May is National Teen self-esteem month, so what better time to talk about the importance of teen self-esteem. Actually, self-esteem in all ages is really important! National Teen Self-Esteem Month was established to create awareness about the negative effects poor self-esteem causes among the teen population. During this month, parents and guardians are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among adolescents.
What is self-esteem? The Webster’s dictionary says: Self-Esteem-The esteem or good opinion of oneself. Now let's look at what Esteem is- to set value on, to regard with respect. So, for us to have self-esteem we need to have a good view of ourselves and be respectful to ourselves as well. Why is self-esteem so important? One, we make better decisions for ourselves when we are not lacking self-esteem. We want to value who we are, love who we are and make good decisions for our self, to reinforce our self worth, thereby strengthening our self-esteem.
Treating ourselves with respect is totally in our hands, we have complete control over this one. If you have the choice to do something good or bad for yourself, you have the choice to do what’s good, and no one can stop you. We have to remember that our opinion of ourselves really starts with us, not outside influences - not people, not the media!
Here are a couple quick tips to strengthen and maintain our sense of self and build confidence:
Learn to love yourself for who you are
Respect yourself, make good decisions
Know your opinions of yourself, come from you, not the opinions of others
Realize what make you shine is on the inside, not what you look like
So, go out in the world and know you are good enough and are perfect just the way you are. And remember, although it might sound cliche, treat others the way you want to be treated!
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends to: Play it safe!
Wear a mouth guard at every practice and every game!! Mouth guards and other types of protective gear can prevent or reduce injuries that happen during organized and recreational sports.
Mouth guards offer protection by absorbing high-impact energy from potentially traumatic blows.
Mouth Guard Care
Keep your mouth guard clean - rinse before and after each use
Store in a perforated container to let your mouth guard dry out
Avoid chewing on the mouth guard
Don't wear removable retainers with your mouth guard
Replace your mouth guard when it shows signs of wear
Wish you could wrap your kids in bubble wrap to protect them?
Good news - mouth guards are better than bubble wrap for facial protection and are much more practical! Check out this video.
What's the best type of mouth guard? The one that's worn.
For athletes currently in orthodontic treatment:
Don't use a mouth guard with your braces that you boil first. It may wrap around the braces and get stuck in place, or cause damage to your braces. Also, keep in mind that the teeth are continuing to move, so you do not want to have a mouthguard specifically molded to your teeth as they are changing.
Contact the office or ask Dr. Kennell directly on what type of mouthguard you can wear.
Congratulations, your orthodontic treatment is complete! You are now in the retention phase of treatment. This can also be known as the preservation period, because you will actively be working towards preserving your new smile. When treatment is complete and orthodontic appliances are removed, there is a “settling” period in which teeth can adjust as you bite, chew, swallow and speak. These small changes in tooth position are not a failure of orthodontic treatment, but a natural process.
Your orthodontist will give you a set of retainers to be worn as prescribed. If your retainer is not worn as your orthodontist recommends, then you may have large changes in tooth position. This can be disappointing after you dedicate many months to orthodontic treatment. If you are in the retention phase of treatment and you notice any unwanted change, it is important to contact your orthodontist right away.
Retainers are a lifelong commitment. The best way to maintain your beautiful new smile is to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist!
Each February the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Monthto raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children 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 vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. Other options for braces such as Invisalign, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.
If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Alan Kennell and his team are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing are some of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!
