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invisalign Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Brace Yourself: A Beautiful Smile Sans Metal

Very few of us are lucky enough to be born with a dazzling smile. Proper oral hygiene and dental cosmetics take hard work. You can whiten, you can clean, you can be cavity-free—but you still might have some things to straighten out. No one particularly likes the idea of braces; we associate this heavy-duty orthodontic treatment with discomfort

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kids teeth Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Taking Care of Kids’ Teeth

Taking care of kids’ teeth seems straightforward enough, but it can easily get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day life. There are also facets of tooth care for your child that you may not be aware of. For example, the importance of early orthodontic treatment.  Early treatment catches tooth problems that might be difficult and expensive to correct

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tongue thrust Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

What Is Tongue Thrust?

Tongue thrust occurs in babies who are bottle-fed or breast-fed. In infants, tongue thrust is totally normal. As the baby grows, their swallowing and speaking patterns change, and ideally they will stop tongue thrusting. However, sometimes this habit lingers, often due to prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier, allergies accompanied by swollen tonsils, or if the band

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Avoid bad breath and dry mouth with braces with these tips from the best orthodontist in Ripley WV

Dry Mouth with Braces or Invisalign

If you wear braces or Invisalign and are experiencing dry mouth, or xerostomia, you are not alone. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry found 16 percent of the participants experienced xerostomia. Having braces can increase your likelihood of having dry mouth. It’s important to address xerostomia because it can affect your overall oral

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air flossing and water flossing Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Air Flossing and Water Flossing

Almost all of us are familiar with flossing our teeth using standard dental floss. But the new year might be a good time to think about using a different flossing technique, like air flossing or water flossing. Better oral hygiene is an excellent New Year’s resolution, and one that should be easy to maintain with all the flossing

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avoid tooth stains with braces Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

How to Avoid Tooth Stains From Braces

If you wear braces, you are probably looking forward to the day you can see your newly straightened teeth. Admiring your beautiful smile is an amazing reward for diligently taking care of your teeth and oral health. You likely envision a mouthful of straight pearly whites staring back at you. However, there are times when teeth may be

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diet soda hurt teeth Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

Will Diet Soda Hurt My Teeth?

Oftentimes we choose to drink diet soda because we are watching our waistlines. We have been told diet soda is healthier because it’s devoid of sugar, calories, and fat. It’s typically seen as the healthier alternative to sugary soda and juice. However, while the topic of conversation usually centers on what diet soda is lacking – sugar and

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Teeth tell you about your health Smith Orthodontics in Parkersburg and Ripley, WV

What Your Teeth Can Tell You About Your Health

Your health can be measured with many different tests, but one of the best ways to gauge your level of health is to look at your teeth. While this may seem silly, what your teeth tell you about your health cannot be understated. Keep reading for a list of different medical concerns that doctors and dentists can diagnose

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is fruit bad for your teeth

Is Fruit Bad for Your Teeth?

We all know fruit is delicious and healthy, but some fruits may come with some surprising effects on your smile. While most fruits can help reduce your craving for sweets, clean plaque from your teeth and freshen your breath, some fruits contain high amounts of natural sugars and acids that aren’t so friendly. Let’s discover how to enjoy

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