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You’ve already been told a hundred times, but we’re telling you again: be very mindful of what you eat while wearing braces. Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan in McAllen, TX  is a firm believer that taking care of your braces is crucial to getting a great orthodontic result!

During the coronavirus quarantine, it is harder than normal for an orthodontist to fix broken brackets or handle an orthodontic emergency. You know what they say: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! This holds true when taking care of your braces and avoiding orthodontic emergencies.Read More

With the rapid spread of COVID-19 forcing many orthodontic and dental offices to temporarily close, it is more important now than ever to practice good oral hygiene. Although we may not be sure exactly when our practice will be able to open its doors again, your smile is still our priority. For those currently undergoing orthodontic treatment, Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan of the McAllen Orthodontic Group can help. Here are a few ways in which you can maintain good oral hygiene and until your next orthodontic appointment:Read More

Everyone knows that garlic and onions are the usual culprits for bad breath. But do you know what other foods may be causing your stinky breath? For some people, bad breath can be genetic. However, whether you’re wearing braces or not, certain foods in your daily routine could be to blame. Read on to find out what Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan of the McAllen Orthodontic Group has to say about some bad breath causing foods!Read More

Who doesn’t love to catch some sun rays? Well sunshine lovers, Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan of the McAllen Orthodontic Group has news for you! A little sunshine actually HELPS your teeth during orthodontic treatment! Sunshine has been found to improve mood, our immune functions, and increases vitamin D production in our bodies.

The Importance of Vitamin D

While in braces, healthy teeth and gums are of vital importance. Vitamin D helps to support oral health in two ways:

• It helps our bodies to absorb and utilize calcium

Vitamin D has several major functions. One of its major functions is moderating other vitamins and minerals – including calcium. Calcium is crucial because it fortifies our teeth and supports jaw and bone strength. Several studies have shown greater cavity risk for people who live in regions with little sunlight – sometimes as much as double the risk.Read More

We know that exercise is very important for both our mental and physical health. However, have you thought about the effects of running on your oral health? While those two things may seem unrelated, they’re actually not. Fear not. Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan of the McAllen Orthodontic Group will explain the correlation between running and oral health.

Oral Health and Running

While the rest of your body may be in great shape, each extra training hour actually increases your risk of tooth decay. Athletes are at risk for two specific oral health problems: dry mouth effects and sports-related nutrition effects. Read More

Good oral hygiene is a crucial part of a person’s health. Thus, it is imperative that parents help teach their kids not only to brush their teeth twice a day but also how to do so effectively. Rather than making it a chore, try to make cleaning their teeth a fun and enjoyable experience. To help, Dr. John A. Gerling and Dr. Joseph Ryan of the McAllen Orthodontic Group shares some tips for teaching kids how to properly clean their teeth. Read More