Friday, October 30, 2009

Boo!



It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We at Green Orthodontics would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! We at Green Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Get to Know Dr. Green

Orthodontist Dr. W. Nettles Green was born and raised in Camden, South Carolina. He graduated from Wofford College and received a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1993. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics in 1995 from Northwestern University in Chicago.

From 1995 to 1998, he practiced orthodontics in the U.S. Army in Fort Irwin, California then returned to private practice in Columbia. Dr. Green recently received his certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, which is an elective process that provides assurance to the public that an orthodontic specialist has successfully completed requirements designed to assess the knowledge, skills and clinical expertise necessary to provide quality patient care.

Dr. Green's outside interests include golf, hunting, off-shore fishing, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Amy live in Forest Acres with their three children, Dorian, Amelia and Nettles. Dr. Green enjoys pop and country music, including bands like Coldplay and Nickelback. His favorite TV show is CSI: Miami, and his two favorite foods are Pizza and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.