Dr. Dougherty wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries – especially mouth injuries – are common among kids, let alone teens with braces. In a 2009 survey, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports. That’s why Dr. Harry Dougherty and our team are helping spread the word that many facial injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards this fall.

This fall, don’t forget to:

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

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our convenient Sherman Oaks office.

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The season of thanks

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, we wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are for all of our patients and their families. We realize that our practice here in Sherman Oaks thrives because of you and are honored you have chosen us as a part of your healthcare team. As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope it brings fond memories to you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dr. Dougherty and Staff

Hey Dr. Dougherty, when should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Harry Dougherty will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at the office of Dr. Harry Dougherty if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Ask Dr. Dougherty: Any truth to those myths about orthodontics?

Dr. Harry Dougherty and our experienced staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) out there these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists did some digging to help set the record straight, and have some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment with Dr. Dougherty, feel free to give us a call at 818-986-6223 or ask us on Facebook! Have a GREAT rest of the weekend!