Let Braces Be Another Reason You Quit Smoking

We don't need to tell you smoking is bad for your lungs because chances are you’re already aware of that and several other health concerns smoking can bestow upon you. Besides the link between tobacco and heart disease, stroke, emphysema, and cancer, smoking can lead to oral health problems too. At Hinesly Orthodontics, it is our duty to inform you of problems that may arise when you wear braces and smoke.

We’ve decided to create a list to update you on oral health problems that smoking can cause.

Bad breath: when you have braces, there are just more areas for bacteria. Smoking with braces often leads to more severe odor.

Tooth discoloration: smoking stains your teeth – when you have braces it is harder to brush increasing the likelihood of obvious tooth discoloration following the removal of your braces.

Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth

Increased loss of bone within the jaw; compromising your treatment time. Increased risk of developing gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss

Delayed healing process; making mouth ulcers more painful and longer to heal.

Hinesly Orthodontics urges you to be wise and consider using your decision to invest in braces as an opportunity to quit smoking and invest in your overall oral health. There are plenty of resources and support groups out there willing to help. If you have any questions on oral health problems that can occur, contact Hinesly Orthodontics.

"Give Me S'more" Cake - National S'mores Day Recipe

If you want to celebrate National S'mores Day today, we encourage you to do so! Take our s'mores challenge and try something different by adding some flare to your s'mores! Try out this new s'more recipe and let us know what you think!

Do you have a s'more recipe you'd like to share with us? Post it on our Facebook wall!

"Give Me S'more" Cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

MARSHMALLOW FROSTING:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Directions

1. Line bottoms of two greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; lightly coat paper with cooking spray. In a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine cracker crumbs and baking powder; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
2. Transfer to prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar over low heat. With a hand mixer, beat on low speed for 1 minute. Continue beating on low over low heat until frosting reaches 160°, about 8-10 minutes. Pour into a large bowl; add vanilla. Beat on high until stiff peaks form, about 7 minutes.
4. Place a cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 2/3 cup frosting and sprinkle with half of chips. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake; sprinkle with remaining chips. Yield:12 servings.

"Give Me S'more" Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home