Giving thanks this holiday season

Dr. Scott and our entire orthodontic staff at Scott Orthodontic Associates extend our best wishes to you, our patients and referring doctors, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile, and would like to know: what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any photos or stories to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Dr. Scott wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why we are helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Gregory Scott will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Scott and team are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Dr. Scott or ask us on Facebook.

Ask Dr. Scott: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Great question. With fall season upon, we know the dreaded cold and flu season is, too. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Gregory Scott and our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush.

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call Scott Orthodontic Associates at (863) 709-1941 if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review us on Google!

Whether you've visited Scott Orthodontic Associates for a week, months or even years, you'd probably know Dr. Gregory Scott and our highly-trained staff are committed to providing you with the best orthodontic experience in a friendly, fun, and high-tech atmosphere.

We'd love to hear your feedback about how our team is doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Scott create more beautiful smiles in Lakeland and surrounding communities.

You may write a review here.

Thank you in advance! We hope you had a wonderful Halloween!