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A bright, beautiful smile is often achieved with braces. The time you spend wearing braces is an investment in the good health and appearance of your smile. However, Dr. Syrah Quraishi and our staff know that having braces on your teeth can pose challenges. Many of these challenges are commonly faced by all who wear braces, such as flossing, getting food stuck in your braces, and bad breath.

Today, let’s address bad breath and what to do about it. There’s no reason you have to shy away from conversation for fear that you’ve got bad breath.

Fresh Breath Tips for Braces Wearers

• Eat a Healthy Diet. Unhealthy foods that are laden with sugar can contribute to bad breath. Stick with healthy produce, protein, grains, and dairy found on the list of foods your orthodontist says are safe to eat with braces.
• Drink Non-Sugary Beverages. Likewise, steer clear of sugary sodas and juices for the same reason. They contribute to bad breath.
• Stay Hydrated. A mouth that’s continually dry can lead to bad breath by inhibiting your production of saliva. Regular production of saliva removes bacteria and excess food from your mouth, both of which cause bad breath.
• Brush Often. Brush your teeth and tongue first thing in the morning, after each meal and snack, and before you go to bed, to remove food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath.
• Don’t Forget to Floss. Flossing with braces might seem tricky, but it is a necessity. Ask Dr. Syrah Quraishi to show you the best way to floss effectively with braces.
• Mouthwash Use. Use the mouthwash recommended by Dr. Syrah Quraishi. For the best results, swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Get Regular Cleanings. Regular dental exams and cleanings are more important when you have braces. Cavities can delay your treatment progress, so be sure to visit your dentist every six months.

Practice Good Hygiene Daily

Good oral hygiene practices are important every day, whether you wear braces or not. But they become even more important during the months you wear braces. In addition to your regular orthodontic checkups, see your general dentist for cleanings and exams.

Together, you and our Indianapolis team will keep your mouth healthy and fresh during and after your orthodontic treatment.

"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." - Robert Browning

We would like to take this moment to thank all the great moms out there for being so great during their child’s visits to Premier Orthodontics. Whether it’s driving their kids to regularly scheduled appointments or for “being there” while their child is treatment, the moms who come to our office are all stellar individuals, so Dr. Syrah Quraishi and our entire staff would like you to know that we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day and enjoy your special day!

Moms. They’re selfless, giving, and always willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of their children. Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate all the moms out there but we think moms should be showered with love each and every day! That’s why we wanted to take a few moments to share why we think moms rock.

When it comes to being incredible role models for their kids, all while juggling the tasks of everyday life with ease, moms can do it all! The saying “God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers” says it all! Dr. Quraishi says her mom is frazzled by nothing and is the most down-to-earth, content person she knows.

Perhaps the only thing that has ever frazzled Dr. Quraishi’s mom is her voicemail! For awhile, she thought the voicemail message was her answering machine and would shout “Hello! Hello! It’s me! PICK UP THE PHONE.” We’re happy to say her mom has now gotten the hang of things - not to mention, she makes the best oatmeal cookies around! Dr. Quraishi describes her mom as content, selfless, and irreplaceable. She always says “walk with your head held high and whatever you do, do it well.” We couldn’t agree with her more!

As for Dr. Quraishi’s own Mother’s Day celebrations, her husband and kids pamper her all day long. The day starts out with a delicious breakfast at home accompanied by handmade cards, flowers, and gifts. Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day if you ask us!

Our office is big on celebrations, and we believe mothers deserve one wholeheartedly! To help spread that cheer, we’ll be handing out flowers to all of our patients and everyone in the office as a big “thank you” for all you do. If we don’t get to see you in the office, we hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

The merry month of May also happens to be National Fitness and Sports Month, so take advantage of the warmer days to get outside and exercise! Bringing a friend, family member, or coworker with you when you go for a brisk walk during a lunch break can provide an opportunity to socialize as well as health benefits. If you need a little more motivation, here are some good reasons to stay active and fit.

Exercise provides:

• Improved stamina and energy as well as toned muscles and bone strength and density
• Improved circulation and breathing for a healthier heart and lungs
• Reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes and certain forms of cancer
• For older adults, regular exercise may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls as well as improved cognitive abilities

Children and Teens

Children and teenagers spend long hours at their desks in school, on the computer, watching television, and involved in other sedentary activities that result in obesity and poor health later in life. Getting them engaged in school or community sports teams can help them form good life-long exercise habits. One important note: If they are participating in contact sports, Dr. Syrah Quraishi and our team at Premier Orthodontics recommend your kids wear an approved mouthguard to protect those valuable teeth from injury! Ask us for a proper fitting of your safety appliance during your next visit!

A gym membership is nice but not necessary to stay fit; try these easy ways to work some exercise into your daily routine.

At Home

• Take a friend along for company on a walk through your neighborhood.
• Pursue gardening or other yard work, including mowing or raking.
• Take your kids on a bike ride or have them push a baby stroller around the block.

Couch potatoes take note: simply moving from the sofa to the floor for some sit-ups, leg-lifts, or push-ups while you’re watching television can help you get in better shape in no time.

At Work

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Take exercise breaks for walks around the building or parking lot.
• Walk or ride a bike to work.

So what are you waiting for? Get moving!

For more information on exercise techniques, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Syrah Quraishi, please give us a call at our convenient Indianapolis office!