Bishop Orthodontics, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Bishop Orthodontics thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing Dr. Bishop, you should visit your dentist regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 60th year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Bishop Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call!

Access your account—any day, any time—at Bishop Orthodontics

At Bishop Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Edwards and Frisco.

Did you know that patients at Bishop Orthodontics have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

"I just enjoyed seeing my daughter's info when I wanted to. I also liked playing with the different colored rubber bands for the braces!" ~ Carey P.

"I like to be able to view the account balance to check on insurance payments. I also like to view the last time they had an appointment and when the next one is." ~ Michael C.

"First, no other doctor I know uses the internet to communicate with their patients. Also it shows how Dr. Bishop is willing to go out of his way and go the extra mile for his patients." ~ Joseph P.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

The importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, from Dr. Bishop

At Bishop Orthodontics, we know how important it is for kids to protect their teeth. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Bishop and our professional team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why the team at Bishop Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Bishop may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. 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 we are trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Bishop Orthodontics.

Bishop Orthodontics, distinguishing the myths & facts about orthodontics

Dr. Bishop and our team at Bishop Orthodontics know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists (and orthodontics) circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Bishop Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call!