Which toothbrush should my child use?

Dr. Terry Dischinger and Dr. Bill Dischinger will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. 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. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? 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. Also, you do need to 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!

March Madness Contest at Dischinger Orthodontics!

Drs. Bill Dischinger, Terry Dischinger and the rest of the Dischinger Orthodontics team is MAD for March MADness! Join us by competing in our contest. Come into our office and submit your answers to these four questions:

1. Which team was “not” in the 2010 Final Four?
a. Duke Blue Devils
b. Butler Bulldogs
c. North Carolina Tar Heels

2. How many teams start the first round of the tournament?
a. 28
b. 64
c. 82

3. What was the 1st location of the Final Four in 1962?
a. Seattle
b. Houston
c. Miami

4. Which team has won the most championships?
a. UCLA
b. Kentucky
c. Indiana

After everyone has submitted their answers, a randomly selected name that has AT LEAST 2 out of 4 questions answered correctly, will win a $30 Gift Card to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Wait, there’s more! If the name chosen also correctly answers this bonus question, “Which team will win the 2011 Final Four?,” then we will DOUBLE the amount of the Gift Card to $60. Good luck everyone!!

Give our office a call if you have any questions.

-The Dischinger Orthodontics Team

Ask Dischinger Orthodontics: Who benefits from Incognito™?

Drs. Terry and Bill Dischinger serving the greater Lake Oswego area, are pleased to offer our patients Incognito. Our team is always receiving questions about Incognito, which is why we wanted to discuss today a few of the unique benefits of this new orthodontic treatment. To begin, Incognito is placed behind your teeth, rather than in a visible area. Because of this, no one will ever know that you are wearing braces! This unique type of braces is created using state-of-the-art technology and is entirely customized to the shape of your teeth. Hence, you can improve your smile efficiently and effectively in a discreet new way.

Who especially benefits from Incognito?

• Athletes
• Models
• Actors
• Musicians, especially those who play wind instruments
• Adult professionals

For more information on Incognito and treatment options at Dischinger Orthodontics, please give us a call today to schedule your consultation!

National Children’s Dental Health Month is here!

Each February for the past 61years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. 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.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Drs. Terry and Bill Dischinger are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!