Brodsky Orthodontics present: Patriotic fun facts!

This Sunday, our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics will be celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, here are some fun facts about Independence Day we thought you might enjoy! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Brodsky Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about summer?

At Brodsky Orthodontics, we can't believe summer is already in full force! Today, we thought it'd be a good time to ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? Is it the hot California sun? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard and relaxing?

Drs. Joel, Charles and Van Allen (as well as our entire team) would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page!

Happy Friday!

More happy patients at Brodsky Orthodontics!

About a month ago, we asked our patients to write reviews about their experience at Brodsky Orthodontics. And boy, did they! Thanks so much for your kind words, everyone - here are just some of the things they wrote!

"The staff so far have been outstanding and do their best to work with you. I have to have a gadget screwed to my upper palate and am mortified but have confidence in the staff when they say it will not be that bad. The staff are also very friendly. ~ Janira B.

"Everyone is very friendly, gentle, and personable. I look forward to my orthodontist oppointments to say hi to old friends. I can't wait until my next visit!" ~ Brandi B.

"The staff (of course!!) All of you are so personable to myself and my whole family. I appreciate the time you take to make us comfortable while in your office. My twins love it there and cannot wait to get their appliances on!!!" ~ Traci G.

"One of the things i like about my orthodontist is that thier really nice and have a l of of patients with me. even thought my mom gets mad or angry of the most weirdest things we still love you guys. my orthodontist has a lot of patients..is very gentle..makes me laugh and always puts a smile on my face." ~ Kathy C.

"I am new to this office, having never been to an orthodontist. I find Dr. Brodsky and his staff to be quite professional and warm. Professionalism and friendliness of staff, as well as its overall organization and cleanliness, are of key importance to me. Brodsky Orthodontics has exceeded my expectations in each of these areas." ~ Jennifer B.

Summer sports Q&A with Dr. Charles Brodsky

While we know summer brings joy and fun, we're also aware that the summer season brings with it a greater chance of our athletes in treatment damaging their teeth. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult our staff at Brodsky Orthodontics for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards are advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse, kickball and many, many more. Today, Dr. Charles thought he'd answer some of the most frequent questions we get from patients:

Q: How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?
Wear a mouth guard!

Q: If I’m hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do?
1. Find the tooth and determine if it is a baby tooth or adult tooth
2. Hold the tooth by the crown (the surface farthest from the gumline) - not the root
3. If it is an adult tooth, try to put the tooth back in the socket right away and have the child hold it in place
4. If the tooth can not be put back in the socket, store it in cold milk (DO NOT STORE IN TAP WATER)
5. Have the child bite down on a gauze pad to relieve bleeding and pain
6. Go to the dentist or Emergency Room right away

Q: What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?
Call our office for the emergency phone number. One of the doctors will be on call for emergencies 24 hours per day.

Q: Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?
In most cases, if you see a dentist soon after a tooth injury occurs, the tooth can be fixed. Unfortunately, the long-term health of the injured tooth is compromised.

Q: Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?
Some of them are bad for your teeth depending on the amount of sugar content. They are okay to drink only if you are brushing regularly.

Q: What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?
Lots of water.

Q: If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?
Invisalign aligners will help protect your teeth from damage and wearing a mouth guard is not necessary.

Q: Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?
It is best to remove your retainer while playing sports. We have found that retainers are often lost or stepped on while playing sports.

Q: Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes, a mouth guard is a must while playing contact sports with braces! We sell them in the reception area or you can purchase one at any sporting goods store. Make sure the mouth guard says "for orthodontics." The doctors will be happy to mold it to your teeth so that it fits properly while your teeth move.

We hope that helps! Give us a call at (562) 496-2000 if you have other questions about protecting your mouth this summer!

Let's go Lakers!

Have any predictions for the rest of the series? Let's hear them! Let's go Lakers!

Brodsky Orthodontics, supporting National Smile Month

Now that we’re in June, Drs. Charles and Joel Brodsky and team thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our office.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Charles and Joel Brodsky.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at (562) 496-2000. We hope you enjoyed the long holiday weekend!