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!

Ask Dr. Dougherty: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

As Halloween nears closer and closer, our staff at Dr. Harry Dougherty's office know a lot parents here in Sherman Oaks are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Dougherty as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Hey, Dr. Dougherty! What is Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

We've discussed Invisalign in previous posts, but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at the office of Dr. Harry Dougherty is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Sherman Oaks, California office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 818-986-6223 for a consultation to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Dougherty is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Sherman Oaks.

Connect with Dr. Dougherty and team on Facebook!

At the office of Dr. Harry L. Dougherty Jr, we value the relationships we’ve developed with our patients in Sherman Oaks and greater San Fernando Valley over the years. Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with us on Facebook?

By “Liking” us at Facebook.com/DoughertyOrtho, you will receive regular updates and contest announcements from our office – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook, and have a wonderful rest of the week!

- Dr. Dougherty and team

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

Dr. Dougherty 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 Dr. Dougherty's office, 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 Sherman Oaks or surrounding areas!