brush twice a day for at least two minutes! You should also floss daily. Keep up with any followup orthodontic appointments and regular cleanings.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Treating Braces Pain

When the phrase “beauty is pain” was coined, it wasn’t used in reference to orthodontic care. But anyone who has braces would most likely agree! Braces are aligning teeth that are out-of-place. They are literally moving your bones, so some discomfort is expected. But what can you do when the pain gets out-of-hand? Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics has some tips for alleviating your discomfort. Located in Orland Park, IL, she provides you with top-tier orthodontic care.

 

Braces pain is split into two causes, internal and external. External pain is the irritation of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth from the orthodontic gear itself. This happens when the brackets and wires cut or rub the mouth. Over time, your mouth toughens in these vulnerable areas. Talk to your Orland Park, IL, orthodontist about products for relieving discomfort. Different over-the-counter products provide relief to cut or scrapped soft tissues. Internal factors, however, are caused by changes in the blood flow. This is from the orthodontic gear placing pressure on the teeth.

 

Pain relief is found through over-the-counter pain medications. These remove the aches stemming from pressure. Motrin or Advil are the best for this. There are also topical pain relievers you can try. Talk to your orthodontist for suggestions. Dr. Wong also recommends dental products that target oral aches. Try following this advice too! After an adjustment to your braces, try eating softer foods. This includes pudding, jello, pasta, and softer vegetables. You should also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.

 

It’s also important to protect both your mouth and braces. A facial injury forces your braces towards your vulnerable areas. A trauma or fall to the face will knock or break wires and brackets. If you play sports, always wear a mouthguard.

 

If you are having problems with orthodontic pain or have suffered an injury, reach out right away to Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. We are located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Orthodontic Emergencies

No matter how careful you are, orthodontic emergencies do happen. When these occur, contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics right away. Conveniently located in Orland Park, IL, Dr. Cynthia Wong will see you as soon as possible. Many of these emergencies are handled over the phone. The more serious troubles require an office visit. Just remember that there is no need to panic. Here are both minor and major emergencies and what you should do.

 

Minor emergencies are the ones handled over the phone. You won’t need to see Dr. Wong to fix these problems. Call our office and we will walk you through the issue. Discomfort is the main issue we hear about. As your braces move your teeth, there is bound to be some achiness. Invest in over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pressure. Others find relief through warm salt-water rinses. There are also over-the-counter dental products that focus on pain relief. Another common emergency is minor wires that move out-of-place. Use a clean utensil, like a q-tip or tweezers, to push the wire into a comfortable position. You can also cover it in dental wax.

 

A major orthodontic emergency constitutes serious harm or danger to your mouth and braces. A situation we frequently encounter is broken or loose brackets. Call our office right away when this happens. If the orthodontic gear isn’t applied correctly, it won’t work. Your mouth is also at risk of getting seriously injured by the exposed sharp materials. If a piece of your braces falls out, do your best to locate it. Bring it with you to your appointment. Other major emergencies focus on injuries or facial trauma. These can happen from a hit to the face, sports, or even a fall. After being cleared of other injuries, we can fix any broken orthodontic gear.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. We provide quality and family-friendly orthodontic services. Our goal is to keep you healthy and happy, with a smile that can’t be beaten! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit her website or call 708-444-8341.

Different Kinds of Braces

We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics are excited to offer our patients three types of braces: clear braces, traditional braces, and Invisalign®. It is now common for patients of all ages to undergo dental work to straighten their smile. While in some ways a rite of passage for kids entering their teen years, adults who have never had braces are taking on the commitment.

Sometimes we all want to look our best, even during the process of straightening our smiles. Changing the layout of your teeth takes time. Dr. Wong offers clear braces, made from translucent ceramic to match the color of your teeth, for adults who wish for their braces to be less noticeable. Traditional braces are the standard for kids, and are made with exceptionally strong metals and are metallic colored. Kids can even choose different colored rubber bands for that extra pizzaz!

Invisalign® is a clear and comfortable alternative to braces, should you be a candidate for it. The teeth are moved gradually through a series of custom-made aligners. The aligners are virtually invisible, allow you to eat what you want, removable and promote less gum irritation. To see if Invisalign® is right for you, Dr. Wong offers a free, professional exam and consultation during which all your questions can be answered. 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

 

Uneven Jaw

If you have an uneven jaw, you may have some difficulty or pain associated with eating, sleeping, talking, or even breathing. In some cases, an uneven jaw can be treated with physical therapy, braces, retainers, but in severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary. We at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics want to make sure that our patients live a pain-free life. Dr. Wong specializes in orthodontic treatment and can assess the severity of an uneven jaw, and recommend a course of action.

Signs that you may have an uneven jaw:

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  Temple pain

  
  


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  Jaw joint pain

  
  


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  Jaw clicking

  
  


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  Tight jaw

  
  


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  Shoulder or back pain

  
  


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  Popping in the ear

  
  

 

Some causes of an uneven jaw include jaw trauma, birth defects or teeth misalignment. For temporary relief, ice or an over-the-counter pain reliever can be used. But if you are experiencing extreme pain in your jaw, it is recommended that you see your dentist as soon as possible. Though most cases of uneven jaw can be treated with dental appliances or exercises, surgery may be required.

 

 Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. To schedule a checkup or for more information, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

 

Bruxism and Night Guards

Night guards are placed in the mouth as a sort of “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding and gnashing their teeth together, though some patients do this consciously during the day. Also called bruxism, grinding your teeth damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain and can irritate your gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics to see what you can do to stop it. 

Severe bruxism can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), where a clicking noise can be heard when you open and close your mouth. Bruxism has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.”

There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:

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  Stress and anxiety

  
  


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  Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)

  
  


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  Aggressive or competitive personality type

  
  


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  Psychiatric medications

  
  


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  Smoking tobacco

  
  


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  Consuming caffeine and alcohol

  
  


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  Family history of bruxism

  
  


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  Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

  
  

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information on night guards or bruxism, or to make an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

 

Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Oral hygiene is already important when it comes to a healthy mouth, but it’s even more important when the mouth is going through orthodontic treatment. There are more nooks and crannies when brackets are placed on the teeth, where food can be trapped and turn into plaque. Since Dr. Cynthia Wong specializes in orthodontic care, she takes pride in educating her patients about the importance of an at-home oral hygiene regimen. 

Patients with braces are at an increased risk for early stages of tooth decay and gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t used. Dr. Wong recommends brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing, two to three times a day. You should be brushing in and around each bracket and wire, brushing in a circular motion where the gums and teeth meet, and brushing in a back and forth motion for the tops of molars.

Other things to consider during orthodontic treatment:

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  Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing properly or regularly.

  
  


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  Certain foods can loosen, break or bend wires. To limit stress on your braces, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

  
  

Remember, broken or bent braces means more appointments and a lengthier treatment time! Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located at 15614 S Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, IL 60462. For more information on braces or orthodontic care, or to make an appointment, please visit drcynthiawong.com or call 708-444-8341.

 

When Should I Replace My Retainer?

After you get your braces removed, Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics will give you a removable retainer. But like anything that is used daily, like shoes or your toothbrush, your retainer will eventually need to be replaced. If your retainer isn’t in the best of shape, schedule an appointment.

 

When you need to replace your retainer is entirely dependent upon you. Patients may need an annual replacement, every 2-3 years, or even longer. If it is damaged, it won’t really fit your mouth or teeth. That means that wearing it is doing more harm than good.

 

There are a few signs that your retainer needs a tuneup. If it starts to fall apart at the joints, changes color, fits oddly, or experiences a calcium buildup, schedule an appointment. It’s best to address the problem before it worsens.

 

To protect your retainer from harm, make sure to keep it in its case. This helps it from being misplaced or damaged. Retainers are necessary for preventing your teeth from shifting. Your teeth need time to set into their new positions. Without your retainer, your teeth will quickly revert to their old positions. Make sure to wear your retainer every day for the first six months after getting your braces off. Then transition to wearing it at night a few times a week.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Grinding Causes Teeth Sensitivity

There are a lot of reasons why your teeth might be sensitive. The most common symptom is pain or discomfort when eating or drinking things that are cold, hot, acidic, or sweet. The sensitivity is caused by a thinning of your tooth enamel. A common cause is teeth grinding. Dr. Cynthia Wong can help you by providing a night guard or other services. Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL.

 

The dentin is the layer of your tooth that surrounds the nerve. When your enamel thins, your dentin is exposed. The dentin material is what is reacting negatively to the temperature changes in your food and drinks. When you grind your teeth, the repeated pressure wears down the enamel. Many patients grind their teeth at night and don’t even know it. A night guard will be given to help prevent this. A night guard is almost identical to a mouth guard. It is a clear removable device that you place on your upper teeth at night. This provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth. It stops the enamel from wearing away, keeping your dentin protected.

 

If you have sensitive teeth or suspect that you may be grinding, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong. Teeth sensitivity should not be taken lightly. Having sensitive teeth can keep you from enjoying the little things in life.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Elastics For Braces

You thought your braces were overwhelming before, now you have to use rubber bands too? Why do you need them and what do they even do? Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, located in Orland Park, can help. Rubberbands (elastics) are used to realign the jaws and teeth. It’s often one of the last steps in your treatment plan.

 

There are several parts that create and make up your braces. There are the brackets, the little square pieces of metal bonded to the front of your teeth. Then there’s the archwire. It connects the brackets and applies pressure. Ligatures are the colorful bands around each bracket that keep the wire in place.

 

Rubber bands, or interarch rubber bands, connect to the brackets with hooks. They attach the top tooth bracket to the lower tooth bracket. Depending on the patient, the rubber bands will either hook diagonally or in a zigzag pattern. Elastics pull the jaw forward or backward. This adjusts the teeth and jaw properly. The results are teeth that line up right. Rubber bands need to be worn 24/7. They will not work correctly if left off, even for small amounts of time.

 

Make sure to remove your rubber bands during meals. You should also remove them when cleaning your teeth and braces. Typically, rubber bands are replaced periodically throughout the day. This keeps the rubber bands from being stretched too thin or breaking.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics. We are located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

How Do Braces Fix My Teeth?

You understand why you’re getting braces, but do you understand how they work? Learning how your teeth are shifting make the obstacles that come with braces somewhat more bearable. Dr. Cynthia Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics can provide you with answers. Knowing what's happening assures you that you’re getting the best treatment available. Dr. Cynthia Wong is located in Orland Park, IL.

 

Braces apply pressure to your teeth, shifting the bones into their new positions. The brackets and wires keep this pressure constant. Brackets are attached to each individual tooth. They are bonded onto the front surface. They connect through bands, with the wire running between each of them. As your treatment progresses, the wire is eventually replaced with a heavier one. Altogether the provided pressure gradually moves the teeth at a fast pace.

 

Patients of all ages can receive braces. Children between the ages of eight to fourteen are the most common recipients. This is because its easier to move the teeth when a child is growing. It takes longer with adults, but the results are worth it.

 

How long you wear braces is entirely dependent on your body. The quicker your teeth move, the faster your treatment is. Most patients have their braces on between one to three years. Afterward, you will most likely receive permanent retainers, a removable retainer, or both.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

 

Dangers of Soda on your Teeth

At Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics office in Orland Park, we encourage our patients to drink more water and less soda. Soda is unhealthy for your teeth because the bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar to create acids.  When acid is created it feeds off your tooth enamel which is there to protect your teeth and leads to tooth decay.

To limit the amount of damage soda does to your teeth, we advise our patients to drink soda with a straw. Using a straw will limit the amount of sugar that rests on your teeth and causes harm. Every time you drink soda, the acid eats away at your tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. If possible, you should brush your teeth after drinking soda or rinse your mouth with water.  

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay. If you quit soda and use a healthier alternative such as water or tea your teeth will be healthier and you will have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are small dental appliances that can be used to scrape or clean your tongue. They are sold in most grocery stores in various shapes and sizes. They are a way to get rid of bad breath (halitosis). It can also help clear off a coated tongue. Dr. Wong of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics recommends tongue scrapers for daily use in your oral hygiene routine.

 

When using a tongue scraper, place it at the back of the tongue and gently run it forward along your tongue. After each movement, rinse the scraper off with water and wash out your mouth. Do this for as many times as necessary. Coated tongues can be caused by smoking, dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, or poor oral hygiene. It is an accumulation of bacteria and dead cells on your tongue. A tongue scraper can get rid of these harmful pathogens. At the minimum, scraping your tongue at every meal can lead to positive results.

 

There are many benefits to using tongue scrapers besides an improvement in your breath. Some studies have shown daily tongue scraper use has lead to a heightened sense of taste. Because it scrapes off debris and bacteria, it can lead to an overall healthier mouth. Without bacteria, it is harder for cavities and other problems to arise.

 

Remember to be cautious when using the tongue scraper. Do not go too far back on your tongue. Be careful how much pressure you are applying and to where. You can accidentally cut the surface of your tongue if you aren't being careful.

 

Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics is located in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Wong, visit our website or call 708-444-8341.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a mouth rinse that is used to prevent cavities and acid from damaging your teeth along with fighting bad breath. Our staff at Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics encourages our patients to add mouthwash to your daily oral health care routine. Fluoride is a mineral in mouthwashes that makes your teeth stronger and is resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria. It can be difficult to get rid of all the bacteria and debris on your teeth with braces, which is why we recommend mouthwash to help keep your teeth cleaner.

A traditional over-the-counter mouthwash is usually for making your breath smell better. At Fresh Meadows Dental, we advise our patients to use fluoride mouthwash that will protect your teeth from cavities and acts as an enamel-protecting your teeth.

For you to benefit the most from mouthwash, we advise our patients to you use mouthwash at the same time every day to be the most effective. Remember to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using.

Be sure to practice good oral hygiene, we want you to have your best smile!

To learn more about all of the services we provide, please visit our website at https://www.drcynthiawong.com/ for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341. 

TMJ

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls everyday functions like talking and eating. It’s what allows your mouth to open and close, for chewing and swallowing. If you experience pain when doing any of these activities, you may have a temporomandibular disorder or TMD. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D. of Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics, located in Orland Park, IL.

 

Common symptoms of TMD are:

-Pain when opening or closing the mouth

-Trouble chewing

-Jaw becoming stuck open or shut

-Headaches or ear pain

-Clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth

-Teeth grinding

 

Although all the symptoms of TMD are problematic, teeth grinding is probably one of the most detrimental symptoms. Teeth grinding or bruxism wears down and destroys the teeth. The enamel will eventually wear away and expose the dentin. This material is more sensitive and is very susceptible to decay.

 

Pain relievers and cold/hot compresses can help manage short term symptoms. A night guard is the best way to curb teeth grinding. It prevents the top and bottom teeth from touching, keeping you from wearing away your enamel.

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit Dr. Cynthia Wong Orthodontics in Orland Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong, D.M.D., visit our website or call 708-444-8341.