Summertime Fun!

We have recieved some really great pictures of our patients on their summer vacations! We love looking at all of them (some make us very jealous). It is hard to believe but summer is quickly coming to an end continue to get your pictures into us either by email ,mpledger@thrankin.com, or follow our facebook link and post them on our page! Every entry gets you a chance to win the bike!!! Enjoy the rest of your summer and don't forget about us.

Summer Contest! Great prizes!

Two new Summer contest going on now! Make sure you enter for your chance to win!

Also be sure to "Like" us on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/toddrankinorthodontics

The Effects of Soda on the Teeth

The erosive potential of colas is 10 times that of fruit juices in just the first three minutes of drinking, a study last year showed. The latest research, published in Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) journal General Dentistry, reports that drinking any type of soft drink hurts teeth due to the citric acid and/or phosphoric acid in the beverages.The study measured the acidity, or pH, of 20 commercial soft drinks, including Coke, Pepsi, 7 Up and their diet versions, immediately after cans were opened. Then slices of enamel from freshly extracted teeth were weighed before and after being immersed in the soft drinks for 48 hours.
The result was that the teeth immersed in Coke, Pepsi, RC Cola, Squirt, Surge, 7 Up and Diet 7 Up lost more than 5 percent of their weight, according to the report by Poonam Jain of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine and her colleagues. (Other sodas brought about losses in the enamel weight in the range of 1.6 percent to 5 percent).
The results show that a soda's acidity is not the whole story when it comes to tooth erosion. The type of acid in the soda, level of soda and calcium content are also factors. Citric acid is the most erosive acid found in soft drinks and is the predominant acid in non-cola drinks.
"The bottom line is that the acidity in all soft drinks is enough to damage your teeth and should be avoided," Ross said in a prepared statement.

Invisalign Party! February 16th 3-7pm. Sign up today!

Nutrition for your Teeth.

Just a few tips to help keep your teeth healthy for life.

Drink Tea

Black and green teas contain polyphenols, antioxidant plant compounds that prevent plaque from adhering to your teeth to help reduce your chances of developing cavities and gum disease. Tea also inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause bad odor therefore possibly reducing bad breath.

Eat Cheese

If you can't brush or floss after having a soda or sugary treat, just eat a piece of cheddar! Research shows that eating cheese can help reduce cavities in part by neutralizing tooth damaging acid.

Eat 800mg of calcium a day

People who do are less likely to develop severe gum disease, says a recent study by the Buffalo researchers.

Smile For a Lifetime Foundation

WHO WE ARE

Smile for a Lifetime is an Orthodontic Foundation that aims to reach individuals who have not had the opportunity to acquire assistance due to financial reasons and/or other special situations. The local level Board of Directors of Smile for a Lifetime selects local individuals to receive an Orthodontic Scholarship from the foundation. The National Board of Directors governs the local Board of Directors.



OUR MISSION

At Smile for a Lifetime Foundation it is our mission to create self-confidence, inspire hope, and change the lives of children in our communities in a dramatic way. The gift of a smile can do all this for a deserving, underserved individual who, in turn, can use this gift to better themselves and our communities.

Visit our website today to find out more or fill out an application www.thrankinortho.com follow the Smile For Lifetime Foundation link.

Back to School

Hope everyone had a great summer! Hopefully you were able to slow down for at least a week and spend time with family and friends. Now as school quickly approaches and we get back to the frantic rush of bus routes, carpools and homework don't forget to take a breather every now and then. If you can't get away just sit and smile, smile, smile!