The importance of regular checkups, from Dr. Gordon Honig

Dr. Honig and team want to know: Is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day while in treatment? If yes, that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Dr. Honig regularly, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Just ask us - Dr. Honig will be able to refer a dentist - plenty of great doctors in Newark, Middletown and surrounding communities!

Happy Friday!

Patient question for Dr. Honig: What should I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your consultation with Dr. Honig, our office will conduct a comprehensive examination in order to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you. Then, at your next appointment, Dr. Honig will discuss your orthodontic options with you.

Our staff feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Honig can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment. If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, we ask that both you and your child attend the consultation. Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Ask Dr. Honig: Which toothbrush (and toothpaste) should my child use?

Dr. Gordon Honig and our staff will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But the question remains: 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 have the ability to 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!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Gordon Honig

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Honig and our staff, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply wearing a properly fitted mouth guard or other form of protection, you can greatly reduce your chances of traumatic facial injuries.

We hope the above video helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact the office of Gordon C. Honig. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Ask Dr. Honig: What's the connection between my gums and heart?

Have you been told you have gum disease? Don't worry - you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis. This particular disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that can result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

While gum disease is a threat to your oral health, research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Honig Orthodontics read an article in Parade Magazine that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease. We encourage you to check out the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!