Ask Dr. Whitlock: How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Whitlock and our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Thank you

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our orthodontic family. We realize that our practice here in Springdale thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of the Whitlock Orthodontics family.

Goodies for troops!

Happy Veteran's Day! During the past couple of days, we've been having a wonderful time stuffing boxes full of yummy goodies for our troops that are overseas this holiday season. Feel free to stop by our office anytime today or tomorrow to write a thank you note to those that are serving our country and we will make sure and send them over with all of the care packages. Every Little bit helps and what better way to thank some one then with a hand-written note!!

Pictured above: Steph O. making stockings to go in the Christmas gift boxes we're sending to soldiers in Iraq. Our lounge looks like Santa's workshop!

November featured patient reviews for Whitlock Orthodontics

It's no secret Dr. Whitlock and team love hearing from our patients - check out what a few of them are saying about us! Also, we are hosting a stuffed animal drive to benefit the children of NWA who have been victimized by sexual and/or physical abuse. Please drop off donations to Whitlock Orthodontics M-F from 8-4:30. Your donation, big, or small, of a new stuffed animal will start a child in NWA to the road of recovery. We will be accepting donations through Dec.20th.

"Multiple things....his current orthodontic protocols & resulting beautiful smiles....his knowledge & willingness to discuss topics...his respectfulness toward his patients & parents. While his practice seems very aggressive in orthodontic work & community involvement, as well as very interested in individual patients...he seems so patient & calm in the office. Most appreciated!!" ~ Judy E.

"Dr. Whitlock is extremely professional. He sits down and gets the job done all the while exhibiting a wonderful chair side manner." ~ Mary K.

"I was cared for with such dignity and care. Coming into the process at age 40+, I was less than enthusiastic. However, Dr. Whitlock and his capable staff continually cheered me on with enthusiasm. They are truly professionals that believe in the difference that is made with the art and science of smile creation. I’ll be continuing this relationship with Whitlock Orthodontics as I bring my children in." ~ Susan N.

"The fact that all the ladies are so nice and easy to get along with. And the cappuccino machine in the waiting room is a definite plus. Also, I've noticed that i will be getting my braces off much sooner than most of my classmates." ~ Teresa R.

Ask Dr. Whitlock: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

With Halloween arriving tomorrow, our staff at Whitlock Orthodontics know a lot parents here in northwestern Arkansas are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Whitlock as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Invisalign at Whitlock Orthodontics: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

We've blogged about Invisalign before (we've even had Invisalign Day at our office before), but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at Whitlock Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Springdale office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give us a call at (479) 439-7940 for a consultation with Dr. Boyd Whitlock to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Whitlock is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas.

BOOOO! Halloween season at Whitlock Ortho!

Are you ready to Trick or Treat this Halloween season?? Well, come by and see us at Whitlock Ortho - we have some yummy treats and awesome Halloween decorations at our convenient Springdale office, and would love to see you! Happy Halloween.