Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: “I got my braces. Now what?

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and our team recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; ask Dr. Ehrmantrout for a recommendation.

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Lacey or Olympia office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Smile Week at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics!

It’s National Smile Week at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, and a GREAT time to remind Dr. Ehrmantrout's patients to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Week for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Ehrmantrout during your next visit ... or ask us on Facebook!

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

Holiday JibJab!

Check out our Holiday JibJab! It's a Snowball Fight here at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office! Happy Holidays everyone!

Also, We are getting ready to come up with new ideas for our next three month drawings! We want your suggestions everyone! What would you like to win?! Let us know on our Facebook page!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: What's the deal with Halloween treats?

For parents in Olympia and Lacey worried about their kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

As Halloween draws nearer, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Ehrmantrout and team as soon as possible.

We hope that everyone has a safe and scary Halloween!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, rewards for keeping your braces in tip-top shape!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team know how difficult it can be to get patients, especially the young ones, to take good care of their teeth between visits during their orthodontic treatment.

We reward patients by allowing them to earn Trout Dollars for our Trout Store! In order to earn all of their trout dollars they must be on time to their appointments, have great oral hygiene, nothing can be loose or broken and they must wear their elastics as instructed!

It is an awesome way to encourage kids (and adults) to keep up the good work! We provide great prizes from Starbucks cards to movie tickets!