Nifty "Eggs"periment from Dr. Pobanz

Summer is drawing near. If the little ones aren’t at camp, we at Pobanz Orthodontics thought you might need some ideas to keep them occupied. Why not use a fun and simple science experiment to focus their attention for a while? This one includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

--1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
--12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
--1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
--1 plastic bowl
--1 toothbrush
--1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
--Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the white color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Enjoy from Pobanz Orthodontics

Appointment Card Contest at Pobanz Orthodontics

Being in the RIGHT place at the RIGHT time is all it takes to win a $100 VISA Gift Card from Dr. John! We have changed our appointment card contest. Simply hand your appointment card to one of our front desk girls and IF you are EARLY or RIGHT ON TIME, your card will be entered into the "ON TIME" drawing held once every quarter. The next drawing will be at the end of March 2009! So keep those cards coming!!

Contests for Everyone at Pobanz Orthodontics

TOOTHBRUSH DECORATING CONTEST
Test your design skills! Dr. John and his Team want to see your creative side! Take a toothbrush and work your magic. (Use one of your own or we are providing them in the office). Decorate the toothbrush or use it to create a sculpture or other piece of art work. We will display all the designs in the office. Each toothbrush will get one entry for a Digital Camera! One entry per patient. Contest ends March 31st.

ADULT CONTEST
The next adult appointment card contest is awesome and by far one our most popular! Bring your appt. card to your appointments and if you are ON TIME or EARLY, your card will be entered to win a $150 cleaning spree! That's right we send 'em to you!! Contest ends March 31st, just in time for spring cleaning!

Good luck from Dr. John and the Team at Pobanz Orthodontics.

Smoke Screen -- Dr. John Pobanz

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Pobanz Orthodontics! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

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!