Don't skip those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Brown wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Brown Family Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Metairie, Mandeville, Covington, Franklinton, New Orleans or surrounding areas!

"Dentists,Orthodontists ... What's the Difference?"

“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Brown started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Brown decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert in Dr. Brown to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

At BFO, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know October is National Orthodontic Health Month? This month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Drs. Ed & Jessica Brown and our team at BFO realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Brown and other dental professional in greater New Orleans.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Brown during your visit this month!

Ask Dr. Brown: “Where can I get more info about braces?”

Great question! Besides on the BFO website, which provides you with a plethora of information about all things braces and Invisalign, we would like to point you to a helpful website: Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have provided lots of important information about everything braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

We encourage you to check out AAO today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions here on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Brown & the BFO Team

September is Self-Improvement Month, from BFO

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Brown Family Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Brown would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

See you soon!

Connect with BFO on Facebook!

Did you know Brown Family Orthodontics are on Facebook? Our fan page provides you the latest news, updates and announcements from Dr. Brown and our office. We invite you to connect with us and be "in the loop" for all things Brown Family Orthodontics, which serves Covington, Mandeville, Metairie, Franklinton and surrounding communities here in Louisiana.

Become a "fan" today and have a great rest of the weekend! From Dr. Ed Brown and the entire team at Brown Family Orthodontics!

Tips for a successful school year, from Dr. Brown

At Brown Family Orthodontics, we know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! That’s why we thought we’d provide a few steps for our patients to enjoy their time in school and succeed this upcoming school year!

· Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.

· Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the most important meal of the day.

· Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to avoid the vending machine and limit your intake of junk food.

· Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.

· Stay active. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.

· Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher or your peers for guidance.

· Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

We hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!