Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ask Drs. Ouellette & Collins: What's the deal with Halloween treats?


For parents worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

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 treats.

So what's a parent to do?

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 some milk or eat a slice of cheese. Lastly, we encourage you to check out these braces-friendly (and delicious) Halloween treats, provided by the AAO.

Hope this helps! Ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

What are happy patients saying about Dr. Ouellette & Dental Specialists lately?

"He is always friendly, has a smile on his face and makes you feel comfortable. One of the family and not just a person being pushed through." ~ Pamela M.

"Kind, caring, best reputation, willing to work with me." ~ Anthony S.

"The staff is always very pleasant. Very accommodating with appt. dates and times." ~ Michael H.

"The modern technology makes me feel more comfortable with the knowledge of our orthodontist. It shows me that he is up to date on the latest trends in orthodontia." ~ Shari C.

"Convenient location, pleasant staff, good care." ~ Frank B.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ask Dr. Ouellette: Why are straight teeth so important?

People wonder why Dr. Paul Ouellette, Dr. Ryan Collins and our staff at Dental Specialists work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Dental Specialists can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque, the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and, they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation at our convenient offices in Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Titusville or Kissimmee. We can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call at 321-453-7750 or ask us on Facebook!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Busy month at the Dental Specialists!

Our staff at the Dental Specialists want to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If your answer is yes, that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to us every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But this month also marks National Dental Hygiene Month, which is why it can be a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially during your orthodontic treatment at one of our offices in Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Titusville or Kissimmee.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they’re capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit our office on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.


If you have any question, we invite you to ask us on Facebook or give us a call at 321-453-7750.

Friday, October 1, 2010

At The Dental Specialists, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday!

Today marks the official start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Drs. Ouellette, Collins and our entire staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 321-453-7750, ask us on Facebook or ask one of our staff members during your visit to one of our offices in Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Titusville or Kissimmee!

Lastly, we'd like to congratulate Joshua Yother on winning our iPad contest! Job well done Joshua!