When you leave on a trip, you probably double-check that everything’s ready: your clothes are packed, your ticket is handy, and your passport waits patiently on top of your bag or in a special pocket. The same level of preparedness should apply with regard to caring for your oral health when you’re about to leave home for a while. Whether you’re jumping in the car for a weekend camping trip or flying halfway across the globe for a longer stint, the tips below will help you keep your teeth healthy while you’re away. Prepare Ahead of Time The key to maintaining good oral hygiene during travel is preparation. Schedule a regular dental appointment so your teeth are freshly cleaned and ready before you leave. This can identify potential issues that might cause problems while you’re away. If you have any items on a dental “to-do” list, such as wisdom tooth

For centuries, many have believed in messages written in the stars and constellations. Some people look to their astrological sign to understand their personalities and preferences better, and even to foresee their destiny. Whether you’re a firm believer in astrology or just read your horoscope for fun now and then, your perfect band color according to the zodiac awaits below. Aries – Red You’re passionate, enthusiastic, and full of energy the world needs. You have an ability to light an inspirational flame in yourself and others. Taurus – Green You value growth and are filled with earth energy. Close relationships with family and friends are the foundation of your life. Gemini – Orange Orange is the color of diversity and inspiration. You have a knack for readily socializing with other people and value a close-knit community. Cancer – Violet Cancers have the ability to look deep within themselves for guidance

Did you know your toothbrush could be covered with almost ten million germs? We know … it’s gross! That’s why you should know how to store your toothbrush properly, and when it’s time to replace it. If you need to brush up on your toothbrush care knowledge, we’ve got you covered so brushing will always leave you feeling squeaky clean. Keeping a Clean Toothbrush Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of microorganisms, so it’s normal for some of them to hang onto your toothbrush after you’ve used it. Rinsing your brush thoroughly with water after each use can get rid of leftover toothpaste and food particles that cling to the bristles. Some dentists suggest soaking your toothbrush in mouthwash every now and then can help reduce the amount of bacteria further. Store your toothbrush in a cool, open environment away from the toilet or trash bin to avoid

You’ve selected the Invisalign system because of the many benefits Invisalign offers: comfort, convenience, appearance, and even potentially shorter treatment time! And to add to the good news, caring for your Invisalign aligners is easy and uncomplicated. Follow these simple tips to keep your aligners in the best possible shape as you move through the stages of your treatment. Stay Clean Always brush and floss your teeth before using your aligners so that bacteria and food particles will not have a chance to collect around your teeth while you wear them. When you brush your teeth, be sure to brush your aligners with a separate soft toothbrush and lukewarm water as well. Rinse your aligners whenever you remove them during the day. Soak your aligners as recommended. Use the Invisalign Cleaning System or ask our Portland, Beaverton, or Sacappoose, OR team for other suggestions to keep your aligners free from

Our pets are a valued part of the family, but dogs and cats are not regularly known for their minty-fresh breath. Did you know that bad breath can be a sign of a more serious dental problem for your furry companion? If you live with a pet or two, you’ll want to brush up on your animal dental knowledge and make sure everyone’s teeth stay healthy. Proper dental care is essential to a pet’s overall well-being. About 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats suffer from periodontal disease after the age of three. Not only is this unhealthy for their mouth, it can lead to more serious health problems, including organ damage and heart failure. Toxins from periodontal disease seep into your pet’s bloodstream and have the potential to cause fatal organ damage. Your veterinarian will check your pet’s teeth at an annual or six-month examination, but here

If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we may schedule your summer appointments more efficiently. We also encourage patients and their parents to be proactive in determining when they make their summer appointments. If you will be gone for an extended period (more than six weeks), we recommend you visit Magic Smiles prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return. Lastly, please remember not to indulge in hard, sticky, and chewy treats while enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures!