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!

Facebook Halloween contest through Nov. 8!

Okay guys, Halloween is officially one week away, so don't forget to post a picture of yourselves in your Halloween costume so you can be entered in the contest to win the iPod touch or some gift cards!! Post your pic by November 8th!!!

We're looking forward to seeing those creative costumes!

Scott Orthodontic Associates, helping you understand cavities

Dr. Gregory Scott and our team at Scott Orthodontic Associates know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach (this is especially important since you're wearing braces)
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Hope this helps! Questions? Give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

At Scott Orthodontic Associates, October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and we wanted to remind our patients in braces to be careful when they bite into their treats. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time at Scott Orthodontic Associates!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists put a great deal of effort into creating some delicious (and braces-friendly) recipes you can enjoy this Halloween season! Enjoy!

- Dr. Scott and team