The importance of mouth guards, from Smiles By Bond

Summer is here, and our team at Smiles By Bond understands the importance of being outside. The kids are out of school and outdoor activities are a weekly occurrence. Therefore, Dr. Jeffrey Bond and his team would like to remind you about the importance mouth guards, as well as what they are and when to use them. If you have any additional questions, give us a call at Smiles By Bond. We'd love to hear from you!

Q: What are athletic mouth protectors?

A: Athletic mouth protectors, or mouth guards, are made of soft plastic. They are adapted to fit comfortably to the shape of the upper teeth.

Q: Why are mouth guards important?

A: Mouth guards hold top priority as sports equipment. They protect the teeth, as well as the lips, cheeks, and tongue. They also help protect children from head and neck injuries, such as concussions and jaw fractures. Increasingly, organized sports are requiring mouth guards to prevent injury to their athletes. Research shows that most oral injuries occur when athletes are not wearing mouth protection.

Q: When should my child wear a mouth guard?

A: Whenever he or she is in an activity that has a risk of falling or of head contact with other players or equipment. This includes football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, even gymnastics. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

Q: How do I choose a mouth guard for my child?

A: Any mouth guard works better than no mouth guard. Choose a mouth guard that your child can wear comfortably. If a mouth guard feels bulky or interferes with speech, it should be left in the locker room.

There are several options of mouth guards. First, preformed or "boil-to-fit" mouth guards are found in most sports stores. Different types and brands vary in terms of comfort, protection, and cost. Second, customized mouth guards are provided through your dentist. They cost a bit more, but are more comfortable and more effective in preventing injuries. Dr. Bond can advise you on what type of mouth guard is best for your child.

What are you reading this summer?

With summer in full swing, all of us at Smiles by Bond wanted to remind our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Bond) would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Smiles By Bond Asks: What are you up to this 4th of July?

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers, past and present, who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Dr. Bond and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, Smiles By Bond hopes you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.

Schedule those summer checkups!

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Smiles By Bond every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Bond can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually 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 our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

What do you LOVE about Seattle?

Dr. Bond, your West Seattle dentist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Bond and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Seattle? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Washington?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in West Seattle, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Washington.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

June is National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Smiles By Bond to support National Smile Month this June.

Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

Smiles by Bond, easing your fears of the dentist

Dr. Bond and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Smiles by Bond that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Bond?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!