Hunt Orthodontics, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Hunt Orthodontics thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Hunt, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment at Hunt Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

Hunt Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about Greenville?

Hunt Orthodontics, located in Greenville and serving nearby communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our great patients) living within.

Today, Drs. Hunt and our entire team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about your community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite South Carolina getaway? Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Greenville, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.”

And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks! Have a great rest of the week!

Hunt Orthodontics, helping tackle sports injuries

At Hunt Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why our team at Hunt Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Hunt may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hunt Orthodontics.