Dau Orthodontics, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing traditional braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Steven Dau is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited Dau Orthodontics lately? Give us a call!

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Dau Orthodontics

At Dau Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Dau and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why Dau Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Dau will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Dau is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Dau Orthodontics.

Orthodontic fun facts, from Dr. Dau

Everyone loves facts. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Dau Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first recorded orthodontic-like method of treatment was performed by the Roman writer Celsus (25 B.C.-A.D. 50).
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).
• The first Society of Orthodontists met in St. Louis in 1901.
• The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• A child should first visit an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. Early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• Braces aren't just for children. The percentage of adults seeking orthodontic treatment increased from 17 percent in 1979 to 23 percent in 1992.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bone destruction.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

At Dau Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Dau Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Tampa and Lutz.

Did you know Dr. Dau's patients have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service!

"I'm new to the system. But I can tell its going to be very helpful with filing my Flexible spending claims and keeping up with appointments and balances." ~ Juliet H.

"It's great when your office is closed I can still can verify my appoitment and my balance." ~ Angela C.

"(0rtho Sesame) minimizes questions that require easy clarification without interrupting the orthodontist." ~ Yvonne V.

"When I don't have time to use the phone, I can just visit the website and get my questions answered." ~ Teresa H.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Dau Orthodontics if you have any questions!