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We all want to live our healthiest lives. We know that part of keeping ourselves healthy is regular visits to our Menlo Park or San Carlos, CA office for checkups and necessary dental work. And that dental work might require an X-ray. Should the amount of radiation in an X-ray concern us?

First, it is helpful to know that the radiation you are exposed to from a dental X-ray is very small. A set of most bitewing X-rays, for example, produces an amount of exposure about equal to the amount of background radiation we get from our normal surroundings in a typical day. We also take care to minimize your exposure even further by using specially designed equipment and protective shielding, and taking only necessary X-rays. If your child is very young, if you are pregnant, or if you have other health concerns, talk to us about the advisability of X-rays and whether they are essential to treatment.

Second, much of our careful general examination will be done visually. Dr. Kathleen Tavarez can check for cavities and other problems and assess tooth and gum health. But sometimes, there are conditions which can’t be detected without an X-ray.

• Decay that isn’t visible in an oral exam—if a small cavity develops between teeth, or is hidden underneath a filling, an X-ray will catch it before more damage can take place.
• Infection—An X-ray will reveal infections such as abscesses that can damage both bone and tooth, and gum disease that has harmed bone and connective tissue.
• Orthodontic and periodontal issues—We might need an X-ray to determine the spacing and development of your child’s incoming teeth and maturing jaw structure, to properly create braces for adults or children, or to place an implant within the jawbone.
• If you are a new patient, it is helpful to have complete X-rays taken as a baseline of your current dental health and previous dental work. This baseline allows us to track tooth and jaw development, if necessary, and to evaluate any future changes that might be a concern. (If you have had X-rays taken in another office, we can help you have them transferred so we have a background of your dental history.)

Even though the radiation from a dental X-ray is minimal, be assured that we will never request any unnecessary procedure. When we recommend an X-ray, we do so to make sure there is no decay or infection threatening the health of your gums and teeth, and that we have the essential knowledge we need to treat any dental, periodontal, or orthodontic condition. Because we all want to live our healthiest lives—and part of that healthy life is both active and proactive dental care.

Many teens want straighter teeth but dread a mouth full of metal. Because of that, Invisalign Teen treatment has become a popular choice among teens. It produces great results without the hassle of traditional braces.

If you’re like most teens at our Menlo Park or San Carlos, CA office, you love hanging out with your friends, and you don’t want to look different or have to watch what you eat. If you’re unsure about the benefits of Invisalign Teen clear aligners, we’re here to explain some of the perks.

You can eat what your friends eat

Invisalign Teen aligners can be removed easily for meals and snacks, so you can eat just like you normally would. You don’t need to worry about food getting stuck in your braces or a bracket popping off. Unlike with braces, you can enjoy the following foods with your friends during Invisalign Teen straightening treatment:

• Popcorn at the movies
• Trail mix with dried fruit ribs and chicken wings
• A peanut butter sandwich, apples, and carrot sticks

You can take care of your teeth more easily

Since Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, you won’t have to worry about finding tooth decay once your braces are removed. You can brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, just by taking the trays out of your mouth.

People won’t know you’re wearing them

We’ve saved the best for last: Invisalign Teen aligners are nearly invisible. Chances are, the only people who will know you’re getting your teeth straightened are the people you tell yourself!

Getting straighter teeth can be a massive confidence-booster in the long run. With Invisalign Teen clear aligners, the treatment isn’t that bad! Learn more at our Menlo Park or San Carlos, CA office.

Need some gift ideas for family members and friends who seem to have absolutely everything? Who are impossible to shop for? Who tell you not to worry, it’s the thought that counts? Well, we have a few suggestions to show your loved ones that you’ve put a lot of thought into their gifts this holiday season. 

You love to see your friends and family smile, so we’ve come up with some smile-worthy ideas curated to their specific interests. And they’re braces-friendly, too!

Environmental Ally

The world is becoming a more eco-conscious place, and happily this transformation includes products designed for personal care. Put together a spa basket which is good for your friend’s dental health and the planet!

A recyclable gift box containing zero-waste, environmentally friendly bath products and organic cotton face cloths becomes even more mindful with the addition of bamboo or recycled plastic toothbrushes, bamboo interdental picks, and biodegradable floss. 

Don’t forget to include a colorful, insulated water bottle for sustainable hydration—and washing away food particles when there’s no handy place to brush after eating. Healthy planet/healthy smile.

Talented Techie

If your friend or relative is high-tech all the way, maybe it’s time for a dental upgrade. 

Water flossers are a great way to eliminate stubborn plaque around brackets and behind wires. Adjustable water pressure applies just the right amount of cleaning power. The flow can be directed to the gumline, between teeth, around brackets, or anywhere else needed. Some models even offer tapered heads with brushes designed specifically for cleaning braces. 

And for an extra thoughtful touch, include a packet of plaque disclosing tablets. Chewing one of these helpful little tablets will reveal any plaque that’s still on the teeth.

Adventure Seeker

How about a new backpack or carry-all for outdoor or travel adventures? A travel first aid kit is always a welcome addition for the person on the go.

Go the extra step and help a friend be prepared for anything with an emergency dental kit designed for braces. You can find these lightweight kits in stores or online, or you can assemble one yourself with a travel-size orthodontic toothbrush and toothpaste, floss threaders and floss, interproximal brushes, a travel mirror, and, of course, orthodontic wax in a handy kit bag. Include a pack of sugar-free gum—it helps with altitude changes and hydration. Ask Dr. Kathleen Tavarez or the team at Tavarez Orthodontics for suggestions!

Film Buff

If your bestie likes nothing better than an evening spent in front of the home screen, consider a subscription or gift card for a streaming service tailored to his or her favorites, whether it’s classic films, sci-fi, action, rom-coms, or epic adventures. 

And don’t forget the binge-watch treats! Fill a basket with braces-friendly goodies like peanut butter cups, junior mints, soft chocolate truffles, and some sparkling water. Maybe add a gift card for healthy smoothies and ice cream. Who needs popcorn and sodas?

No matter who’s on your shopping list, tailoring your gifts to their interests and their well-being is a great way to share happy, healthy holiday smiles with family and friends in Menlo Park or San Carlos, CA.

If it’s your first Thanksgiving dinner with braces, you might be a bit nervous. After all, broken brackets and wires can take the fun right out of feasting! 

Thankfully, we can help make your holiday meals more enjoyable with some menu tips for braces-friendly foods. 

#1 Be Choosy about Snacks

Thanksgiving is often more than one meal—it’s a whole day of nibbling. Just be sure to enjoy snacks which are safe for your brackets and wires while you wait for the turkey to make its appearance. Avoid foods like crunchy raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, and chips, which can be hard on your braces. Instead, go for the softer selections on the appetizer tray:

• Sliced and cubed fruits
• Soft breads 
• Deviled eggs
• Spreadable or thinly sliced cheeses
• Meatballs
• Thinly sliced, soft deli meats

#2 Tweak Tradition as Needed

Some items on the traditional menu can be enjoyed as is, and some can be safely eaten with just a bit of tweaking. 

• Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy are good to go
• Soft-cooked vegetables are easy on braces and filled with nutrients
• Turkey and ham are safe if you cut the meat from the bone and into bite-size pieces
• Choose jellied cranberry sauce instead of crunchy versions
• Stick to the soft, non-crunchy parts of dressing or stuffing and add some gravy for moisture
• Enjoy rolls and bread without nuts or hard crusts

#3 Don’t Forget Dessert!

Luckily for us, many of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts are easy on braces. Delicious, braces-friendly choices include:

• Pumpkin pie
• Cheesecake
• Apple pie with ice cream 
• Soft cakes
• Puddings
• Soft truffles

Which desserts should wait until you’re finished with your orthodontic treatment? Nutty and chewy desserts and candies like pecan pie and caramels can cause loose or damaged braces, so it’s a “No, thank you” this year to the sticky, crunchy, and chewy items on the dessert buffet.

#4 Good Dental Hygiene Doesn’t Take Holidays Off

Holidays are busy, with shared meals and travelling and get-togethers in Menlo Park or San Carlos, CA. But it’s still essential to make time for proactive dental care, especially now that you wear braces. 

Food which gets stuck in your brackets and wires isn’t just annoying, it’s also bad for your tooth enamel. When food sticks around, the bacteria in plaque use those sugars and carbs to create acids which erode teeth and lead to cavities. And since Thanksgiving day is often filled with nibbling on foods high in sugars and carbs, your teeth might need some extra TLC throughout the day.

• If you’re home, brush and floss as usual after eating. If you’re travelling, bring a kit with a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste and some floss to keep your braces and teeth clean and your breath fresh throughout the day. 
• If you’ve been eating acidic foods, wait about 30-60 minutes to brush. Acids weaken enamel temporarily, and, until the enamel rehardens, brushing can be abrasive.
• Hydrate with water. Water helps wash away food particles from teeth and braces and helps neutralize enamel-damaging acids in foods like cranberry sauce and sodas.

The team at Tavarez Orthodontics wants you to have a wonderful holiday with family and friends while you’re on your way to a beautiful, healthy smile. If you have any questions on just which foods should and shouldn’t be on your menu this Thanksgiving, talk to Dr. Kathleen Tavarez to discover the best ideas for stress-free holiday feasting.