When we think of November, usually Thanksgiving is the first thing to come to mind. Then we also think Veterans Day and Election Day. But, there are plenty of other holidays, celebrations and events that occur in November. For example, did you know that November is "Peanut Butter Lovers Month"? How many of you knew that one? Not me. Below are just a few more fun facts about November.

1. The birthstone for November is the Topaz.
2. The zodiac signs for November are Scorpio (October 23-November 21) and Sagittarius (November 22-December 21).
3. The birth flower for November is the Chrysanthemum.
4. On November 2nd, 1769, a Spanish expedition reached San Francisco Bay.
5. On November 18th, 1883, standard time began in the United States.
6. On November 6th, 1869, the first intercollegiate football game was played in the United States between Rutgers and Princeton.
7. On November 2nd, 1889, North Dakota became the 39th state of the United States.
8. On November 2nd, 1889, South Dakota became the 40th state of the United States.
9. On November 8th, 1889, Montana became the 41st state of the United States.
10. On November 2nd, 1917, Arthur Balfour proposed settlement of Jewish people in Palestine.
11. On November 15th, 1935, Manuel Quezon was inaugurated as the first president of the Philippines.
12. National Good Nutrition Month
13. National Pepper Month
14. National Sleep Comfort Month
15. Aviation History Month

"SAN JOSE, Calif., (Sept. 9, 2013) -- As the summer fling season concludes, singles nationwide are refocusing on how to put their best foot forward to find their soul mate – or at least a few great dates.

What’s the secret to attracting that special someone, the one you want to shower with affection? In honor of National Singles Week (September 15-21, 2013),Invisalign commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a “Singles & Smiles” online survey among more than 2,000 U.S. adults from July 24-26. The survey found that an improved smile influences whether single Americans pucker up, as nearly three out of four (74%) would rather kiss someone with a nice smile than someone with crooked teeth. Additionally, half (50%) of American singles think that people with nicer smiles have more sex and roughly 1 in 5 (16%) believe that they would have more sex if they had straighter teeth. Additionally, Overall, nearly 1 in 5 (18%) U.S. adults feel they are being held back from finding love by their imperfect smile.

Nationally recognized lifestyle expert and proclaimed single gal Justine Santaniello knows first-hand the challenges that the nearly 100 million U.S. singles face when navigating the dating world. “It’s an inexact science. There’s no perfect recipe of style, looks and other personal traits that boosts a single’s chances of success in finding their soul mate, or at least of steering away from the dating duds. But what is clear from loads of research and my personal experience is that having a winning smile often influences whether you even get that first date.”

Additional “Singles & Smiles” survey insights include:

• What I Like About You. An overwhelming majority (82%) of U.S. adults agree that the first thing people notice about others is their smile.
• First Kiss Deal Breakers. A whopping 92% of U.S. adults cite a mouth-related trait as a major turn-off in a potential partner. The biggest offender – no surprise – is bad breath which more than four in five (82%) U.S. adults cite as a prime mood cooler. In addition, more than one-third of U.S. adults cite crooked teeth as a turn-off.
• Don’t Be Afraid To Show That Smile. When asked what personal traits make adults self-conscious, three in ten (30%) U.S. adults cite their teeth, followed by their hair (26%), skin (23%) and overall style (13%).
• Fix Those Choppers & Find Your Soul Mate! Nearly two in five (39%) U.S. adults feel that having a treatment/procedure done to their teeth would help them attract a potential mate. And more than one in five (21%) U.S. adults feel that straightening their teeth would help them change their status from “single” to “in a relationship.”

“I see amazing personal transformations on a daily basis, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect for an orthodontist,” said New York-based Dr. Joseph Hung of Manhattan Orthodontics. “A large percentage of my client base is single and it’s astounding to see how a simple correction of their smile, through orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign, transforms not only their smile, but also their overall looks and disposition. I like to say they come into my dental chair as a caterpillar and leave as a butterfly.”

Adults often feel that teeth straightening is too much trouble, too embarrassing, or too disruptive to their life, so they forego treatment. Invisalign is an ideal solution for most adults to straighten their teeth and achieve a beautiful smile in a reasonable amount of time, with few feelings of self-consciousness during treatment due to the nearly invisible aligners, and minimal impact on their busy schedule. Singles, in particular, want a subtle solution, and Invisalign aligners provide the best of both worlds - virtually invisible when worn (no metal or wires), and removable when needed, making it simple to get ready for romance.

View and share the “Single and Ready to Mingle” Infographic

Survey Methodology 
This survey was conducted online within the United States between July 24-26, 2013 among 2,013 adults ages 18 and older, by Harris Interactive (via its Quick Query omnibus product) on behalf of Align Technology, Inc., makers of Invisalign. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, please contact Shari Gold at sgold@goldpr.com.

About Invisalign 
Adults and teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign is the clear alternative to metal braces that uses a series of virtually invisible and removable aligners that gradually move teeth over time. The benefits include no food restrictions, the ability to easily maintain healthy dental brushing habits, minimal interference with sports or other activities, and teeth get straightened without most people knowing you are in treatment. Learn more and find a preferred provider at www.invisalign.com.

About Align Technology, Inc. 
Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998."

-Invisalign.com 2013
http://www.invisalign.com/news-and-events/2013/straight-teeth-and-dating

Earlier this week our patients tried on different funky Halloween glasses. Some were too shy for the camera, but not these guys. ;)

 Regular dentist visits can do more than keep your smile attractive – they can tell dentists a lot about your overall health, including whether or not you may be developing a disease like diabetes.New research suggests that the health of your mouth mirrors the condition of your body as a whole. For example, when your mouth is healthy, chances are your overall health is good, too. On the other hand, if you have poor oral health, you may have other health problems.

Research also shows that good oral health may actually prevent certain diseases from occurring.

Gum disease and health complications. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Women with gum disease also show higher incidences of pre-term, low birth-weight babies.

Other research shows that more than 90 percent of all systemic diseases (diseases involving many organs or the whole body) have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Such diseases include:

• Diabetes
• Leukemia
• Oral cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Since most people have regular oral examinations, their dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages.

Poor oral health can lead to problems.
If you don't take care of your teeth and gums, your poor oral hygiene can actually lead to other health problems, including:

• Oral and facial pain. According to the Office of the Surgeon General, this pain may be largely due to infection of the gums that support the teeth and can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, and advanced gum disease affect more than 75 percent of the U.S. population.
• Problems with the heart and other major organs. Mouth infections can affect major organs. For example, the heart and heart valves can become inflamed by bacterial endocarditis, a condition that affects people with heart disease or anyone with damaged heart tissue.
• Digestion problems. Digestion begins with physical and chemical processes in the mouth, and problems here can lead to intestinal failure, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders.

What you can do
Seeing a dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues. A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development problems and improper jaw alignment. Provide your dentist with a complete medical history and inform him or her of any recent health developments, even if they seem unrelated to your oral health.

At home, you can practice good oral hygiene:

• Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach.
• Eat a healthy diet to provide the nutrients necessary (vitamins A and C, in particular) to prevent gum disease.
• Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which may contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
• Exercise preventive care and schedule regular dental checkups — the surest way to detect early signs of periodontal disease.

The importance of oral health to overall health. Academy of General Dentistry.

Source: http://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/dentalhealth.html 

Catherine is a superstar in our office.  Her athletic abilities are awe-inspiring.  She is one of a kind, and now she has a one of a kind smile. We would also like to wish Catherine a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Congratulations Catherine on getting your braces removed!!  

Abraham, football fan to the maximum! Rocking his favorite teams jersey and his sunglasses, he is ready to face the world :-D.  Watch out world because Abraham is out there with a brand new smile. 

Braces, wires, springs, rubber bands, and other appliances can attract food and plaque, which can stain teeth if not brushed away. Most orthodontists
recommend brushing after every meal or snack with fluoride toothpaste and carefully removing any food that may have gotten stuck in your braces. Some orthodontists will also prescribe or recommend a fluoride mouthwash, which can get into places in the mouth that a toothbrush can't reach.
 
Flossing & Brushing Tips With Braces 
To floss teeth if you have braces, feed the short end of the floss through the space between the main arch wire and the upper portion of the tooth closest to the gum. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss on each side of the two teeth the floss is between. Be careful not to pull with too much force around the arch wire. Begin brushing teeth by using a regular soft toothbrush. Brush down from the top and then up from the bottom on each tooth with braces. Next, brush your teeth with a proxabrush or "Christmas tree" brush. This brush is specially designed for cleaning between two braces. Insert the brush down from the top and then up from the bottom between two braces. Use several strokes in each direction before moving on to the next space between two braces. Repeat the procedure until all teeth have been cleaned.

Foods to Avoid While Wearing Braces
While wearing braces, most foods can still be eaten if you cut them into small pieces that can be easily chewed. There are certain foods, however, that can break or loosen braces and should be avoided, such as:
            1. Hard or tough-to-bite foods, such as apples or bagels
            2. Chewy foods, such as taffy or caramels
            3. Corn on the cob
            4. Hard pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and carrots
In addition, do not chew ice or bubble gum.

Caring for Retainers
Every time you brush your teeth, brush your retainer as well. Once a day or at least once a week, disinfect the retainer by soaking it in a denture cleanser, such as Efferdent, Polident, or other brand name solutions. Add the cleanser to a cup full of warm -- but never hot -- water. Thoroughly rinse the retainer with plain water before placing it back in your mouth.
 
Playing Sports While Wearing Braces
You can continue to participate in any sport if you have braces. When playing sports where there is a possibility of getting hit in the mouth, a specially designed mouth guard will need to be worn. The mouth guard, made of durable plastic, is designed to fit comfortably over braces and will protect the soft tissues inside the mouth.

-WebMD

Meet Alon Barak, Merna Tajaddod Orthodontics Smile of the Month fro July!  Alon is an amazing kid who brightens up our office each time he comes in! We were fortunate to have him be our patient for his phase I treatment. Unfortunately for us, Alon and his family will now be New Yorkers and will be leaving our office this month.  We are incredibly sad by this but we wish the Barak Family the best in this new adventure.  Alon had his braces removed on July 8th, for this reason he is our smile of the month, however the entire Barak family deserves this honor because all of their smiles illuminate our office: Alon with his passion for our complimentary lemonade.  His mom, Renana, with her funny jokes and amazing sense of humor, and his sister Maya with her hip attitude and Chipotle addiction.  We will miss you all very much and we hope you make amazing connections in New York because you have a solid orthodontic family here in California.

1. Eat apples, celery and carrots. These fruits and vegetables help clean your teeth and don't harm your enamel.

2. Eat small portions of cheese after a meal. Research is showing that small amounts of cheese prevents tooth decay and re-mineralizes your enamel.

3. Avoid drinking liquids or eating food that stain your teeth such as coffee, red wine, fruit drinks, dark sodas, tea, sport drinks, blueberries, blackberries, or beets. These liquids and fruits can stain your teeth easily. Over long term use your tooth enamel will wear out. If you do eat or drink these foods it is highly recommended to rinse or brush your teeth afterwards. Another tip is to sip your drinks with a straw which avoids direct contact with your teeth.

4. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

5. Flossing is just as important. By flossing your teeth you remove any food, plaque and/or staining in between your teeth.

6. Visit a dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and check up.

Many adults look back at their childhood and wish they had braces. Usually, the reasons have to do with a crooked smile but that’s not the only plus of having orthodontic work early on. Having braces can actually help curb bad breath.

 Gaps in the smile create nooks between the teeth that trap food particles. Bacteria then consume the proteins in your “leftovers” for energy, creating a sulfur-stricken environment that is very hard to treat. “Most people have no idea of the tiny food particles nestled in the crevices of their teeth because the food particles aren’t large enough that you’d feel them,” says Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald E. Goldstein, DDS. “As a result, they continue to multiply, making your breath smell worse and worse.” 

So what’s the solution? Straighten your teeth. It’s never too late to close up spaces that serve as a breeding ground for bad breath bacteria. Invisalign, clear plastic trays that sequentially align the teeth, is a great way to eliminate minor gaps. “Each tray puts force on the teeth, causing them to move in the desired direction, picking up where the one before it left off,” says Malibu and Simi Valley, CA cosmetic dentist Bob S. Perkins, DDS.

-NewBeauty

From February 1st-11, Dr. Merna Tajaddod and fellow dentists from the Palo Alto and Mid-Peninsula community volunteered to teach educational dental classes to children in Kindergarten and 1st grade. Dr. Tajaddod along with fellow collegues taught children the importance of dental hygiene and dental care. Some of these presentations were followed by Dental Screenings, where Dr. Tajaddod and other volunteers gave each child an oral examination. The dental exams are important for the children of our communtiy as some families might not have appropriate dental care for their children. GIve Kids a Smile is a hige opportunity for children to receive the proper dental care and for parents to lift a weight from their shoulers as Give Kids a Smile is completely free for these children. 

Dr Tajaddod and her fellow collegues were able to share their knowledge with the children of the Mid-Peninsula. With their expertise in the dental field, these children who are sometimes underrepresented in the health care system were able to have access to dental care and dental adivec that on other circumstances would not be available to them.

Dr. Tajaddod visited schools in the Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Mountain View areas. As an active memeber of the Palo Alto community, Dr. Merna Tajaddod enjoyed helping the children of our community and is thank ful for all the volunteers who took time from their day to help. Fortifying the relationship with the community is important to Dr. Tajaddod; as a member of the community Dr. Tajaddod hopes to bring more opportunities like Give Kids a Smile to the Palo Alto and Mid-Peninsula areas.

We hope to proceed with such a great turnout for the year 2014.  Help us spread the word to all the Mid-Peninsula elementary schools to spread awareness for next years GIVE KIDS A SMILE which will take place the first week of February!