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For many of us, October can mean fall weather and the excitement of Halloween. However, for orthodontists, October is also a very special month because October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a month to celebrate and recognize the beautiful, healthy smiles that orthodontists create.

Here are some fun facts about orthodontics in celebration of Orthodontic Health Month from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. Braces and invisible aligners are some of the more commonly used appliances to straighten teeth during orthodontic treatment.

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The headline of this blog post is pretty shocking isn’t it? Many people are unaware of the link between asthma and tooth decay resulting from a dry mouth. Here is some more information from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics.

You may be wondering what does asthma have to do with cavities. When people aren’t easily able to draw in their breath, most people compensate by breathing through their mouths. This causes your mouth to dry out. Insufficient saliva leaves you more vulnerable to decay-causing bacteria because saliva helps to protect and clean your teeth. Moreover, asthma and allergy medications themselves can cause even more dryness on top of mouth breathing. In short, it’s not a good combination.

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We know that having metal in your mouth doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing. Fortunately, after you get your braces on and have your initial adjustment, most people don’t even notice their braces are there. However, sometimes a pesky wire will escape and remind you that your braces are there. Have no fear though, most of the time you can fix rogue wires on your own without having to make an extra trip to the orthodontist. Loose or pokey wires are the most common problem people experience while in braces, so if that happens to you, here are some steps to follow from Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics:

1. See if you can push it back into place

If a wire pulls loose a little it might not be completely out of the bracket. If this is the case, you can use a finger to push it back into place. In other instances, you can guide the wire back into the tube.

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Virtual orthodontic appointments are nothing new, yet have become more common practice since the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to meeting in-person, virtual orthodontic consultations are a great way to stay healthy while social distancing. If you or someone you know is considering braces or clear aligners, Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics shares 4 benefits of virtual orthodontic appointments to keep in mind:

1. No Need for Waiting Rooms

Virtual appointments remove the need to sit and wait while being exposed to others who may carry the virus. In many cases, your appointment will start with you entering a virtual waiting room until your appointment begins. Once ready, you will be taken out of the “waiting room” and into the main call to start the appointment. 

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With many of us transitioning to the “new normal” of homeschooling our children, the change can be tough. Balancing work and home life can be challenging for any parent. But how can you make learning fun and engaging while social distancing? Don’t fret! Dr. Jaclyn Scroggins at Junction Orthodontics has 5 activities you can do at home that are educational and fun.

Science Experiments

From Bill Nye to YouTube, DIY science experiments are a fun way for kids to learn while using resources from around the house. Check out this video for 10 fun DIY experiments you can do at home. Read More

We all know that sugary carbonated drinks do more harm than good to the teeth, but what about sparkling water? In most carbonated beverages, the acidity levels are very high – which can weaken tooth enamel. 

If you’re not familiar with tooth enamel, it is the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first form. When left on the teeth for too long, the acid and sugar from carbonated beverages can cause significant tooth decay, stained teeth or, in some cases, gum disease. This is often discussed in association with sodas, but what about sparkling water? Read More