Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

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. So we at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

How To Stay Young And Healthy from Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

Whether you’re 5 or 50, your health depends on your awareness of what’s good for you. But in a world filled with fad diets, blaring advertisements, and unintelligible ingredient lists, we at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics know it can be difficult to determine exactly what is good for you – and what’s not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a long, healthy life, we recommend Brush Your Teeth! And Other Simple Ways to Stay Young and Healthy by Dr. David Ostreicher. The book sums up good health in six fundamental principles: hygiene, diet, attitude, exercise, sleep and personal safety.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher definitively answers age-old debates, like the best way to prevent colds and flu (your mom was right: wash your hands). He provides straight talk on a variety of diet choices including salt, fats, carbs and organic food, and he documents the importance of regular sleep, stress reduction and positive thinking to your overall health. His suggestions throughout are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

Dr. Ostreicher advocates a back-to-basics, common-sense approach to staying young and healthy. We at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics couldn’t agree more, and we’d like to repeat the title of his book as our favorite piece of advice: don’t forget to Brush Your Teeth!

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Hawks Prairie Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Hawks Prairie Orthodontics.

Patient Referrals -- Thank You From Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

We’d like to share a big THANK YOU with all of our patients for passing along the word about Hawks Prairie Orthodontics to your friends, families, and colleagues year after year. You’re part of the reason we’re able to keep doing what we love to do!

Unlike dentists, who often share a lifetime relationship with their patients, we complete our work in a short time frame. Most orthodontic patients are only in active treatment for two years or less. In many cases, our new patients come from our old patients!

Many people come to us seeking treatment based on recommendations from people like you, who know us and trust us after enjoying positive experiences with our office and our orthodontic treatment. All health care professionals depend on the confidence of their patients; referrals are the best illustration of our patients’ satisfaction with our work.

THANK YOU for your continued support. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics we want you to know that we really appreciate it!

Setting the Stage: Orthodontic Treatment in Two Stages -- Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

When most people hear the phrase "orthodontic treatment" they picture a pre-teen in braces. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs and in some special cases, we may recommend starting earlier, sometimes even when a child still has his baby teeth?

In certain circumstances, diagnostic records make it evident very early on that developmental problems are in the works. Some examples include an upper or lower jaw that is growing incorrectly, or a situation in which there is not enough room in the mouth for all the teeth to erupt, or a severe malocclusion (the orthodontic word for "bad bite" which means the jaws don't come together properly).

Some patients with these special conditions will benefit from "two-phase treatment" which consists of two distinct periods of orthodontic treatment, the first occurring prior to the eruption of permanent teeth, and the second taking place some time later, after permanent teeth have come in.

Orthodontic work is best performed during stages of rapid growth. Should your child be a candidate for two-phase treatment, we will schedule the two phases based on typical patterns of dental development for your child's age group.

Phase One treatment generally does not involve braces, though in particular cases it may. More common is the use of other appliances, such as a palatal expander, which helps direct the growth of the jaw. In most cases, Phase One treatment serves to prevent or intercept a problem that could otherwise cause trouble in a child's future development. If the child's teeth are in an extreme state, this phase can also improve self-esteem. The ultimate objective of Phase One treatment is to provide a well-aligned, healthy environment within the jaw and mouth, into which the permanent teeth can erupt.

Phase Two treatment most often takes place quite a bit later than Phase One, after permanent teeth have erupted. This phase usually consists of more conventional treatment with braces, and serves to align the teeth properly in the mouth, building upon the foundation that was established during Phase One.

Remember that every patient is unique, and thus every treatment plan is unique. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we carefully examine x-rays, photographs, and diagnostic records to determine the optimum treatment for your child's individual needs. Give us a call today to come in for an orthodontic consultation.

Age Seven 7 is the Magic Number for an Orthodontic Check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. Contact us today at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.

Hawks Prarie Ortho Patient Reviews

Hawks Prarie Orthodontics have a state-of-the-art facility to provide the latest in orthodontic treatment to their Olympia patients. Just see what their patients have to say!Dr. Ehrmantrout is very easy to work with and down to earth. I would recommend him to everyone!
-Breann H.

We love the friendly office staff and Dr. Ehrmantrout and his assistants are very professional. My son, Chase, and I feel very comfortable in their care.
-Lisa J.

He and his entire staff take the time to answer any questions we have. Even though my son is a new patient, I refer other patients to his practice because of his high patient care.
-Dan W.

The doctor is right to the point and doesn’t make you get the most expensive option.
-Susan J.

They are very helpful when my daughter needs to get in right away. They are very nice and very informative and my daughter really likes every one in the office. They make her feel very comfortable, and they get you right in and out.
-Al A.

He is gentle with our daughter and he takes his time with her. He explains things that we don’t understand.
-Marc T.

Dr. Zach knew my name, which made me feel like I was important. I was able to carry on a conversation with my "helper" and they answered any questions I had. There have been a couple of occasions where I did something to my brackets or wire and they were able to fix it right away without any hesitance.
-Erica M.

Max likes your staff and we feel comfortable taking him to a state of the art facility! It's a very comfortable setting!
-Janice P.

How much they use the latest technology with their orthodontics as well as their website and online patient profiles.
-Crystal H.

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient? - Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Ehrmantrout is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 360-491-4884.

Damon Braces in Olympia, WA - Some Visuals

I've had a lot of patients ask me for more information about getting Damon System Braces in Olympia, WA. For the most part, they see before and after pictures and realize that Damon braces are the way to go. Still, to help my patients better understand Damon, I like to use relevant video along with pictures and other detail. Here is a video to help explain what Damon braces are all about!

Our Orthodontic Treatment Philosophy - Orthodontics and Braces in Olympia and Lacey Washington

From growing up in Olympia, Washington (WA), the orthodontic needs of the Olympia and Lacey communities are well understood. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on our ability to build beautiful smiles through top orthodontic treatment including traditional metal braces, Invisalign (invisible braces), Damon System Brackets, and even treatment without braces. Below, I have defined our treatment philosophy to better display how we work with you to make your orthodontic treatment in Olympia and Lacey a one-of-a-kind experience worth smiling about!

Everything we do at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics centers around making both your teeth and face look better because of our treatment. Traditional orthodontics often requires the removal of up to eight teeth to allow for the necessary space to remedy a crowded mouth. Using the newest technologies, the extraction of teeth occurs far less than it used to. As a result our patients enjoy a beautiful final result along with the facial support that comes with maintaining all of your teeth for your lifetime. We do still extract teeth when it is apparent that either the face of the patient, or their overall dental condition, will benefit from such care. However, this decision is made only after exhaustively reviewing the patient diagnostic records as well as all non-extraction treatment choices. We want our patients to be happy with their final result now, as well as for the rest of their lives.

We are also committed to providing the care to our patients in as efficient and convenient a manner as possible. This means that we try to do as much work as we comfortably can at each visit as well as scheduling as much time as is practical between visits. Furthermore, since our office is open during evening and weekend hours, we make every attempt possible to minimize time away from school and work during the course of treatment. Our goal is to finish your care as well as possible with as little disruption of your daily life style as possible. The incorporation of the new wire and bracket technology we utilize assists us in achieving this goal.

Learn About Damon System Braces in Olympia, Washington

As an orthodontist in Olympia and Lacey Washington, I feel that it's necessary to use only the best and most advanced orthodontic technology available. As such, I am highly experienced and skilled at providing Invisalign and Damon System braces. Through the Damon System, you can straighten your teeth in a way that is faster and much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. The Damon System requires fewer office visits as well, so that you can continue to fill your schedule with fun and enjoyable activities without having to worry about your next orthodontic appointment. View my Damon video to learn more:

A Little History About Myself and My Practice

I grew up in Olympia, WA, graduating from Capital High School in 1996. I went on to attend the University of Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business in 2000. At the University of Washington I was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societies. Following my undergraduate training, I was accepted into the University of Washington School of Dentistry, one of the premier dental schools in the United States.

After graduating, I received my Orthodontic training at the University of Colorado Health Science Center. Here, I trained under many well known leaders of the Orthodontic profession, and became exceptionally proficient with the latest technological advances in Orthodontics and Dentistry.

I am Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, an honor enjoyed by less than one quarter of all orthodontists in the United States. I am also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the Washington State Society of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the Thurston-Mason County Dental Society.

My Orthodontic Practice, Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, Serves Central and Western Washington in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Shelton, Centralia, Yelm, Dupont, Lakewood, University Place, Fort Lewis, Tacoma, and All Surrounding WA communities. To Learn more about Invisalign, Damon System Braces, and Your Orthodontic Treatment Options Simply Contact Me