Thursday 31 December 2015

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about understanding your dental plan.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Monday 28 December 2015

Your Best Orthodontic Treatment Option

How do I know if I should use braces or Invisalign?
Every patient’s situation is unique. We offer a complimentary evaluation to determine if your best treatment options are traditional braces, Invisalign, or a combination of the two. With any of these options, AcceleDent™ may be another possibility to help speed up the progression of your treatment. 


Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Monday 21 December 2015

Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.

Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.

Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com 

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Saturday 12 December 2015

Orthodontic Treatment

Is it okay to drink soft drinks during orthodontic treatment?
Sugar and acids are your teeth’s worst enemies, because they soften the tooth enamel and encourage decay. Braces will give you a fantastic smile when the treatment is complete, but you have to be diligent during the treatment for the best results. This means brushing and flossing very carefully, especially around the brackets and wires, but also avoiding foods and beverages that can do damage. We’ll provide a complete list of instructions and foods to avoid, and it’s important that you follow all recommendations for the best results.

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

A New Year's You: Dental Health Resolutions

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.

Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.

To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Saturday 5 December 2015

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatments

I had braces a long time ago, and my teeth have shifted since then. Can Invisalign correct this?
Invisalign is a fantastic option for returning the smile you worked so hard to obtain through original treatment, because it is so quick and discreet. Shifting often occurs into adulthood after braces are removed, and many Invisalign patients have come to us for just this reason.


Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com

Tuesday 1 December 2015

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Raman Orthodontics  
Jim Raman, DMD  
1600 Lake Murray Boulevard  
Columbia, SC 29212  
(803) 212-0996  
RamanOrtho.com