February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Graber Orthodontics

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors 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 traditional 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. Our team at Graber Orthodontics is here to tell you 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. Lee and Katie Graber are both available 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!

Graber Orthodontics, reminding you to stay safe and warm during the snow storm

With the intense weather conditions in our region the next few days, Drs. Lee and Katie Graber and our team at Graber Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind you, our valued patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about.

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Graber Orthodontics, our primary concern is our patients' well-being, and that includes staying safe on the roads during inclement weather! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

Tackling sports injuries with Graber Orthodontics

Drs. Lee and Katie Graber, as well as our team at Graber Orthodontics know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why the team Graber Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—our doctorsmay recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Graber Orthodontics.