Author: Southern Maine Team

Most people love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! For those of you who love catching some rays, you’re in luck! A little sunshine actually helps your teeth during orthodontic treatment. A little sunshine has been found to have several benefits, such as improving mood, our immune functions, and catalyzing vitamin D production in Read More

Exercise is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle. Running is a great way to improve cardiovascular endurance, and is a cost effective form of exercise as it can be done outside almost anywhere. However, you probably don’t think about how running can affect your oral health, as the two may seem unrelated. In Read More

Fortunately, getting braces doesn’t hold you back from doing things you enjoy, like playing sports! Braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. Nonetheless, the price you pay for a beautiful smile is taking a little extra care of your mouth while in treatment. To be sure you’re doing everything you can Read More

It’s no fun having bad breath. It’s even less fun when you don’t know what is causing it. While bad breath is genetic for some people, the culprit is often the foods we eat. There are certain foods that are notorious for causing bad breath, but there are also some lesser known ones you may Read More

Our teeth do a lot to help us on a daily basis (think of how much gum, food, etc. you chew on a daily basis!). All of that hard work means even our teeth deserve a little pampering every once in awhile. Fortunately, the dental aisle at your local store has plenty of affordable products Read More

Pregnancy is such a unique and exciting time in a woman’s life. It is vitally important during this time that a woman takes good care of her body for the sake of her health and the baby’s. This includes your oral health. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to plaque (the Read More

Many people fear going to the dentist. However, it is important that you find ways to cope with this fear as seeing a dentist is an essential part of maintaining your oral health.It is estimated that nearly seventy five percent of adults in the United States experience some amount of fear with regards to visiting Read More

These sores are small ulcers that can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. While they are not serious, they can be pesky and annoying. If you can find out what causes them, they can be easier to prevent! Keep reading for some advice from Read More

A very normal and common part of orthodontic treatment is the use of elastics, which are also known as rubber bands. These devices are crucial to helping teeth to move into the proper position. Wearing them as instructed is a crucial part of making sure your treatment is completed correctly and in a timely manner. Read More

The health of your body is very crucial to your well being and quality of life. Your teeth and mouth are a part of that too! It is important that your teeth and mouth are well nourished and taken care of to keep your smile healthy and shining bright. Luckily, there are many easy ways Read More

What is tooth contouring and reshaping? Teeth reshaping is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for fixing chipped, uneven, or poorly aligned teeth to create a more attractive smile. Dentists may combine shaping or contouring teeth with a treatment called bonding. Bonding involves applying resin to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Read More

Experiencing a little soreness after your braces have been tightened is not uncommon. While each person’s mouth is different, fortunately, most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Moreover, as you are in braces longer, the quicker your discomfort will resolve itself after each tightening. No need to Read More

Twice yearly dental visits are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. Just like you wouldn’t skip your yearly physical, dentist appointments shouldn’t be skipped either. With busy schedules it is tough to find the time for appointments, however, many dentists offer a variety of appointment times so you can find one that compliments Read More

You have enough to worry about when getting ready to go on a date, don’t let your braces add to your worries! While date night can be a nerve-wracking experience, above all else, it should be fun! Fortunately, your braces don’t have to be a source of worry. With a few simple tips you can Read More

There’s a reason toothpastes will market themselves as having properties that will make your teeth whiter, because everyone wants a shiny, white smile. Unfortunately, things we enjoy such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Thus, a whitening toothpaste is often not enough to keep Read More

Seeing an orthodontist is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health and hygiene. Orthodontists are different from dentists in several ways. They have actually completed specialized training that allows them to perform certain treatments that a dentist cannot. In short, you need to see both a dentist and an orthodontist. To learn more about Read More

Your oral health is always extremely important, whether you’re in braces or not! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Christopher Murphy at Southern Maine Orthodontics. Some of the easiest ways to Read More

While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. However, what everyone feels is a little different! Most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. The longer you’re in Read More

Wrapping up your orthodontic treatment is an exciting time! Your hard work is rewarded with a beautiful smile. However, the work doesn’t end here. It is crucial that you continue to take great care of your teeth in order to maintain your new smile. This includes wearing your retainer, which allows your smile to last Read More

It is quite common that when you go to the dentist, they will take X-rays of your teeth. Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist will use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as getting your teeth Read More