The Transformation of Valentine’s Day

Did you know the actions leading to the beginnings of Valentine’s Day were actually centered on the avoidance of war? A Catholic priest named Valentine defied the orders of the Emperor Claudius II and secretly married young men and their brides after the emperor had declared it illegal because only single, young men could be sent to war. Rather than lose potential soldiers to fight his war, Claudius attempted to hoard them by proclaiming marriage illegal.

Valentine continued to marry young couples anyway and, eventually, was put to death for it in 270 AD. Before his death, he sent a letter to a secret love and signed it “From your Valentine”. Nearly 1,800 years later, people are still signing letters and cards in this manner. This year, carry on the tradition started long ago, while adding your own twist. Here are a few suggestions.

Simple and Creative Valentine’s Day Ideas

• Memorialize it with a Photo. Couples often have photos taken around Christmas, but Valentine’s Day photos allow you to capitalize on romance. Famous couple Julia Child and her husband, Paul, had their picture taken together every Valentine’s Day and included their sense of humor with silly props.
• Return to Your First Date Location. Even if your first date together was at a local hotdog stand, its sentimental value can make it a fun part of your Valentine’s Day agenda. Be creative and make a treasure hunt with clues that lead your partner to the original date location, where you can express your love with flowers or a gift.
• “From Your Valentine” Messages. Deliver your message in a creative way to make this Valentine’s Day stand out from the others. Bake your partner’s favorite treat and write a message on it with a tube of icing, or draw a note on the steamed up mirror so it shows up when your partner takes a shower.

Although Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, it doesn’t have to be a special day only for couples. If you’re single, use this special day to shower yourself with love, because you’re worth it! After all, the priest Valentine believed so strongly in the sanctity of love that he was willing to risk his life for it. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, young or old, romantic or not, Valentine’s Day is for you. Happy Valentine’s Day from the orthodontic office of Dr. Sheldon Salins

A Helpful Site on Orthodontics

As you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, our team at the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins. would like to point you to a helpful website. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have lots of important information about everything relating to braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience, and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

Check out AAO today and feel free to contact us at our South San Francisco & Union City, CA office if you have any questions.

Dr. Sheldon Salins  and our team at Salins Orthodontics. hope this information helps you!

What is expected of me during my orthodontic treatment?

We hear this question a lot at the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins and we don’t mind when patients who are eager to complete their orthodontic treatment ask us. After all, we know there is no better feeling than getting your braces off!

During your initial consultation with Dr. Sheldon Salins, we will map out a specific treatment for you and will try our hardest to give you a timeline of when we expect you to wrap up treatment.

Having said that, we know every patient is different. People have different biological responses to orthodontic treatment and some people’s teeth may move faster than others.

Luckily, there are things you can do to ensure your treatment wraps up in a timely manner. By following these suggestions, you can avoid any setbacks during your treatment.

• Make sure to keep your adjustment appointments. Postponing or cancelling will delay treatment!
• Be sure to show up on time to your appointments. This will give Dr. Sheldon Salins and our team time to do everything we planned during your adjustment visit.
• When prescribed, make sure you are diligent about wearing rubber bands or other appliances.
• Avoid damage to your braces and teeth by wearing a mouth guard during sports activities.
• Make sure to brush and floss regularly! Gum disease or other dental work can delay orthodontic treatment.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to having the dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted. As for us, our team at the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins will do our part to move your orthodontic treatment along efficiently. If you have any questions about your treatment time, please give us a call at our Union City & South San Francisc, CA office or ask us during your next visit!

Questions, questions…

When beginning orthodontic treatment, most patients ask Dr.Sheldon Salins and our team a lot of questions about what to expect, while others choose to just “go with the flow” and leave it to us to build for them a beautiful smile. And for our team at the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins,  that’s understandable.

But for those who do ask questions, two of the ones we frequently hear are “Will my braces hurt?” and “How long will these be on?”

We explain to our patients that despite what they’ve heard, braces do not hurt when they’re initially put on. Yes, you will experience soreness after your braces are placed and when your teeth start to move. Too often, our patients hear horror stories about how much it hurts to get the braces on, so they tend to over-worry. The truth is, after their braces are on, almost all patients say “that’s it?” because it’s actually easy and painless!

At the office of Dr. Sheldon Salins, we answer most of your other questions during your initial exam. When a patient visits our office for the first time, we give him or her a time estimate of how long it will take to achieve their ideal smile. All other questions are answered at the bonding appointment when the braces are placed. We cover all the topics, everything from eating to brushing with braces, but we also know that after your initial appointment, it’s natural for you to have questions about your or your child’s treatment. And we are always here for you; we are thorough and always try to answer any questions or concerns you may have. As a patient, that’s one thing you never have to worry about. You will always know what’s going on throughout your orthodontic experience.

The myths and facts about braces

January 28th, 2013

Some folks believe your chances of being struck by lightning increases when you have braces, while other folks believe having braces interferes with romance, and even metal detectors as you try to make your way through the airport for a much-needed vacation. Trust us when we say we know there are quite a few myths about braces out there these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! To help set the record straight, here is some great information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about braces or your orthodontic treatment, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook! Smile bright!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

Each February for the past 63 years, our friends at the American Dental Association have sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health at a young age, and especially during your orthodontic treatment. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular visits with your dentist—even while you’re wearing braces—helps our young patients get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and effort to remove food particles that accrue on and between your teeth and braces. If you ignore your oral health during your treatment, the results can be significantly compromised. We are happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is so critical during orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask us at your next adjustment appointment!

Independence Day Facts & Tips

It’s hard to believe, but July is already here and half of 2012 has already passed! As July 4th approaches, our team thought it would be fun to share some facts and safety tips for celebrating our country’s independence day.

Fun Facts:
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’
• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.
• And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents. Check out American Fact Finder.

Safety Tips: 
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• To prevent a trash fire, be sure to douse the spent fireworks with plenty of water from a bucket or hose after fireworks complete their burning and before discarding them.
• Make sure fireworks are legal before buying or using them.

What are your plans this 4th of July? Share them with us! We’d love to hear what you and the rest of the community will be doing to celebrate! (Don’t forget to make sure there are no restrictions on fireworks! Check out this link to see if fireworks might be an issue for you this year.)

Working on that Summer Smile!

Well here we are… finally enjoying a taste of warmer weather. Fret not friends who love the wonder of winter, for it is not over yet. Looks like temperatures may plummet yet again prior to committing to a full on spring fling.

So for those of you who long for April showers and May flowers, here’s a way to keep you smiling until Mother Nature delivers. From an article written by Sharon Liao for Bright Smile Beautiful You is a list of foods that will help increase your energy, reduce your stress and keep that grin gorgeous!

1. Salmon
"The omega-3s found in salmon have been proven to boost mood," says Lauren Slayton, a registered dietitian and the director of FoodTrainers, a nutrition center in New York City. These healthy fats not only put a smile on your face, but they can also help keep it there: A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that people who consistently consumed more omega-3s were 30 percent less likely to develop gum disease than those who got less. Don't like seafood? Reach for other sources like flax and walnuts.


2. Avocado
Even if you're not a guacamole fan, this green fruit can bring you happiness. "Avocados contain serotonin, a type of feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain," says Slayton. Try using a few slices as a creamy substitute for mayo in sandwiches, or toss some cubes into your lunchtime salad.


3. Raisins
Although they're known as nature's candy, raisins are one sweet treat that won't cause cavities. In fact, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry found that the healthy antioxidants in raisins helped slow the growth of two types of bacteria that set the stage for tooth decay and gum disease. Snack on a handful for an instant hit of energy.


4. Dark chocolate
It's no wonder that many women consider chocolate comfort food. "Chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that calms muscles and can relieve anxiety," says Slayton. For an even bigger dose of the mineral, try satisfying your sweet tooth with chocolate-covered almonds.


5. Cereal
The next time you pick up a box, check to make sure it's fortified with vitamin D. Over 60 percent of Americans don't get enough of this "sunshine" nutrient, which has been shown to fend off the blues -- especially during the dark days of winter. Pair those puffs of flakes with low-fat milk for a dose of bone- and teeth-fortifying calcium.


6. Green tea
Feeling stressed? Brew some soothing tea. These green leaves contain L-theanine, an antioxidant that has been linked with relaxation. Sip a mug before that big meeting, and you'll score another benefit: fresher breath. According to research from Pace University in New York City, green tea's polyphenols can destroy bacteria that lead to bad breath and tooth decay.

7. Yogurt
Scoop up a better mood with this calcium-rich snack. Yogurt contains probiotics, friendly bacteria that have been shown to ease depression. Plus, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology reveals that probiotics may reduce inflammation in the mouth, lowering your risk of gum disease and even oral cancer.


8. Popcorn
When you're grumpy or sluggish, chances are you crave bread and pasta. "That's because carbs increase serotonin levels in the body, which can put you in a better mood," explains Slayton. But before you twirl up that spaghetti, snack on some popcorn. The whole-grain treat has the same beneficial effect and, at just 31 calories per cup, won't wreck your waistline.

Sharon Liao is an award-winning health editor and writer who has been on staff at Prevention, Fitness, and Reader's Digest magazines. She has contributed to Seventeen and Weight Watchers Magazine, as well as The Intellectual Devotional: Health.

Top ten tips for keeping your braces, and teeth clean!

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Salins Orthodontics Reminding You To Smile This June! National Smile Month

It’s June already! Where does the time go? We know our patients have plenty to smile about, with graduations, and summer just around the corner, but we are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month! This is a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call! Congratulations to all the recent grads!

Celebs get braces, too! From Salins Orthodontics

Yep, it's true. Back in 2002, Hollywood megastar Tom Cruise had braces, and during this time he was 40 years old! During this time, Cruise filmed the films Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out Cruise's smile in Jerry Maguire, The Firm or Rain Man and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without help from orthodotnists

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this list of famous names, courtesy of ABC News. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please call Salins Orthodontics. We're waiting to have you LIVE LIFE SMILING!