Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

--Gums that appear red or swollen
--Gums that feel tender
--Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
--Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
--Persistent bad breath
--Loose teeth
--Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
--Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling us at Hallman Orthodontics. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Smoke Screen from Dr. Linda Hallman

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Hallman Orthodontics! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Reality TV Makeovers: No Substitute for the Real Thing -- Hallman Orthodotnics

From Hollywood stars to corporate executives to everyday people on the street, beautiful smiles are popping up everywhere. In fact, a new survey found that orthodontists are currently helping close to six million people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles – up 44 percent from 10 years ago.

While many people recognize the benefits of orthodontic care, this proven and effective treatment has been overlooked recently by "quick fix" dental makeover procedures shown on some of today's popular reality TV programming.

"Public attention has been drawn lately to ‘makeover' TV shows. These ‘makeovers' are fast, but may not necessarily be the best way for an individual to change the appearance of unsightly teeth," said Dr. Melvin DeSoto, an orthodontist and president of the AAO.

Veneers or bonding, for example, require permanent removal of enamel, thus changing fundamental tooth structure. These non-reversible changes to the enamel do not correct an underlying orthodontic problem.

If you are considering procedures to cover up unsightly teeth, give us a call first at Hallman Orthodontics. We can work with your general dentist and other dental specialists toward the overall goal of good oral health. Through this common goal, you will ultimately achieve a healthy bite, properly aligned jaws and good function – all of which are components of a healthy, beautiful smile.

Marvelous Molasses Cookies for Everyone in Orthodontic Care

The wisdom of the ages tells us that necessity is the mother of invention. Brenda Waterman, age thirteen, offers new proof of this proverb. When getting braces mandated cutting a list of foods out of her diet – including her much-loved treat of caramel apples – she devised a work-around recipe that let her indulge her craving. This clever replacement for caramel apples was the inspiration for The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love, which Brenda created along with her mom, Pam Waterman.

At Hallman Orthodontics, we want your orthodontic experience to be an exciting time in your life. You should still be able to treat yourself to delicious sweets. Check out these Marvelous Molasses Cookies from Brenda's great book!

They smell wonderful even before baking, they melt in your mouth, and they never harden up. Yum – the best of gingerbread and ginger snaps in one!

* 1 cup shortening
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 2 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Baking time 11 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, salt and molasses, using an electric mixer and beating until fluffy. Add cinnamon and ginger. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the warm water; add water mixture to the molasses mixture alternately with the flour until well blended.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 11 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about four dozen. Store in a covered container.