Orthodontist - Baltimore
3 Locations in Baltimore!
Locations
3 convenient orthodontic office locations in Baltimore Maryland!
Pikesville Office
1314 Bedford Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21208
(410) 653-6379
Harbor Orthodontics
2 East Lee St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-659-0770
Parkville Office
8813 Waltham Woods Rd.
Baltimore, MD 21234
410-882-2100
Flossing
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.
The Right Time For An Orthodontic Check-Up: No Later Than Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7 because, while your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
Schedule an appointment if you recognize any of the following problems in your growing child:
Early or late loss of baby teeth- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Speech difficulties
- Biting the cheek or the roof of the mouth
- Facial imbalance
- Grinding or cleaning of the teeth
Tips For Good Oral Health
Good oral health is important, and some people may need orthodontic treatment to achieve it. The following list contains steps to help ensure your child's smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
Watch for Signs of Trouble Problems such as early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing or biting or mouth breathing are all reasons to schedule a check-up with an orthodontist.
See anOrthodontist No Later Than Age Seven Even with baby teeth present, an orthodontist can detect existing or developing problems. An early evaluation is essential.
Brushing and Flossing To ensure proper dental health care, it's important to get childern on a consistent schedule of brushing after every meal and flossing once a day.
Eat a Healthy Diet Sugary itmes such as candy and soda pop cancause cavities. Parents are urged to control how often and how much of the sugar-laden items their childern consume.
Put an End to Bad Oral Habits If thumb and pacifier sucking are prolonged, either habit may cause problems with proper growth of the jaw and with tooth alignment.
Change Your Child's Toothbrush Regularly A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, whenever the bristles show signs of wear or after an infectious illness like strep throat.
Take Care of Braces Children currently in orthodontic treatment should avoid hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy foods thatmay harm braces and potentially prolong treatment time.
Guard Teeth While Playing Sports Make sure your child wears a mouth guard while playing sports to lessen the chances of fracturing or knocking out teeth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly A child should have the first dental visit no later than the first birthday, and regular checkups every six months thereafter.
For more information on orthodontic treatment, visit www.braces.org
What is flossing?
Flossing is a method for removing bacteria and other debris that cannot be reached by a toothbrush. It generally entails a very thin piece of synthetic cord you insert and move up and down between the sides of two adjoining teeth.
Why is flossing important?
Many dentists believe that flossing is the single most important weapon against plaque. In any event, daily flossing is an excellent and proven method for complementing your brushing routine and helping to prevent cavities, periodontal disease, and other dental problems later in life. It also increases blood circulation in your gums. Floss removes plaque and debris that stick to your teeth and gums.
How often to floss
Floss at least once every day. Like brushing, flossing should take about three minutes and can easily be done while doing another activity, such as watching television. Do not attempt to floss your teeth while operating a motor vehicle or other machinery.
Flossing techniques
There are two common methods for flossing, the "spool method" and the "loop method".
The spool method is the most popular for those who do not have problems with stiff joints or fingers. The spool method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle finger. Wind the rest of the floss similarly around the middle finger of your other hand. This finger takes up the floss as it becomes soiled or frayed. Move the floss between your teeth with your index fingers and thumbs. Maneuver the floss up and down several times forming a "C" shape around the tooth. While doing this, make sure you go below the gum line, where bacteria are known to collect heavily.
The loop method is often effective for children or adults with dexterity problems like arthritis. The loop method works like this: Break off about 18 inches of floss and form it into a circle. Tie it securely with two or three knots. Place all of your fingers, except the thumb, within the loop. Use your index fingers to guide the floss through your lower teeth, and use your thumbs to guide the floss through the upper teeth, going below the gum line and forming a "C" on the side of the tooth.
With either method of flossing, never "snap" the floss because this can cut your gums. Make sure that you gently scrape the side of each tooth with the floss.
Your gums may be tender or even bleed for the first few days after flossing - a condition that generally heals within a few days.