How important is your smile? From Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics, we are dedicated to using the most advanced orthodontic technology in order to provide comfortable, accurate, customized orthodontic treatments. Our office offers a modern, friendly, open environment where patients and their families are encouraged to get involved in their treatment.

The bottom line is, we know your teeth are important.

In fact, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Please contact our practice at 650-952-1010 or 510-475-4153 for a FREE orthodontic consultation. We look forward to working with you and your family! We have proudly served the Daly City, South San Francisco, Millbrae, San Bruno areas and Union City, Fremont, Newark, Hayward (California) areas.

Watch what you eat this holiday season!

At Salins Orthodontics, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, try fudgy cocoa bites, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Loving Your Braces Can Lead to Love

Love is in the air at Salins Orthodontics. One of my patients was sitting in the chair the other day making a big to-do about the fact that she couldn't go to Vegas and have fun with her girlfriends because she had her braces on. She said she didn't feel comfortable dating. "I'm on a dating hiatus," she said. Another patient a couple of chairs down had overheard her complaining and said, "Are you kidding me? I met my boyfriend this way, and now I know he really likes me for me." Everyone started laughing.

A lot of my single adult patients worry about being able to date with braces. Anxiety can arise with the thought of going through orthodontic treatment. "I'll never be able to date." "Men won't find me attractive." "Women won't think they are sexy." "Braces are going to ruin my game." "I won't be pretty." Some people decide that they aren't going to date at all. Honestly, would a woman kick Tom Cruise out of bed for having ceramic braces? Would a man not be interested in Nikki Taylor or Gwen Stefani because their teeth adorn little brackets? Not so much.

Think of having braces as a time to reform and transform. Carry off a positive attitude, and you'll have no problem carrying off braces. Find someone who is interested in you for being the incredible person you are and put some faith into the fact that you look amazing with or without your braces. If other people can't see past your braces, they aren't even worth your time.

It's been a joke at our office lately that love is in the air because lots of patients are getting braces before weddings or meeting their soul mate with their braces. A couple of patients are getting married with their braces. Some of my women patients in their forties and fifties don't mind keeping their braces on even longer than they need to because the braces give their lips the "botox effect." They love them because it makes their lips feel fuller and they attract younger guys. As for my male patients, braces make them seem like a risk taker and make them look younger - what isn't attractive about that? The truth is, the object of your affection is going to be interested in you regardless of what's in your mouth (unless what's in your mouth is yesterday's breakfast and seriously bad oral hygiene - nothing attractive about that). So put a big smile on your face and your best foot forward, and nothing, not even a mouth full of metal, will stand in your way.

A Happy Marriage: You and Your Retainer

Retainer, meet patient. Patient, meet retainer. Get to know each other well because you will be seeing a lot of each other. In fact, I now pronounce you patient and retainer til death do you part. Yes, retainers are for life, but the good news is, your teeth are straight for life as well! 


Retainers are completely loyal to you as long as you are loyal to them. But if you should decide that you would rather be single for awhile, when you come back to your retainer, the retainer may not be the right fit for you anymore. So what happens when your retainer doesn't fit? Well, it's time to schedule a visit with me. The best case scenario - I'll make you a new retainer. Worst case scenario - you will need to start treatment all over again to get your teeth straight again. 


If you have found that you haven't been tried and true to your retainer and it isn't fitting right anymore, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible. If you think that all hope is lost, it might not be. There are affordable products available that can help make small changes - perhaps that's all you need. Either way, it's best to see an orthodontist just to make sure your bite hasn't shifted and that everything is aligning properly.


After you have finished your treatment and have been in retention (wearing a retainer) for over a year, I always recommend that my patients schedule a yearly appointment to make sure that everything is fitting properly.


There are a few different kinds of retainers. I've highlighted a couple of them below:

Hawley retainers are very common and you probably have seen this type of retainer before. These retainers are removable, and usually gum-colored, but they are available in a number of different colors and patterns. They are a great option for most patients and are a sturdy, reliable retainer.

This is a fixed retainer and is a permanent retainer, so it cannot be removed. It consists of a passive wire bonded to the lingual (tongue) side of the teeth. The wire is thin and barely noticeable. This is a great option for patients who aren't compliant, lose retainers, or don't want to deal with a removable retainer!

For Invisalign and Invisalign Teen patients, Vivera retainers are a good option. They are clear, just like aligners, but are thicker than typical aligners to help hold the teeth in place. These are nice retainers, but for long term, permanent use, I try to encourage other types of retainers.

Spring aligners can serve multiple functions. In addition to being a retainer, they can also be used as a night guard because they are made from a hard acrylic. Spring aligners are also great for making minor adjustments to teeth.






Retainers are essential to keeping your teeth, jaw, and bite in the alignment they were in when you got your braces off and finished your treatment. The key to a happy marriage? Wear your retainer.

Dr. Salins and team wishes you a happy Thanksgiving!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Sheldon Salins and our entire staff at Salins Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Ask Dr. Salins: “My braces are on…now what?”

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before prior to your orthodontic treatment.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Sheldon Salins and our team at Salins Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse as well; just ask us for a recommendation!

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Dr. Salins and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Salins Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? You may also give us a call!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Salins Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Dr. Sheldon Salins and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps! Dr. Salins  and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook. Stay safe!

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!

At Salins Orthodontics, our team knows the way you care for your teeth at home doesn’t just affect your oral health – it can impact your overall health as well. In recent years, researchers have found clear links between the mouth and other parts of the body, and the evidence is especially impactful for people with diabetes.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our office for regular check-ups and cleanings. Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but those folks living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure their dental health remains in top shape. Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients.
Dr. Snow and our experts can tell you how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give us a call:

Orthodontic Recipes

I recently came across this great website from an orthodontist in Pennsylvania.

Check it out and let me know your thought
http://www.drmalerman.com/treatment/cookielady.shtml

Ask Salins Orthodontics: “I got my braces. Now what?”

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Salins recommends that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse is recommended as well; ask us for a recommendation.

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Our team at Salins Orthodontics will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Salins Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Questions? Please let us know by giving us a call!

5 tips for avoiding plaque buildup

At Salins Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Snow. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

When is it time to begin orthodontic treatment?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr Salins. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

The team at Salins Orthodontics

Always Smiling Brightly

Even though this archeological find shows that dentists have been skilled for thousands of years, rest assured that OUR skills have far surpassed our early mentors!!!


http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/05/090518-jeweled-teeth-picture.html

Don’t skip those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Salins 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 Salins Orthodontics, 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 here in Lakewood or surrounding areas!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy October! For those who don’t know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Salins and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Salins and other dental professionals in Northern California.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or ask us at Salins Orthodontics during your visit this month!

Parsley and Other Ways To Brighten Your Smile from Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Salins Orthodontics. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Salins Orthodontics.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.

--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!

--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.

--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.

--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.

--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.

--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.

--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

Chewing Gum with Braces

Sugar-Free Polyol Gum/ Nonfluoride Varnishes Help Prevent Cavities 

CHICAGO 9/12/11 – A multi-disciplinary expert panel, convened by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, issued a report containing clinical recommendations that sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy including  xylitol or polyol combinations, and a prescription varnish with chlorhexidine and thymol could be beneficial in preventing cavities when used as adjuncts to a comprehensive cavity prevention  program which includes the use of fluoride-containing products.  The full report is available on the ADA’s Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) website. 

Love your new smile? Tell the world about it!

At Salins Orthodontics, we understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at our convenient South San Francisco & Union City offices, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit at Salins Orthodontics. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? 

Five great snacks for kids, from Salins Orthodontics

With most schools back in session, our team at Salins Orthodontics know getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other school- and social-related activities. At the school cafeteria, it’s just too easy for kids to nosh on French fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so our team thought we’d pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love at the lunch table or after football practice.

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheese stimulates the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

2. Blueberries - These tiny nutritional powerhouses are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Kids love them sprinkled with a bit of sugar, topped with whipped cream, added to muffins and pancakes.

3. Whole wheat bread or cereal – With bread, kids get their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk—and even fruit—is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day.

4. Oatmeal - Instead of high-sugar, high-fat options from the grocery store, try baking a batch of low-fat oatmeal cookies or oatmeal to-go. Raisins, cranberries, dried apricots and nuts can be a great addition because of their nutritional value & taste.

5. Yogurt - Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, especially when whipped up in a parfait with berries and granola. Homemade fruity yogurt pop sure beats sugary store-bought frozen treats!

We encourage you to check out the other 15 healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your question here on our blog, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Breaking bad habits

At Salins Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Salins and team.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult our team if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Dr. Salins or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

September is Self-Improvement Month! From Salins Orthodontics

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Salins Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, please contact our practice for a FREE orthodontic consultation. We look forward to working with you and your family!

Tips for a successful school year, from Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics, we know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! That’s why we thought we’d provide a few steps for our patients to enjoy their time in school and succeed this upcoming school year!

· Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.

· Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the most important meal of the day.

· Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to avoid the vending machine and limit your intake of junk food.

· Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.

· Stay active. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.

· Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher or your peers for guidance.

· Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

Our entire team at Salins Orthodontics hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!

20 things that can ruin your smile, from Dr. Salins and team

At Salins Orthodontics, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have. These include:
- Sports drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Salins and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our South San Francisco or Union City location. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing orthodontic treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Salins and our team during your next visit!

Keeping your mouth healthy with Salins Orthodontics

At Salins Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Sheldon Salins. Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Salins if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness. We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Salins Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

pH Balancing Act

The article below was written by Dr. Arthur Glosman in his blog. The information in his post is very valuable. The ideal pH of the human body is 7.365 and the closer your body is to this value, the better off you will feel. A body that is too acidic can lead to inflammation of the arteries or corrosion of body tissue. Long-term acidity can lead to several diseases including cancer. The body prefers a slightly basic pH, but a body that is too basic can suffer from slowed respiration and digestive problems. Overall, working to maintain an ideal pH by eating basic foods, exercising, and taking appropriate dietary supplements for your body will yield significant health benefits including improved cardiovascular health, digestion, immune function, stamina, mental function, and yes, even dental health.

What You Can Do To Help Prevent Tooth Decay
"Visiting our practice regularly has probably turned you into a cavity prevention expert, right? Well, there’s always more than meets the eye—especially when it comes to the little things we can do to keep our mouths healthy. Even those of us who are diligent brushers and flossers sometimes find ourselves with some tooth decay. Here’s one more little snippet of information that may help you.

While it is true that things like flossing, brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day, coming in to our practice for regular checkups, using mouthwash, and avoiding sugary foods DO help prevent cavities, there are other things we can do. New discoveries show that the pH levels in our mouths actually have A LOT more to do with tooth decay than we may realize, and maintaining normal pH levels can be helpful in fighting off cavities and gum disease.

Exactly What Is pH?

To put it simply, pH is a measure of acidity… The lower the pH, the higher the acidity, and the higher the pH, the higher the alkaline levels. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, and in the middle of the scale is the neutral number 7, being most like water.

This is where we want our mouths to be. While we know that sugar feeds the bacteria that produces acids and turns into cavities, it is actually prolonged acidic oral pH that can cause tooth decay and a demineralization of your enamel.

Confused? Let us break this down…

Heading off the domino effect means intercepting those pH levels before they get out of hand. Ever heard of a pH test strips? They’re like the sticks you dip into your swimming pool, except they’re for your mouth. You can buy them at your local pharmacy and then try these remedies at home!

Fresh Lemon and/or Lime Juice: Lemons and limes are acidic until they react with the sodium bicarbonate released by the pancreas. Upon entering the intestinal tract lemon and lime juice have alkaline properties. However, since both lemons and limes can erode tooth enamel, if you spice up your water with these delicious flavor accents, make sure you drink with a straw placed at the back of your mouth!

Take your multivitamins: Take a high quality multivitamin that contains both the essential vitamins and minerals.

Eat those leafy greens: Dark green vegetables and “green drinks” contain a high abundance of chlorophyll—a strong detoxifier and immunity–building agent.

Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar: Eliminate all processed foods, and when you opt for grains, make sure they’re 'whole.'"

Are you wearing your mouthguard? From Salins Orthodontics

With fall sports almost here for a lot of our patients at Salins Orthodontics, we thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports – this fall.
One of the most important

pieces of sports equipment you can wear on the field is a mouthguard. A well-fitted mouthguard, which we’re happy to provide, allows you to breathe and speak more clearly, in addition to protecting your mouth and braces. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit at our office, we encourage you to ask us for a mouthguard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.
• 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
We hope you’re enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Ask Salins Orthodontics: “I’m 34 – am I too old for braces?”

Thanks for the question. At Salins Orthodontics, nobody, and we mean NOBODY, is “too old” for braces! In fact, our staff read a fascinating statistic recently: adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent in the last 14 years! Of course, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but maybe the reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr Salins can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a FREE consultation. Please give us a call to set one up and have yourself a great rest of the week!

Five reasons to visit Salins Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation this summer

With the country still in a recession, many folks in South San Francisco, Daly City, Union City, Newark, Fremont, Hayward and surrounding areas are putting off visiting the orthodontist for a consultation. At Salins Orthodontics, we hear all the reasons – vacations, chores, emergencies, etc. Today, Dr. Sheldon Salns and our staff thought we’d give you five reasons to visit our office this summer for an orthodontic consultation.

1. Kids do not need to miss school to get their braces on
2. It is easier for kids to adjust to their braces during the summertime while out of school
3. Fewer scheduling conflicts with homework or organized sports
4. Open enrollment (for Insurance and Flex Plans) usually occurs in the Fall
5. Summer Rewards for starting treament before the end of August

And here’s another reason to visit: did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven? Give us a call at 650-952-1010 OR 510-475-4153 to schedule a complimentary consultation!

Interested in Invisalign: Daly City, South San Francisco, Union City, Fremont, Hayward, Newark?

If you are interested in Invisalign and live in Northern California - This article is a definite MUST READ!!

Specialist in Orthodontics Dr. Ted Rothstein Alerts Public to Rising Levels of Substandard Invisalign Treatment by Insufficiently Trained General Dentists
PRWeb - Tue, Jul 12, 2011


An orthodontist since 1976, Dr. Rothstein, has composed a list of "due diligence" hard-hitting questions for the would-be Invisalign patient to ask the dental professional--forewarned is forearmed.

Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) July 12, 2011
Invisalign orthodontic treatment is becoming extremely popular. General dentists are competing fiercely with the specialists in orthodontics for their share of this market. Never mind that most of them are insufficiently trained and experienced in orthodontics, and lack the temperament to provide this service. Dr. Rothstein has compiled a list of questions that every consumer can use when deciding to undergo teeth straightening.

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that can be used in place of typical "train-track" braces, depending on the severity of the bite/smile problem. Keep in mind the dentist must first accurately diagnose in detail the problem(s) of the bite condition, decide how and which teeth are to be moved then send the lab rubber impressions of the teeth to make the "aligners" with exact instructions. Finally, the dentist places "attachments" on the teeth and dispenses the aligners to the patient who must wear them 22-hours each day for 2-3 week before changing to the next aligners in the treatment series.

AlignTech created this method of treatment specifically for orthodontists, but when general dentists sued for the right to provide the service, they won the case. In 2009 Invisalign mandated that general dentist and orthodontists were henceforth required to take 10 continuing education units and submit ten cases as minimum requirements for being an Invisalign provider presumably to stem the tide of inferior treatment results. That mandate was rejected in 2010 after widespread objection from both groups (Leiszler DDS and Styger DDS v. Align Technology ,United States District Court for the Northern District of California Case No. 3:10-cv:2010-MMC)

At present a general dentist can become a provider by taking a one day eight-hour course.

Consider that there are 120,000 general dentists in the US while there are a mere 6,500 orthodontic specialists. These overwhelming odds insure that more and more consumers are choosing providers who lack sufficient training and experience to provide their patients quality results. Worse yet, the patients may never find out that the results are sub par.

Dr. Rothstein poses the key question: when preparing to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that is going to take on average more than a year with as many stopovers (office visits): isn't the consumer better served by the orthodontic specialist even though having to pay a higher fee? Indeed when the consumer pays more to engage the services of the specialist isn't he receiving more in the way of experience and wisdom that far outweighs the additional fees the consumer may have to pay?

Remember the general dentist is a professional who practices "general” dentistry; this means their training and expertise lies in his ability to do a variety of dental procedures well, unlike the orthodontist who may often take as many as 15-25 office visits devoted to your one smile/bite problem, sometimes making delicate and tiny adjustments, and sometimes simply to effectuate the movement of a single tooth toward its correct position. The specialist has only one art--moving teeth. The generalist is therefore less temperamentally suited to this often tedious long drawn-out kind of bite correction.

Dr. Rothstein reports that he is seeing in recent years a growing number of patients on consultation in treatment with Invisalign by the generalist who simply lacked an understanding of the limitations of the Invisalign appliance.


General dentists are not fully trained to recognize the many nuances associated with effective treatment, or even foresee the potential problems lying in wait as they proceed. Training and experience really do make a difference.

There are also cases in mid-course where the general dentist had no idea how to handle the problem that the patient was encountering. and cases where the end result of the Invisalign treatment were so lacking that the only recourse was to finish the case with fixed braces.

Due diligence questions to ask when choosing an Invisalign provider:

Are you certified specialist in orthodontics besides being a general dentist?

Do you have an orthodontist to whom you regularly refer other cases?

Do you do the train-track braces also?

When did you begin providing Invisalign?

How many Invisalign patients do you have under treatment?

How many Invisalign patients have you completed?

Are you certain my case can be completed with Invisalign?

How many months will I be in treatment (typically two aligners/month)

Is the fee you are quoting all-inclusive?

Can you provide me with the contact information of two of your completed Invisalign patients?

Does the doctor himself personally provide my treatment?

What are some of the typical problems you have seen since you are providing Invisalign?

Dr. Rothstein's final word of advice is always seek a second opinion with a provider who is a specialist, and let them know exactly what the general dentist recommended. It's worth the additional fee (many orthodontists offer a free second opinion). Indeed, Dr. Rothstein readily maintains that when he is in a quandary related to treatment of his own patients he encourages them to obtain a second opinion.


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Dr. Ted Rothstein