National Children's Dental Health Month is sponsored by the American Dental Association each February to raise awareness of the importance of oral health. 

Our teeth are important to help us smile, talk, and eat.  Our oral health is important because what happens in our mouth effects the rest of our bodies.  Numerous studies are being done continuing to show the link between heart disease and oral health.  By teaching proper brushing, flossing, and care of our teeth and oral tissue to our children we may help them avoid major health issues later in life.

Tips on Oral Care for all ages

Infants:

Use a wash cloth or finger brush to clean teeth

Do not put to bed with a bottle, or fill bottle with water only

Toddlers:

Use a minimal amount of fluoride free toothpaste

Assist with brushing 2 times a day

Children:

First dental visit should be around age 4

Assist with brushing and flossing daily- let the child brush first and then check and help reach any missed areas

First orthodontic visit should be by age 7

Adolescent:

Encourage and remind to brush 2 times a day, and floss daily

See a dentist for regular cleaning and check up visits

Tips for all ages:

Change your toothbrush every 3 months.  Your toothbrush bristles should look like the day you bought it after 3 months, if it does not, you are pressing too hard while brushing.

Use only a pea size amount of toothpaste and always remember to spit it out.

Automatic toothbrushes are great.  Let the toothbrush do the work, focus on 1-2 teeth at a time with gentle pressure.

Use a tongue cleaner or toothbrush to clean your tongue daily.

We are always here to help.  We love seeing beautiful healthy smiles.  Contact our office to learn more about what orthodontics can do to improve your ability to chew, talk, and smile!

January 5th, 2012

 Our office has had an unusual year, as most of you have as well.  We have relished the opportunity to treat so many wonderful patients. That opportunity makes our profession very rewarding.  Thank you for letting our office assist you and your family’s orthodontic needs.  We appreciate the confidence you have in our office.

 This past year, Dr. James Stork joined our practice with the goal of a long-term partnership.  Though Jim and his wife Jenna have enjoyed becoming a part of Joplin and our practice, they have decided the distance from their families is too great.  Jim lost his father a few months ago and now his grandmother has some medical issues that make the distance a great concern. This was not the plan from the outset, but some unexpected issues changed the direction of their lives.  They will be staying with us until the end of March 2012 and then plan to move to Des Moines, Iowa.  Jim will be back occasionally after March to see patients with us as he starts his own practice in Des Moines.  Jim has a bright future and we hope you will join our team in wishing him well. 

 My team and I will continue to serve patients with the highest level of orthodontic treatment and strive to make this a smooth transition for all patients.  We will still have extended hours for the convenience of patients.  I will be working some additional patient hours in order to accommodate our patients’ needs.  As with all decisions in our practice, high quality orthodontic treatment is our ultimate goal to best serve the patients that trust us with their treatment.

 We wish you a Happy New Year and thank you again for your trust in LaFerla Orthodontics.

 Sincerely,

Dr. Michael R. LaFerla and Team

New Year, New You!

Now is the time to finally focus on taking care of your health and happiness.  Orthodontics is a great way to correct misaligned teeth, your jaw, speech impediments, or just give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. 

  Check out our list of top 3 reasons to get braces this year.

 Braces aren’t what they used to be.

                LaFerla Orthodontics offers multiple esthetic options for braces including Invisalign and Damon Clear.  Check out our website to learn more about these options.  

                                                                        http://www.laferlaortho.com/invisalign                           http://www.laferlaortho.com/damon-system

 Braces can improve your oral health.

                Misaligned or crooked teeth can make it difficult to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth.  Plaque that is left in your mouth can lead to tartar, gingivitis, and potentially periodontitis or heart disease. 

 Braces aren’t just for kids.

                Twenty percent of orthodontic patients are adults.   Now is the time to treat yourself, and achieve the smile you have always wanted!

 We would love to see you to evaluate which option works best to give you a picture perfect smile.

 Call us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation!

Happy Holidays from LaFerla Orthodontics.  The end of another year is fast approaching; and what a year it has been!  We are so thankful for our amazing patients, our super team, and our outstanding community.  We look forward to a new year and a new start for many in Joplin.  We would love to hear what you’ll remember most about 2011 and what you are looking forward to most about 2012.  Feel free to leave us a message on our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaFerla-Orthodontics/178658741141

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!