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Elastics, also known as rubber bands, are a very normal art of orthodontic treatment. However, we know that people sometimes find them to be a nuisance or difficult to adjust to wearing. It is important to know that Optimal Orthodontics of Humble has you wearing elastics because they are essential to the completion of the patient’s orthodontic treatment.

 The elastics are supposed to be worn approximately 20-22 hours a day and should only be removed to eat and then to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, elastics should be changed out for new ones about three times a day.

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As fall begins in many parts of the country, temperatures begin to drop, and leaves begin to change. However, can the cooler weather also cause your teeth to hurt? Keep reading to learn more about how your teeth can react to cooler weather from Optimal Orthodontics of Humble.

Do your teeth ever hurt when you eat something hot or cold? When your tooth enamel wears down or your gums recede, it exposes a layer of your teeth that is especially sensitive to temperature changes. The weather can also cause your teeth to experience discomfort. During the winter, your teeth contract in response to intense cold weather. This can lead to cracks in your teeth and cause the same type of pain that you may feel when you eat something cold, like ice cream.

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Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well sunshine lovers, Optimal Orthodontics of Humble has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increase vitamin D production in our bodies.

The Importance of Vitamin D

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.

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We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not. Optimal Orthodontics of Humble will explain the correlation between running and oral health.

Oral Health and Running

While the rest of your body may be in great shape, each extra training hour actually increases your risk of tooth decay. Athletes are at risk for two specific oral health problems: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects.

1. Dry Mouth Effects – When you’re on a run, you’re likely breathing heavily through your  mouth. This makes your mouth as dry as a desert. Due to the potential for dehydration (at some level), you don’t recover from dry mouth as quickly as you would otherwise. Dry mouth creates a danger zone for your teeth. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 30% of all tooth decay in older adults is caused by dry mouth. Saliva is required to help to wash away food debris and reduce plaque – reducing your risk for gum disease and tooth decay.

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