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APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2025
1115 Mt. Aetna Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com • 240-329-4725
Celebrating Children’s Dental Health ... and Visiting Local Schools!
Proper Brushing Techniques: We emphasized brushing twice daily and thoroughly cleaning all tooth surfaces, including the front, back, and chewing surfaces. We also discussed the importance of brushing the tongue to reduce bacteria and help freshen your breath. Dietary Choices: Teaching kids about the impact of their diet on oral health was a priority. We discussed “good” versus “bad” foods for teeth and clarified that occasional treats are okay every now and then but should not be consumed excessively. Parental Involvement: We provided parents with tips to support their children’s oral hygiene routines, such as supervising brushing, limiting sugary snacks, and ensuring regular dental check-ups. The Importance of Early Dental Education Starting early and instilling proper oral hygiene habits at a young age has many benefits. Prevention of Dental Issues: Early education helps prevent cavities and gum disease and reduces the need for extensive dental treatments in the future. Establishing Lifelong Habits: Children who learn the importance of dental care early are more likely to maintain these habits into their adult years. Reducing Dental Anxiety: Familiarizing children with dental practices and professionals can reduce any fear and anxiety associated with dental visits and promote a positive attitude toward oral health care. A Child’s First Dental Visit? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child’s first dental visit should occur by their first birthday or within six
Did you know that half of children aged 6–9 have had cavities in their baby teeth? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a time when dentists around the country work to educate our youth about the importance of oral hygiene. This year, our team enthusiastically participated by visiting various schools and engaging with students from kindergarten to third grade in interactive and educational sessions. We understand that different age groups have unique learning styles and customized our presentations accordingly. Kindergarten and First Grade: Our team members wore tooth costumes and transformed into “Tooth Fairies” to capture the children’s attention. They introduced a large, plush dinosaur with a full set of teeth and used him to demonstrate proper brushing techniques. This hands-on approach allowed the young students to practice brushing while having fun. Third Grade: For the older students, we did a science experiment using yeast to illustrate how sugar contributes to cavity formation. This visual demonstration highlighted the effects of sugary foods on dental health.
months after their first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor the development of their teeth, address any potential issues, and give guidance on oral hygiene practices. Tips for Parents to Promote Dental Health Parents play a vital role in their children’s oral health. Let’s take a look at some recommendations to ensure healthy smiles. Start Early: Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth even before teeth emerge. Once the first tooth appears, use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste. Supervise Brushing: Assist children with brushing until they develop the dexterity to do it effectively on their own, usually around age 6 or 7. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: Limit sugary snacks and beverages and promote a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to strengthen teeth. By combining education with interactive experiences, we can empower children to take charge of their oral health and pave the way for a future filled with bright and healthy smiles. –Dr. Kyle Briggs
Our school visits focused on several fundamental aspects of dental health.
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What do you notice first about a person when you meet them for the first time? You might think it’s their eyes, hairstyle, or nose shape, but you’d be wrong. Believe it or not, eyebrows are nature’s way of helping us identify and understand people we encounter. From protecting our eyes to making us stand out in a crowd, here are three reasons eyebrows are among our bodies’ most important features. Our Facial Fingerprint In addition to protecting our eyes from dust, rain, sweat, and other moisture, eyebrows help people identify who we are. In 2003, a landmark Massachusetts Institute of Technology study revealed that eyebrows — or the lack of them — significantly impact how others recognize us. Researchers took an image of former President Richard Nixon, an internationally known historical figure with prominent eyebrows, and Photoshopped out his trademark arches. Amazingly, most participants in the study struggled to identify Nixon accurately in the altered photo. A Path to Balanced Beauty Although no one has a perfectly symmetrical face, many strive to get as close as possible to this ideal. Naturally, eyebrows are the key, as our eyes are naturally drawn to well-kept, balanced brows in other people. If our brows aren’t balanced, our eyes may appear larger than they are, which can drastically alter our EXPRESSION ENHANCERS THE POWER OF PERFECT EYEBROWS
Are you considering getting braces as an adult? Maybe you’re picturing a straighter smile,
or possibly your dentist has nudged you in that direction. Whatever the reason, embarking on the braces journey as a grown-up is more common and beneficial than you might think. Let’s take a look! Why Consider Braces Now? Braces used to be looked at as a teenage rite of passage. Today, nearly one-third of orthodontic patients are adults. Whether it’s correcting misalignments that weren’t addressed in youth or tackling issues that have developed over time, adults have plenty of reasons to seek orthodontic treatment. Beyond achieving that picture-perfect smile, straightening your teeth can improve oral hygiene, boost self- esteem, and even enhance speech and chewing functions. Types of Braces for Adults Things have changed! Now there are so many choices tailored to different needs and lifestyles. • Traditional Metal Braces: These braces are the original method of teeth straightening. Modern versions are more sleek and comfortable than their predecessors, effectively addressing complex dental issues. • Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces mimic the function of metal braces but boast tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them less noticeable. They’re definitely a stylish choice if you’re worried about your appearance while wearing braces! • Lingual Braces: Attached to the back of your teeth, these braces are virtually invisible from the front. However, they might take some getting used to when it comes to comfort and speech. • Clear Aligners: These removable, transparent trays gradually shift your teeth without the need for brackets or wires. They’re discreet and convenient, especially for those who prefer a metal-free mouth. Weighing the Pros and Cons Straightening your teeth with braces as an adult comes with its own set of considerations. Pros
appearance. On a positive note, reshaping our brows can help counteract the appearance of widely spaced eyes. Sometimes, simply grooming and shaping your eyebrows may be enough to brighten your look without cosmetic surgery.
A Spotlight on Our Souls If you want to know what someone is really thinking or feeling, look
closely at their brows. Studies have shown that eyebrows are key to nonverbal communication — including sign language — as they are one of our body’s primary ways of expressing anger, happiness, or surprise.
Cons • Treatment duration • Lifestyle adjustments • Cost considerations
• Enhanced confidence • Improved oral health • Better functionality
If you’re ready to transform your smile, give us a call to set up a consultation! Remember, age is just a number, but a confident smile is timeless.
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REFER YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! To be entered in our spring drawing for a Yeti cooler, grill, and accessories!
We recently attended a great continuing education course at the University of Maryland on sedation and dental office emergencies! If you, or someone you know is interested in nitrous oxide or oral sedation to help them feel more relaxed at their dental visits, let us know!
THANK YOU! Thank you for voting us No. 1 in Hagerstown Magazine Hotlist, and Best of the Tristate for 2025! Dr. Brandy won the award for Dentist,
and Hagerstown Smiles Dental Care won the award for Dental Office! We are blessed to serve such wonderful patients!
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www.hagerstownsmiles.com 1115 Mt. Aetna Rd. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Call Now! 240-329-4725
INSIDE Bringing Dental Health to Life for Kids page 1 Beauty’s Best-Kept Secret page 2 Considering Braces as an Adult? page 2 Announcements page 3 Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua page 4
Journey Through Time DISCOVER THE ENDLESS BEACHES AND VIBRANT CULTURE OF ANTIGUA
Can you imagine
the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981. Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea.
tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum. Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua.
Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but
Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming
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