Teeth Brushing and Flossing--the Ins and Outs by Dr. Pobanz, South Ogden and Pleasant View, UT

Patients want to know what they should do to take care of their teeth and gums when they are not sitting in your chair. Everyone knows that it's important to brush their teeth three times a day and floss at least once, but there are other small nagging questions a lot of us don't know the answers to. Chewing gum advertisers claim that chewing gum will help prevent cavities, while tooth brush manufacturers allege that their state-of-the-art toothbrush will also help to reduce plaque. Dr. Pobanz helps us to decipher the tricky waters of mouthwashing! Frequently asked questions about brushing your teeth:

1. How much time should it take me to brush my teeth?

At least 2 minutes or the length of a song on the radio.

2. How long should I keep my tooth brush before buying a new one?

You should be a new one every 3-6 months

3. Do power toothbrushes work better than regular toothbrushes?

Only if they are used. Studies show that a diligent person can get the same effect with a standard tooth brush. However, many people are more likely to use their power brush - many have features that disrupt plague easier like the Braun or Sonicare. Bottom line: whatever you have, use it!

4. When I can't brush, will chewing sugar free gum after a meal really help to prevent cavities?

Increasing saliva flow is the key here. The research is showing that their is an increase in salivary flow, therefore a reduction in plaque accumulation while chewing sugar free gum after a meal.

5. Does mouthwash really help to prevent cavities?

Anything that reduce bacteria counts in the saliva can make a difference

6. How often should I use mouthwash?

An ADA approved mouthwash with Flouride and/or antibacterial ingredients could be used once a day to make a difference while helping to improve bad breath.

7. Will eating mints hurt my teeth, and cause cavities?

Sugar free mints help your breath but little else, however, a regular mint is just like eating a piece of candy, exposing your teeth to more sugar.

8. Will brushing my teeth after meals help prevent cavities?

Absolutely. Removing food debris reduces acid producing bacteria in the mouth which is what causes cavities.

9. What is the best way to keep my gums healthy?

Regular brushing and flossing at least twice a day and a professional cleaning visit every six months with a dental hygienist are the keys to healthy gums. Smoking and chewing tobacco contribute to gum disease. Gentle but thorough brushing is important as the delicate architecture of the gums can be negatively affected by an over-aggressive brushing technique. And if you need orthodontic care, contact us at Pobanz Orthodontics!

Pobanz Orthodontics Patient Reviews

With two locations serving South Ogden and Pleasant View, Utah, Pobanz Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic treatments in a comfortable, inviting setting. Just see what our patients have to say!I love everything - I've never been displeased. Dr. Pobanz is a very personable guy, my child and I just love him. His staff is excellent, very nice, knowledgeable, and fun. His office contests and incentives are great. Whenever I talk to people about their children and braces I mention how much I love Dr. John and his staff. I'm even thinking about treatment for myself...
-Jolyn H.

Dr. Pobanz and his staff have such positive attitudes and they are very encouraging for their patients. It's never dull there, and the staff are all so easy to talk to. I like the casual, informal setting.
-Genevieve L.

Pobanz Orthodontics is a fun place and I feel like I'm getting the most modern care available.
-Jason H.

Dr. Pobanz is up to date on all the new high-tech stuff and has a great office that is a fun environment for kids and parents. The friendly staff are always smiling.
-Erin B.

Everyone at Pobanz Orthodontics is very friendly! They give great information regarding your personalized treatment plan, stay updated with the latest technology, have such a friendly office staff, and a fun environment. We loved them!
-London D.

Dr. Pobanz is professional, has a great bedside manner, has fun contests for patients, and their website and office is impressive.
-Cindy S.

Pobanz Orthodontics is a fun environment! I love it when everyone's happy. Most times I am there, they are singing and laughing!
-William S.

Dr. Pobanz is very funny, has a great friendly staff, and a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere. Almost makes it fun to wear braces. Almost!
-Bonnie Q.

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling 801-452-7155. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Baby Teeth – and Gums – Need Special Care!

One question we hear all the time is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Dr. Pobanz.

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - Dr. John Pobanz

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth - South Ogden, UT

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what I do as an orthodontist. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes my job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

I think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!

The Tooth Fairy - Pobanz Orthodontics

Losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project I found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
• I large empty match box
• Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
• Ribbon
• Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
• Markers
• White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
• Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!