February 21st, 2016
Each February the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.
Why is attention to children’s dental health important?
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children, despite the fact that it’s almost entirely preventable. More that 40 percent of children ages 2 to 11 have had a cavity in their primary (baby) teeth, and more than two-thirds of 16 to 19-year-olds have had a cavity in their permanent teeth.
Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene practices such as thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help keep children from getting cavities.
Make sure to brush two times a day for two minutes (that’s 4 times a day for those of you with braces), floss once a day and see your dentist every 6 months.
Lakewood Park Orthodontics is promoting children’s dental health
As an active member of the ADA, Dr. Hughes strongly supports this effort! She will be headed out to local Natick Schools this month to hand out toothbrushes, dental information and give fun classroom presentations on dental health.
February 8th, 2016
When you get your braces on our staff explains all of the ways you can help keep your mouth healthy and make your treatment move faster. We tell you to avoid hard and sticky foods that cause broken brackets and to floss every day. We also tell you to brush five times a day - after every snack or meal. However, there are some times when it is better to not brush after your meal or snack… Actually brushing your teeth after certain meals can hurt your enamel!
When you eat foods that are highly acidic like citrus fruits, soda and sugary foods it changes the PH balance in your mouth from alkaline to acidic. After eating highly acidic foods your teeth are susceptible to damage. When you brush your teeth in this weakened state you can damage the enamel because the bristles can wear away the surface.
Now, for all of you who hate brushing, don’t get too excited – you still have to brush five times a day. However, after eating highly acidic foods it’s best to wait an hour before brushing. Other preventative measures you can take after eating acidic foods include rinsing or drinking water and concluding your meal with milk, cheese or another non-acidic food. After you have given your mouth time to return to a healthy PH balance continue to brush as normal.
January 19th, 2016
The greatest compliment a happy, satisfied patient gives us is the referral of their family and friends to our practice. Our refer-a-friend contest is to thank you for that kindness! Each time you refer a friend or family member to our practice and they start treatment, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $200 gift certificate at Blue Ginger in Wellesley. We love that you want to spread the word about Dr. Hughes and the outstanding orthodontic care that she and her team provides at Lakewood Park Orthodontics. Thank you for your support. We enjoy seeing each and every one of our patients at their appointments and we would be honored to treat more of your family and friends. Your trust and confidence are truly appreciated.
January 2nd, 2016
Did you know that Dr. Hughes worked through college at an animal shelter in Illinois? She is a HUGE animal lover and is excited about our "Share a Basket with a Pet Event" that started at the office this week!
The goal of this event is to fill baskets with dog and cat food, blankets, kitty liter and toys to deliver to the local animal shelter. For each item a patient brings in they are entitled to fill out an entry slip to win a $50 gift card.
(That means if you brought in six cans of dog food, you can fill out 6 entry slips). Let's help make the new year a special one for a pet in need!
