How To Cure Your Pizza Burn

According to Gallop Poll, approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold in the US every year, and we consume about 251,777,000 pounds of pizza per year. If you’ve done your fair share of eating some of the 3 billion pizzas sold nationwide, then chances are you’ve also had your time of suffering from pizza burn. Pizza burn can happen in that micro second it takes to indulge in your first bite of that hot, cheesy, saucy pizza that you just could not wait to bite into. Though burns may be a little out of the orthodontists’ league, we wanted to take a second anyway and give you some helpful tips to get you through the pizza burn pain. When it comes to your mouth, Beisiegel Orthodontics has you covered.

So whether it is a pizza burn, or another hot food you should have waited on before biting into, chances are you’ve burned your mouth before. There are several symptoms that can occur with this unfortunate mishap, from tears in the roof of your mouth to blisters.

Check out these important steps to take to soothe your mouth next time you have this accident, and help it heal correctly.

• Applying or sucking on ice can relieve the stinging. Gargling cold water or eating ice cream are other options.
• An over-the-counter pain reliever can help, if the pain is really distracting.
• Squeezing Vitamin E from a capsule over the wound can speed up healing. It will regenerate new tissue and heal the wound.
• Resist touching the burned area. This may be difficult, but by touching the affected area, the lesion may become irritated further.
• Drinking milk can coat the scorched area.
• Avoid acidic, crunchy, and other hot foods, or even very salty and spicy dressings. This will stop the burn from getting irritated further.
• Maintain good oral hygiene while your mouth is burnt, keeping it as clean as possible to promote healing and prevent further infection.

Make sure you allow your burn to heal; it usually takes about a week for soreness and blistering to pass. Also, let us know if you have any home remedies that we didn’t list, or any interesting stories about a time you burned your mouth. Leave a comment or post it on our Facebook wall!

The Bigger The Bite...

A new trend in the fast food industry is to advertise foods with the motto “the bigger the better.” We’re sure you have heard of the McDonald’s “Big Mac”or the Wendy’s “Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy ¾ pound Triple”; both of these burgers include massive patties along with a host of other condiments. Believe us, they all look incredibly delicious (just writing this blog is making our mouths water), but should we really be trying to cram food that’s the size of a Mini Cooper into our mouths?

Although these larger than life foods may appeal to your taste buds, taking bites that are too big to chew could be bad for your jaw and teeth, says the Academy of General Dentistry. The bones attached to your teeth get quite the workout when you chew and over working your teeth to chew larger bites can put extra strain on them. The key area of the mouth that can be affected by super-sized meals is the jaw. Taking big bites causes you to open your jaw wider than usual. This can strain the jaw bone and surrounding muscles. This strain can cause Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. TMD causes pain or tenderness of your jaw in the area in front of your ear, an occasional feeling of the jaw being stuck open or closed, facial muscle spasms that make it difficult to open your mouth, headaches that start in front of the ear and spread to the rest of the head or neck and clicking, popping or cracking sounds in the jaw when you open or close your mouth.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, between 5% and 15% of people in the United States experience pain associated with TMD. The effect of harming your jaw may result in needing appliance therapy. Typically, TMD splints are worn to reduce jaw stress. However, depending on the severity of jaw stress, treatments for TMD range from simple self-care practices and conservative treatments to injections and surgery.

Now…can you imagine having to tell your friends you had to undergo jaw surgery because you ate too many “Double Doubles”? That doesn’t sound awesome at all. So remember, as delicious as these super-sized foods look, they are not worth the strain they can cause on your jaw.

New Pumpkin Inspired Recipe

To help you start this positive orthodontic experience Beisiegel Orthodontics found a new recipe that is braces friendly and taste buds approved! Check it out below.

INGREDIENTS:
1 (15 oz) can Pumpkin
1 Egg yolk, large
2 Eggs, large

Baking & Spices
1 3/4 cups All purpose flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed
1 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
1 tbsp Pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp Salt
1 2/3 tbsp Vanilla

Oils & Vinegars
1/2 cup Vegetable oil

Dairy
8 oz Cream cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place paper baking cups into muffin pan. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda and salt until well combined. Set aside.
• In large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, sugar and brown sugar.
• Beat in eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture, until there are no lumps. Fill muffin tins 3/4 full.
• In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in sugar, egg yolk and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
• Top each muffin with about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese mixture and use a toothpick to swirl it into the batter. This will not look smooth, but it will bake up much prettier. (You can see exactly how I did this in the video at the top of the page.)
• Bake muffins for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Benefits of Braces

It’s no secret that a majority of those interested in orthodontic treatment are striving for a straighter smile that will make them more confident. Of course, the doctors and staff at Beisiegel Orthodontics delivers straight beautiful smiles to all of our patients, but we want to inform those who are looking into orthodontic treatment that there are greater benefits to wearing braces. Are you aware of the health benefits of braces?

Braces can do more than just give you an attractive smile. Check out the following oral health problems that can be assisted when being treated by an orthodontist.

• Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
• Digestion
• Difficulties with Speech
• Bone Erosion

Dr. Beisiegel and the Beisiegel Orthodontics staff are happy to explain more to you if you have further questions about the benefits of braces. Visit us for braces in Colchester, Vermont.

Love Your Braces

All relationships take work, and the relationship between you and your braces is no different.  You and your braces will become besties over the upcoming months. There will be some bad days, but there will be good days too. If you stick with it and work through those bad days, the good days will be that much better.

To prevent any ill feelings between you and your braces we recommend...

Avoiding sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your bestie harm. Even though it may seem like the best foods are the foods that are sticky and/or hard…sticky or hard foods can break a bracket or wire.

Chewing with your back teeth. Taking a large bite of food with your front teeth can leave your braces vulnerable to damage. Cut large foods into pieces and use your back teeth to chew.

Flossing. We know that it can be a pain to floss around your braces…your braces may even fight you on it. But flossing is the best way to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems. If you find flossing with braces difficult, don’t give up on it. There are tools that can help. Ask us about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders definitely make flossing with braces much easier.

Smoothing things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.

You and your braces will go through a lot together. When all is said and done, you’ll smile at yourself in the mirror one day, remembering your braces fondly and you'll know that the relationship was totally worth it.

Mini S'mores Recipe

Did you know today is National S'mores Day? If you're not familiar with this delicious treat, traditionally s'mores is a popular dessert amongst campers. Typically, you camp, sit around a fire, and toast marshmallows that you use to create a gooey scrumptious sandwich combined with chocolate bars and graham crackers.

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Want to try something different? Add some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

Mini S'mores Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 package (14.4 ounces) whole graham crackers, quartered
• 1 cup marshmallow creme
• 2 cartons (7 ounces each) milk chocolate for dipping
• 4 ounces white candy coating, melted, optional

Directions

1. Place chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; stir with a whisk until smooth. Cool to room temperature or until mixture reaches a spreading consistency, about 10 minutes.
2. Spread chocolate mixture over half of the graham crackers. Spread marshmallow creme over remaining graham crackers; place over chocolate-covered crackers, pressing to adhere.
3. Melt dipping chocolate according to package directions. Dip each s'more halfway into dipping chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets; let stand until dipping chocolate is set.
4. If desired, drizzle tops with melted white candy coating; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Yield:about 4 dozen.

Mini S'mores Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Choose The Correct Mouthwash

Mouthwash is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, especially when being treated by an orthodontist. The process of using mouthwash seems pretty simple: swig, swish, gargle and spit. But, what most people misunderstand is not all mouthwash is created equal. In fact, do you know if you’re using the right kind of mouthwash while being treated at Beisiegel Orthodontics? And, are you sure you’re using it correctly?

Mouthwash Differences
The next time you’re ready to buy mouthwash, make sure you know your mouthwash and the differences between cosmetic mouthwashes and therapeutic mouthwashes. Just like toothpaste, there are different types of mouthwashes to do different things for your mouth. This is why it’s important to know the key differences between cosmetic & therapeutic mouthwashes.

Cosmetic mouthwashes act as a mask for bad breath or help whiten teeth. Similar to a mint, cosmetic mouthwashes will merely cover your bad breath and give you a more agreeable taste in your mouth. Aside from that, there are also some cosmetic mouthwashes that help give you a brighter whiter smile.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, however, have clinical purposes for oral hygiene that go beyond masking the smell of your breath. Therapeutic mouthwashes serve to fight plaque, attack bacteria and strengthen teeth with fluoride making them a better choice for our patients at Beisiegel Orthodontics.

What to Look For
When buying therapeutic mouthwash, be sure to look for the American Dental Association “Seal of Acceptance” logo on the bottle. All products that feature this logo have been evaluated by experts and approved to meet the safety and standards of effectiveness. Also, be sure to read the instructions very thoroughly and choose the best one for your specific needs.

• Fluoride-based mouthwash: Fluoride exists in most toothpaste and in some tap water. For this reason, it is usually an unnecessary ingredient. Nevertheless, it protects against cavities and strengthens enamel.

• Alcohol–based mouthwash: Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses harshly. It dries out the mouth, aggravates cuts or burns, and exacerbates inflammation. Anyone with sensitivities should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes and seek natural ingredients like aloe.

• Antibacterial mouthwash: Without alcohol—or with a smaller quantity—antibacterial mouthwash fights infections and minimizes the risk of gum disease. Some patients will receive a prescription for such rinses after surgery.

If you are uncertain what therapeutic mouthwash applies to your needs, ask Dr. Beisiegel for help at your next appointment and he will give you a recommendation. Making sure you gargle and rinse with mouthwash as an additional part of your oral hygiene routine is an essential step to getting the smile of your dreams.

What is the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System?

It’s extremely important to keep your aligners odor-free, hygienic and clear. If you’re not aware of the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, we want to introduce you to it. This system makes it easy to care and clean your aligners to ensure optimal results of treatment. Special Cleaning Crystals remove plaque from your Invisalign aligners within about 15 minutes.

The Cleaning System Contains:

Cleaning Tub + 50 pack of Cleaning Crystals.

This cleaning system can be purchased for $75, and is highly recommended. Available on Invisalignstore.com, as well as the refill 50 pack of cleaning crystals for $50.

For more information about this, or to schedule a consultation contact Beisiegel Orthodontics at (802) 658-4447.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but Beisiegel Orthodontics is your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is comprehensive and informative, and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. An orthodontic screening no later than age seven enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems that exist, advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for the treatment. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Dr. Beisiegel is experienced in perfecting smiles of all ages from early childhood to adults! We want to help you feel confident about your smile no matter your life stage. If you are looking for a faster, more comfortable treatment option – Damon® braces or Wilckodontics may be right for you. We also offer clear alternatives with ceramic braces and Inspire braces. We will work with each patient to determine which treatment option is best for you!

The Choice Is Clear

Contrary to popular belief, traditional metal braces are only one of multiple choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. At Beisiegel Orthodontics, we want you to know there are other options out there, and clearly, we are excited about it!

Traditional metal braces include metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by metal wires, which is the most common treatment option to date. However, as orthodontics has progressed we now have less visible options.

Deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment to improve your smile not only affects your appearance, but it affects your lifestyle as well. Largely for adults, the stigma of traditional metal braces has deterred many from seeking treatment. This is why we want you to know about the Invisalign System.

The Invisalign system offers you the convenience and flexibility to live life without the hassle associated with other types of treatment. Invisalign aligners are made of a virtually invisible plastic. There are no irritating brackets or wires to worry about and no food restrictions that will change your eating habits. Plus with fewer doctor visits, Invisalign fits conveniently into your busy lifestyle.

Esthetics are the number one reason for choosing to go clear, and Invisalign is designed to be discreet, comfortable and easy to keep clean. Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to create a series of custom calibrated aligners. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually, week-by-week, until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then you'll be smiling like you never have before! 

So if you are an adult who has dreaming about having the perfect smile, the choice is clear! Contact Beisiegel Orthodontics to schedule your first appointment. 

Make Your St. Patrick's Day Sweet With This Treat

March is designated as the month to go green, and by going green we mean celebrating St. Patrick's Day. For years people have used this month to dye their foods and drinks green, wear crazy leprechaun hats or clover necklaces, and have an excuse to get a free kiss for being Irish, or not being Irish. Regardless of whether or not you're of Irish decent, St. Patrick's day is for anyone who enjoys a great excuse to have a party and eat some tasty green food.  If you're one of the thousands ready partake in the fun of St. Patty's Day, you've come to the right blog! Today, in celebration of this popular holiday, we at Beisiegel Orthodontics decided to share a fun St. Patty's Day inspired recipe for you to try at home.

Sure, cooking isn't usually in the realm of orthodontic expertise, but we genuinely care about your our patients and love sharing fun recipes or ideas. So we wanted to take a moment and talk about something fun, and hopefully, tasty. Read on for a delicious and cute recipe!

Lucky Charms Rainbow Dessert Pizza

Looking for an easy sweet to make as a family? It doesn’t get any better (or cuter) than this dessert pizza!

INGREDIENTS

Crust

• 1pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker™ sugar cookie mix
• 1/2cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1egg
• 1cup Lucky Charms™ cereal (without the marshmallows)

Topping

• 1cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2container Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy cream cheese frosting
• Green food color
• Lucky Charms™ cereal marshmallows

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking or baking spray.
2. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until dough forms. Stir in cereal.
3. Press dough onto cookie sheet into a rainbow shape about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. Bake about 15 minutes or until edges are golden and center of dough is set. Cool completely.
4. In large bowl, beat whipping cream with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Carefully stir in frosting and food color. Use an offset spatula to spread frosting over cooled crust. Top with cereal marshmallows in color-coded rows.

We hope you enjoy this delicious dessert, and if you are feeling generous drop some by for us to try! Also, if you end up baking this please post a picture on our Facebook wall, or tweet us @beisiegelortho! Don't forget to use #BeisiegelOrtho when you post!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!