# Redwood Shores Orthodontics > Dr. Wu and the entire team are fantastic! They’re friendly, professional, and truly care about their patients. Both of my kids had their teeth straightened here, and the results came --- ## Pages - [Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/braces/) - [Orthodontic Scholarships](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/about-us/orthodontic-scholarships/) - [Why Choose Redwood Shores](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/about-us/why-choose-rso/) - [Surgical Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/surgical-orthodontics/) - [Sleep Apnea](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/sleep-apnea/) - [Hybrid Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/hybrid-orthodontics/) - [Childrens Orthodontist in Redwood City](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/treatments-for-children/) - [Adult Orthodontist in Redwood City](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/treatment-for-adults/) - [Pitts 21™ Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/pitts-21-braces/) - [Brava Invisible Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/brava-invisible-braces/) - [Emergency Care](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/patient-information/emergency-care/) - [Sitemap](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/sitemap/) - [Your First Visit](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/patient-information/your-first-visit/) - [Orthodontist vs Dentist](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/patient-information/orthodontist-vs-dentist/) - [Life with Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/patient-information/life-with-braces/) - [Clear Aligners](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/clear-aligners/) - [Meet our Team](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/about-us/meet-our-team/) - [Meet Dr. Wu](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/about-us/meet-dr-wu/) - [Testimonials](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/testimonials/) - [Dentist Referrals](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/dentist-referrals/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/terms-and-conditions/): 1. Introduction These terms and conditions shall govern your use of our website. By using our website, you accept these... - [Cookies Policy](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/cookies-policy/): Introduction Our website uses cookies. Insofar as those cookies are not strictly necessary for the provision of our website and... - [Blog](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/) - [Home](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/) - [Patient Information](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/patient-information/) - [Cost](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/cost/) - [About Us](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/about-us/) - [Treatments](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/treatments/) - [Book a Free Consultation](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/in-practice-consultation/) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: April 12, 2024 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of... --- ## Posts - [Dr. Eric Wu is Featured in Progressive Orthodontist Magazine!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/progressive-orthodontist-magazine-feature/): Whether you’re a patient at Redwood Shores Orthodontics or not, you’ve probably heard of clear aligner therapy as an option... - [Busting Invisalign Myths](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/debunking-invisalign-myths/): It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or considering improving your... - [New Year, New Me](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/new-year-new-me/): At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me. ” But what exactly... - [The Impact of Smoking on Your Oral Health](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/the-impact-of-smoking-on-your-oral-health/): When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health.... - [Are You Over-Brushing Your Braces?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/are-you-over-brushing-your-braces/): Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in... - [How to Survive Thanksgiving with Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/how-to-survive-thanksgiving-with-braces/): If you’re a fan of food like we are (and really, who isn’t? ), then Thanksgiving just might be one... - [What Happens When We Swallow Gum?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/what-happens-when-we-swallow-gum/): Dr. Eric Wu and the team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics want to dispel an urban legend about chewing gum: if... - [Fun Halloween Costume Ideas for Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/fun-halloween-costume-ideas-for-braces/): It’s that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner and we at Redwood Shores Orthodontics are here... - [Spread the Word - October is National Orthodontic Health Month](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/spread-the-word-october-is-national-orthodontic-health-month/): October means something a little different to our team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month.... - [6 Fun Smartphone Apps To Improve Your Oral Hygiene](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/6-fun-smartphone-apps-to-improve-your-oral-hygiene/): We use our smartphones for almost everything in our lives. From setting alarms to wake up, to tracking our workouts,... - [5 Tips for Going Back to School with Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/5-tips-for-going-back-to-school-with-braces/): Bummed out that summer is almost over? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics in Redwood Shores, CA, we feel this is a... - [Thinking About Mail-In Orthodontics? Read This First!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/thinking-about-mail-in-orthodontics-read-this-first/): Wouldn’t you love to simply take a selfie, and/or impression of your teeth or get your teeth scanned, and receive... - [Are You Cleaning Your Braces with the Right Toothbrush?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/are-you-cleaning-your-braces-with-the-right-toothbrush/): You’re just starting orthodontic treatment and it’s time to brush your teeth. Do you brush with a manual or electric... - [Mail Order Orthodontics - Understanding The Risks](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/mail-order-orthodontics-understanding-the-risks/): Would you consider undergoing orthodontic treatment to improve your smile without ever having to step foot inside an orthodontic or... - [Is Your Vegan Diet Good For Your Teeth While Wearing Braces?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/is-your-vegan-diet-good-for-your-teeth-while-wearing-braces/): While we’ve all heard that milk is great for building strong bones and teeth, not everyone drinks milk. Although more... - [Orthodontic Treatment For Children](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontic-treatment-for-children/): Most parents understand the importance of starting children young with an at-home oral care routine. While children start their dental... - [Alcohol And Your Oral Health](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/alcohol-and-your-oral-health/): You already know the effects alcohol can have on your body, but do you know how it can affect your... - [Are You Eating A Balanced Breakfast?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/are-you-eating-a-balanced-breakfast/): We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how important is it to our... - [Braces And Morning Breath](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/braces-and-morning-breath/): We all know what it’s like to have morning breath. But those of us with braces may have morning breath... - [The Secret To A Brighter Smile](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/the-secret-to-a-brighter-smile/): You just took a photo with friends but notice that your smile isn’t as white as everyone else’s. Did you... - [Dental Checkups Are Important To Your Health](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/dental-checkups-are-important-to-your-health/): To maintain your car, it is recommended to change your oil at least every 3,000 miles. Failing to do so... - [7 Vitamins For Great Oral Health](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/7-vitamins-for-great-oral-health/): Just like your body, your teeth also require just the right amount of vitamins and minerals to maintain the great... - [Could Biting Your Nails Slow Down Your Treatment?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/could-biting-your-nails-slow-down-your-treatment/): Whether you’re stressed, excited or bored, biting nails is a very common habit among kids and adults of all ages.... - [Debunked: 5 Common Myths About Gum Disease](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/debunked-5-common-myths-about-gum-disease/): We’ve all heard of gum disease, but what do you really know? Many people think they know all about gum... - [How To Floss Like A Pro!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/how-to-floss-like-a-pro/): Using floss is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain good dental health. It is the... - [Too Much Sugar May Hurt Your Teeth](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/too-much-sugar-may-hurt-your-teeth/): Picture your favorite sugary drink. Odds are it’s either carbonated or contains too much sugar. Now picture what your teeth... - [Here Are 8 Reasons To Smile In 2018](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/here-are-8-reasons-to-smile-in-2018/): “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.... - [Stocking Stuffer Ideas From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/stocking-stuffer-ideas-from-wu-orthodontics/): Happy Holidays to all from Redwood Shores Orthodontics! This is the time of year where giving means more than receiving.... - [Adult Orthodontics – Feel The Power Of Your Smile](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/adult-orthodontics-feel-the-power-of-your-smile/): While some might tell you otherwise, you’re never too old to straighten out your teeth. Even in a person’s later... - [Thanksgiving With Joy And Gratitude](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/thanksgiving-with-joy-and-gratitude/): Here at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, our team believes in the simple power of gratitude. What better time of the year... - [Flex Account Can Make Someone Smile](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/flex-account-can-make-someone-smile/): Wow! We are already in November of 2017. Only two months to go before the end of the year! For... - [Halloween “Treats”...Do's and Don'ts in Redwood Shores](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/halloween-treats-dos-and-donts-in-palo-alto/): Halloween Treats... You have all heard about the damage that sugar and certain “sticky” candies can do to your teeth... - [Everyone Smile in October for Orthodontic Health Month](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontic-health-month-2017-palo-alto/): Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Eric Wu and his team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics... - [Wisdom Teeth Removal - Why and When](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/wisdom-teeth-removal-why-and-when/): Lately, the latest trend amongst trending topics has been celebrities keeping their Instagram followers up-to-date on their dental health. This... - [Labor Day – Honors The Worker](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/labor-day-honors-the-worker/): It’s that time of year again! Labor Day is our last chance to celebrate the summer. But what actually is... - [Buck Teeth – See Your Orthodontist](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/buck-teeth-see-your-orthodontist/): Buck teeth, also known as a malocclusion or severe overbite, is much more common than we think. In many cases,... - [Smile – A Glorious Wonder](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/smile-a-glorious-wonder/): A simple smile holds the key to many wonderful secrets. When you flash a those wonderfully beautiful pearly whites, you... - [Sunburn - You’re Burning Up](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/sunburn-youre-burning-up/): The Team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics knows that regardless of the many health warnings about skin damage from the sun,... - [July 4th - Independence Day Fun Facts](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/july-4th-independence-day-fun-facts/): As Independence Day, July 4th rapidly approaches, it’s clear we are already more than halfway into the year and more... - [Congratulations to All Graduates in Redwood Shores CA](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/congratulations-to-all-graduates-in-palo-alto-ca/): Graduation is in the air during the month of June. Whether that graduation is from Junior High School, Senior High... - [Father’s Day – Say Thanks To Your Dad](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/fathers-day-say-thanks-to-your-dad/): Father’s Day is certainly not the oldest holiday in the World or even in America. Usually, Dads are celebrated by... - [Move in May to Support National Fitness and Sports Month in Redwood Shores CA](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/move-in-may-to-support-national-fitness-and-sports-month-in-palo-alto-ca/): Did You Know May is National Fitness and Sports Month Physical exercise is good for everyone’s health no matter what... - [Mother’s Day - Kudos To Moms From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/mothers-day-kudos/): Mother’s Day – Redwood Shores Orthodontics wants to shout out a great big, huge, humongous THANK YOU to Moms everywhere.... - [Speech Disorders – Can An Orthodontist Help?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/speech-disorders/): Speech disorders – Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? One of the first... - [Easter - Here Is Some History](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/easter-history/): Easter is not just about egg hunts, candy, Cadbury eggs and chocolate rabbits. For Christians, Easter celebrates the resurrection from... - [Wisdom Teeth - Extraction Is New Topic On Social Media](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/wisdom-teeth/): Along with Lily Allen, Paris Hilton, and Emile Hirsch, Ariana Grande has become the most recent pop diva to share... - [Grinding Teeth Creates Problems](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/grinding-teeth-creates-problems/): Grinding teeth and clenching is a very common problem and it has been found that 70% of people clench or... - [Orthodontic Retainers 5 Tips On Cleaning](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontic-retainers-palo-alto/): Whether you are wearing orthodontic retainers during treatment or after your braces or Invisalign are completed at Redwood Shores Orthodontics,... - [Invisalign Teen – A Great Alternative For Self-Conscious Teens](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/invisalign-teen-palo-alto/): Invisalign Teen... A Smart Alternative for Teens and Parents Does your teen need braces? Are they worried about how they... - [Orthodontics 2017 - Need a Smile Makeover?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontics-2017-smile/): Orthodontics 2017... The New Year is the perfect time to make changes to improve your life, whether that means a... - [Stocking Stuffer Ideas From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/stocking-stuffer-ideas/): The holiday season is upon us again. Where did the year go? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we would like to... - [Are Braces A Necessity For Teen Esteem?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/braces-teen-esteem/): Teen Esteem... Every patient has their own reasons for deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment. For adolescents and teens, image has... - [Some Fun Thanksgiving Trivia From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/thanksgiving-trivia/): Thanksgiving is celebrated with feasts and football games and the start of the Christmas shopping season, Thanksgiving means roasted turkey,... - [Be Careful When Choosing Your Toothbrush](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/toothbrush-palo-alto-california/): Most people believe that a toothbrush is a toothbrush and that there really is no difference between them. Unfortunately many... - [Halloween - Some Tips For Orthodontic Patients](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/halloween-palo-alto-california/): Halloween was also known as All Hallows’ Eve in some circles. It goes as far back as about 2,000 years... - [Busting Invisalign Myths](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/busting-invisalign-myths/): Busting Invisalign Myths... It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or... - [Color Braces - The New Fashion Statement](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/color-braces-palo-alto-california/): Color Braces... Are they a fashion statement? When one thinks of style trends braces are typically NOT the first things... - [Labor Day - Some Fun History](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/labor-day-palo-alto-california/): Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Labor Day is a federal holiday in the USA and has been... - [Orthodontist - Here Is A Definition](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontist-palo-alto-california/): Orthodontist... what does that mean? Many consumers are confused why they should choose an orthodontist in the Redwood Shores CA... - [Reverse Aging With Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/reverse-aging-palo-alto-california/): Reverse aging with orthodontics... can it be done? Orthodontics can help children, teens, and adults of all ages look better... - [DIY - Do It Yourself Orthodontics Is Not Worth The Risk](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/diy-orthodontics-palo-alto-california/): Do It Yourself, DIY Orthodontics, is not worth the risk. In today’s digital world, you can buy almost anything you... - [Sun Safety - Summer Is No Time To Get Burned](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/sun-safety-palo-alto-california/): Sun safety means being smart in the sun and now that summertime is upon us, kids are spending more time... - [Invisalign - The Facts](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/invisalign-palo-alto-california/): Invisalign – An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure When it comes to taking care of your... - [Brush Your Teeth - Clever Public Service Ads Are Getting Parents To Teach Kids](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/brush-teeth-palo-alto-california/): How many times as a kid do you hear... “Did you brush your teeth? And even more so when you... - [Why Choose An Orthodontist In Redwood Shores CA?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/choose-orthodontist-palo-alto-ca/): What is an orthodontist? If you are having a problem with your bones or muscles you trust an orthopedist. For... - [Thanks Moms!! From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/mothers-day-palo-alto-ca/): Mother’s Day should probably be every day. But unfortunately it only comes around once a year. It is the day... - [The Risks are Too High - Smokeless Tobacco and E- Cigarettes](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/risks-smokeless-tobacco-palo-alto-ca/): Are We Addicting Another Generation of Smokers With e-Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco? Years of educating kids on the risks of... - [Dental Sports Injuries And Kids](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/dental-sports-injuries-kids/): What sport do you think causes the most dental sports injuries with kids? If you guessed football... you are right.... - [St. Patty’s Day Brace Friendly Recipes From Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/st-pattys-day-brace-friendly-recipes-wu-orthodontics/): Whether you are Irish or not, St Patrick’s Day brings out the Irish in everyone, kids and adults alike. Many... - [Support National Healthy Nutrition Month](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/support-national-healthy-nutrition-month-palo-alto-ca/): We all know that discussions about good dietary habits and nutrition take place every day almost everywhere. Families talk about... - [February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/childrens-dental-health-monthpalo-alto-ca/): The National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign in February brings together thousands of dedicated educators, dental professionals, health care providers... - [The Gift Of Love Is A Smile](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/the-gift-of-love-is-a-smile-palo-alto-ca/): Here is a thought! Why not give the gift of a smile to yourself or someone you love this Valentine’s... - [Braces Or Invisalign… That Is The Question](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/braces-or-invisalign-palo-alto-ca/): Considering orthodontic treatment to create the beautiful smile you always dreamed of? It is a big decision and one that... - [Get A Great New Smile For 2016](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/get-a-great-new-smile-for-2016-palo-alto-ca/): This year, Redwood Shores Orthodontics and our Team renew their New Year’s resolution to make sure all their patients wearing... - [9 Dental Facts to Consider In Redwood Shores CA](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/9-dental-facts-to-consider-in-palo-alto-ca/): Did You Know... 83% of people believe their teeth are more important to their appearance than hair and eyes according... - [10 Ideas For Braces Friendly Stocking Stuffers](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/10-ideas-for-braces-friendly-stocking-stuffers-palo-alto-ca/): The holiday season is upon us again. Where did the year go? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we would like to... - [Are Your Children Eating Cereals Listed in the Hall of Shame?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/too-much-sugar-in-cereals-palo-alto-ca/): The Environmental Working Group researchers recently ranked more than 1500 cereals by their total sugar content, total weight and compared... - [5 Tips For Halloween And Your Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/5-tips-for-halloween-and-your-braces-palo-alto-ca/): Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages... but it can be a “nightmare” waiting to... - [5 Tips About Orthodontics And Bullying?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/5-tips-about-orthodontics-and-bullying-palo-alto-ca/): Having “ugly” teeth may significantly contribute to the problem of bullying, according to a recent study published in the American... - [October Means...It Is National Orthodontic Health Month](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/national-orthodontic-health-month-palo-alto-ca/): October means something a little different to our team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month.... - [Protect Your Orthodontic Investment – Wear Your Retainers!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/protect-your-retainers-palo-alto-ca/): After orthodontic treatment is completed at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, retainers are the finishing touch to maintain your beautiful new smile... - [Mouth Guard – You Wear It… But Do You Clean It?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/cleaning-mouth-guards-palo-alto-ca/): Most adults and kids today understand the importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports, especially while wearing... - [TMJ Jaw Pain Can Be A Mouthful](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/tmj-jaw-pain-can-be-a-mouthful/): Living with aching or clicking jaws can be hard to swallow! Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also commonly known as TMJ or... - [Can Braces Be Prevented? Fact Or Fiction](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/can-braces-be-prevented-fact-or-fiction-palo-alto-ca/): Most parents today are well informed when it comes to stopping adverse habits that effects tooth and jaw development in... - [Welcome Baby Wu!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/welcome-baby-wu/): We hope you are enjoying your summer. We would like to welcome Misa Adele Wu, our latest addition to the... - [Dr. Wu visits Connecticut](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/dr-wu-visits-connecticut/): So what has Dr. Wu been up to lately in his free time? Well, orthodontists like Dr. Wu LOVE what... - [Smiles Definitely Change Lives](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/smiles-definitely-change-lives-palo-alto-ca/): A healthy perfect smile is why many children and adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment. Around friends and family, a... - [What Is The Most Common Question Asked During Orthodontic Treatment?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/what-is-the-most-common-question-asked-during-orthodontic-treatment/): Is it what can I eat? How do I brush? No... When do I get my braces off? While most... - [Here Are Some Common Causes Of White Spots After Wearing Braces](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/common-causes-of-white-spots-after-wearing-braces/): Chalky, opaque-looking white spots on the teeth are not uncommon today. Maybe you have them or perhaps you’ve seen them... - [Sensitive Teeth – The Root Of The Matter](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/sensitive-teeth-the-root-of-the-matter/): Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour foods and drinks, and deep cavities or fillings... - [The Effects Of Dairy On Teeth](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/the-effects-of-dairy-on-teeth/): As kids we all remember hearing our parents or grandparents remind us that dairy products help build strong bones and... - [Oral Splints - How They Work](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/oral-splints-how-they-work/): Dental or Orthodontic Splints are devices that are used when patients suffer from certain types of dental problems. These problems... - [6 Things You Need To Know About Whitening Teeth](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/6-things-you-need-to-know-about-whitening-teeth-in-palo-alto-ca/): Teeth whitening kits are available everywhere today; online, over the counter, and from your dentist. Studies report that bleaching or... - [The Skinny on Wisdom Teeth](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/the-skinny-on-wisdom-teeth-in-palo-alto-ca/): “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t... - [Redwood Shores Orthodontist Embraces Change With His New Blog...](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontist-palo-alto-ca-embraces-change/): Our world, both professional in the orthodontic practice of Redwood Shores Orthodontics and personal in our everyday lives, is changing... - [Welcome New Team Member, Aggie!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/welcome-new-team-member-aggie/): We would like to welcome our new team member, Aggie, to the Redwood Shores Orthodontics family! Aggie is our Records... - [Dr. Eric Wu puts braces on patients of all ages in Redwood Shores CA...](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontist-palo-alto-ca-patients-of-all-ages/): Adults all over the world are more conscious today about their appearance and your smile is one of the first... - [Dr. Wu hits the slopes!](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/dr-wu-hits-the-slopes/): Dr. Eric Wu recently returned from hitting the snow covered slopes of Beaver Creek and Vail Colorado. - [During Orthodontic treatment in Redwood Shores CA… is Fluoride Friend or Foe?](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/orthodontist-palo-alto-ca-fluoride-braces-invisalign/): There are many ways you protect your teeth during your treatment with Dr. Eric Wu. You brush your teeth after... - [Handling Out of Town Emergencies](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/handling-out-of-town-emergencies/): School is out in most parts of the country and summer vacation will soon be here. Do you know what... - [Celebrate Earth Day with Redwood Shores Orthodontics](https://www.redwoodcityorthodontics.com/blog/celebrate-earth-day-with-wu-orthodontics/): Dr. Eric Wu and team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics will be joining the world in acknowledging Earth Day on April... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages Redwood Shores OrthodonticsBased on 86 reviewsSee all reviewsreview us onRam BartovDr. Wu and the entire team are fantastic! They’re friendly, professional, and truly care about their patients. Both of my kids had their teeth straightened here, and the results came in even faster than promised. The office is welcoming, appointments run on time, and they take the time to explain every step. My kids’ smiles have never looked betterKsenia RyckmanDr. Wu and the team made the entire orthodontic process smooth and stress-free. I wore aligners for exactly the amount of time originally estimated, and everything stayed on track thanks to consistent, well-managed appointments. Each visit was efficient, and I always felt well taken care of. Dr. Wu’s detailed approach and clear communication made it easy to stay motivated throughout the process. I appreciated the attention to small adjustments and the genuine care they showed. The final result is fantastic—my teeth look and feel great. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend to anyone considering aligners. Nicole AnneGreat Service! Dr. Wu is very professional and knowledgeable. My teeth are straight and perfect thanks to him. I’m very satisfied with his service and would recommend anyone to see him. Medet TurBefore coming here I had no girls, Now after coming here I get all the girls. Cam NgoLove RSD and their services. Great attention to detail, feel super comfortable being around their staff, knowledgeable. Going to miss seeing them and Dr. Wu! NathanIt was a great experience to receive the help... --- "*" indicates required fields Dentist's DetailsName* First Last Email* Phone*Practice NamePractice Address Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCambodiaCameroonCanadaCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongoCongo, Democratic Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzechiaCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatiniEthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard Island and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribati= 0;if(! is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_wrapper_2');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this). contents. find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2'). length > 0;var is_redirect = contents. indexOf('gformRedirect{') >= 0;var is_form = form_content. length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html'). css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body'). css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). html(form_content. html);if(form_content. hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document). scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2'). offset. top - mt); }, 50 );if(window) {gformInitDatepicker;}if(window) {gformInitPriceFields;}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2'). val;gformInitSpinner( 2, 'https://www. redwoodcityorthodontics. com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner. svg', true );jQuery(document). trigger('gform_page_loaded', );window = false;}else if(! is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this). contents. find('. 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Introduction These terms and conditions shall govern your use of our website. By using our website, you accept these terms and conditions in full; accordingly, if you disagree with these terms and conditions or any part of these terms and conditions, you must not use our website. If you use any of our website services, we will ask you to expressly agree to these terms and conditions. Our website uses cookies; by using our website or agreeing to these terms and conditions, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of our cookies policy 2. Copyright notice Copyright © Redwood Shores Orthodontics Subject to the express provisions of these terms and conditions: We, together with our licensors, own and control all the copyright and other intellectual property rights in our website and the material on our website; and All the copyright and other intellectual property rights in our website and the material on our website are reserved. 3. Licence to use website You may: View pages from our website in a web browser; Download pages from our website for caching in a web browser; Print pages from our website; Stream audio and video files from our website; and Use our website services by means of a web browser, subject to the other provisions of these terms and conditions. Except as expressly permitted by Section 4. 1 or the other provisions of these terms and conditions, you must not download any material from our website or... --- Introduction Our website uses cookies. Insofar as those cookies are not strictly necessary for the provision of our website and services, we will ask you to consent to our use of cookies when you first visit our website. About cookies A cookie is a file containing an identifier (a string of letters and numbers) that is sent by a web server to a web browser and is stored by the browser. The identifier is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server. Cookies may be either "persistent" cookies or "session" cookies: a persistent cookie will be stored by a web browser and will remain valid until its set expiry date, unless deleted by the user before the expiry date; a session cookie, on the other hand, will expire at the end of the user session, when the web browser is closed. Cookies may not contain any information that personally identifies a user, but personal data that we store about you may be linked to the information stored in and obtained from cookies. Cookies that we use We use cookies for the following purposes: authentication and status - we use cookies to identify you when you visit our website and as you navigate our website, and it enables our web server to respond to your actions on the site when viewing pages and blogs. Cookies used by our service providers Our service providers use cookies and those cookies may be stored on your... --- Dr. Wu and the entire team are fantastic! They’re friendly, professional, and truly care about their patients. Both of my kids had their teeth straightened here, and the results came in even faster than promised. The office is welcoming, appointments run on time, and they take the time to explain every step. My kids’ smiles have never looked betterRam BartovDr. Wu and the team made the entire orthodontic process smooth and stress-free. I wore aligners for exactly the amount of time originally estimated, and everything stayed on track thanks to consistent, well-managed appointments. Each visit was efficient, and I always felt well taken care of. Dr. Wu’s detailed approach and clear communication made it easy to stay motivated throughout the process. I appreciated the attention to small adjustments and the genuine care they showed. The final result is fantastic—my teeth look and feel great. Couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Highly recommend to anyone considering aligners. Ksenia Ryckman --- Last updated: April 12, 2024 This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Interpretation and Definitions Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural. Definitions For the purposes of this Privacy Policy: Account means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service. Business, for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), refers to the Company as the legal entity that collects Consumers’ personal information and determines the purposes and means of the processing of Consumers’ personal information, or on behalf of which such information is collected and that alone, or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information, that does business in the State of California. Company (referred to as either “the Company”, “We”, “Us” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to Redwood City Orthodontics, 358 Marine Pkwy Ste 200, Redwood City, CA 94065. Consumer, for the purpose of the CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), means a natural person who... --- --- ## Posts Whether you’re a patient at Redwood Shores Orthodontics or not, you’ve probably heard of clear aligner therapy as an option for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners allow patients to straighten their teeth with the same results as traditional braces without anyone noticing. While the technological development of clear aligners to straighten teeth has made great strides in changing the orthodontic industry, one company has taken it a step further. In the Q4 issue of The Progressive Orthodontist magazine, Dr. Eric Wu explains his experience with the uDesign digital treatment planning software created by uLab Systems. “The orthodontic space is rapidly changing and with a practice based in the heart of Silicon Valley, I’m fortunate to have a front row seat to the latest innovations and technology,” says Dr. Wu. “uLab is an FDA-cleared treatment planning software designed to empower orthodontists to plan clear aligner cases right in their office in as little as 10 mins. ” uDesign allows orthodontists, like Dr. Wu, the freedom to control all aspects of clear aligner therapy like never before. From treatment planning to contouring and branding, uLab’s innovative technology makes in-house printing easy with six simple steps: uScan, uDesign, uPrint, uForm, uContour, and uBrand. Patients can now complete a consultation and begin clear aligner therapy with custom aligners in the same day. Not only does this save time for our patients, but it has also cut lab expenses for the practice by as much as 60%. To find out more about Dr. Wu’s experience with... --- It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or considering improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean around, eat around, and live around can be daunting. The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths! (more... ) --- At the start of each new year, we often hear people say, “New year, new me. ” But what exactly does that mean? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we say “New year, new smile, better hygiene. ” To help you start the new year with a great smile and better oral health, we’ve come up with a list of essentials you will need to achieve this new year’s resolution. Floss Simply brushing your teeth does not always get to the hard-to-reach areas. Flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities, fight bad breath, tartar buildup, gum disease and improve your appearance. Make sure floss is part of your at-home dental care routine in the new year to maintain your bright smile. (more... ) --- When it comes to smoking, we’ve all been reminded constantly of the effects it can have on our overall health. In most cases, lung cancer is often the disease of choice that is a result of smoking. However, the damaging effects of smoking don’t stop there. Do you know the negative effects smoking can have on your oral health as well? Stained teeth and bad breath are just the beginning. At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we’ll help you understand the true cost of smoking as it relates to your teeth, gums and oral health. Gum Disease It starts with inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to serious damage of the gum tissue, tooth loss and even bone loss in the jaw. Serious infections can also happen if the bacteria from any of the above mentioned gets into the bloodstream. It is important to note that gum disease in those who smoke can be harder to treat. Smoking doubles the risk of developing gum disease due to the overwhelming number of toxins it introduces into the mouth. (more... ) --- Have you ever had that awkward experience when you drink a cold beverage and immediately feel a sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. In fact, one in eight people has this same problem with tooth sensitivity. So what’s the cause? Believe it or not, tooth sensitivity such as this doesn’t have anything to do with cavities or even braces, the most common cause is brushing with too much force. The Effects of Brushing Too Hard Before, during and after undergoing orthodontic treatment, the concept of brushing your teeth regularly was drilled into your brain as the best way to maintain good oral health and hygiene. While some take this advice and brush as recommended (every morning, every night and shortly after each meal), some people translate this to mean that they should be brushing more aggressively. This is NOT the case. Over-brushing or brushing too aggressively can wear down the protective layers that make up the tooth enamel. Additionally, it can push the gums back further - exposing the dentin layer under the enamel even more. This dentin layer leaves the teeth vulnerable to the nerves underneath that cause pain and discomfort when exposed to hot, cold and acidic foods (more... ) --- If you’re a fan of food like we are (and really, who isn’t? ), then Thanksgiving just might be one of your favorite holidays. Not only do you get to spend time with the ones you love, but you can also eat all the foods you might not get to eat as often. So how do you enjoy the same joys of Thanksgiving while wearing your braces? To help you navigate the serving tables at your Thanksgiving gatherings this year, we at Redwood Shores Orthodontics have a few tips for getting through all three courses. Starters & Appetizers Typically, while you’re waiting for guests to arrive or dinner to start, appetizers are brought out to keep you satisfied until the entrees were ready. While many common appetizers may not be good to consume with braces on, there are still quite a few options still open to you. To make it even easier, we’ve created two short lists to follow: Appetizer Do’s: cheese chunks or slices, salami or pepperoni slices, soft dips with bread, meatballs or cocktail weenies in sauce. Appetizer Don’ts: crunchy raw vegetables, chips, popcorn and nuts. (more... ) --- Dr. Eric Wu and the team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics want to dispel an urban legend about chewing gum: if you swallow a wad of gum, it does not sit in your stomach for seven years. In most cases, actually, not even seven days. Chewing gum, although not meant to be swallowed, passes harmlessly through the digestive system and is excreted in the same manner as everything else we eat. There is some truth to the myth, however: chewing gum is not digested. It contains resins, sometimes natural and sometimes synthetic, which our bodies cannot break down. Gum is simply passed along our digestive tract. In rare cases, excessive amounts of swallowed gum can lead to constipation and intestinal blockage in young children. But parents need not be alarmed. Young children are not more susceptible to complications involving swallowed gum; young children are simply the only people who might swallow enough gum to cause digestive problems. Kids often forget or may not understand that gum is for chewing and not swallowing. (more... ) --- It’s that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner and we at Redwood Shores Orthodontics are here to get you ready. For those of you currently in braces, you may be wondering how you can stand out with your costume while disguising your orthodontic treatment. Fear not! Here are six fun costume ideas you can try that make the most of your braces. Darla from Finding Nemo This character from the classic kid’s movie, Finding Nemo, is often what comes to mind when people think of costumes featuring braces. Darla’s enthusiasm for animals (often times too intense) and full face of metal made her one of the most memorable characters in the movie. To achieve this look, find a purple sweater, white button down shirt, plaid skirt, plastic bag filled with water and fish and, most importantly, add freckles and something that resembles headgear to your face. (more... ) --- October means something a little different to our team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic offices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do. Our goal is to draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction. American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids be evaluated 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws. (more... ) --- We use our smartphones for almost everything in our lives. From setting alarms to wake up, to tracking our workouts, calories and calendars, we keep our phones close to us at all times. That being said, it comes as no surprise that our phones can be used to help improve our oral hygiene as well. To help establish or improve your daily routine during orthodontic treatment, Redwood Shores Orthodontics is sharing a few apps here are a few apps you can try. Brush DJ Are you brushing your teeth for a long enough time? Brush DJ plays two minutes of music from your own library of songs so you can keep track of the time. Taking it even further, the app also includes a visual display to show you where to brush. A custom reminders feature helps keep you on track of things like replacing your toothbrush and upcoming orthodontic appointments. (more... ) --- Bummed out that summer is almost over? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics in Redwood Shores, CA, we feel this is a great time of year to revisit the basics of caring for your teeth during orthodontic treatment. Starting a healthy routine at the beginning of the school year will go a long way towards achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. When done right, good oral care maintenance could lead you all the way to next summer and beyond. Here are five helpful reminders to kick off the fall session with clean teeth and a happy mouth: Follow the 2x2 Rule Avoid Crunchy and Sticky Foods Drink Lots of Water Plan Your Meals and Snacks Bring a Braces Care Kit (more... ) --- Wouldn’t you love to simply take a selfie, and/or impression of your teeth or get your teeth scanned, and receive aligners that straighten your teeth in a few months without even leaving your home? Sounds too good to be true, huh? This is exactly the type of convenience offered and advertised with direct-to-consumer orthodontics. Companies like SmileDirectClub, Smilelove, SnapCorrect, etc. are appealing because they address the concern most people have about orthodontics: time. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) advises you to take a step back and look at the overall picture before considering the latest alternative to straighten your teeth. (more... ) --- You’re just starting orthodontic treatment and it’s time to brush your teeth. Do you brush with a manual or electric toothbrush? The truth is that either type of toothbrush does an effective job of cleaning the teeth. For those of you not convinced, we’ve listed some features and benefits of each so you can decide for yourself. Benefits of Using a Manual Toothbrush It’s simple, affordable and easy to find. Changing your brush every 3 months doesn’t hurt your pockets. Depending on the type of brush and your brushing method, manual toothbrushes could be softer on the tooth enamel and gums. (more... ) --- Would you consider undergoing orthodontic treatment to improve your smile without ever having to step foot inside an orthodontic or dental office? In the last couple years, there has been a significant increase in the purchase of mail order orthodontics and at-home teeth straightening kits, especially with teens. What’s the hook? It is advertised as a more cost-effective and convenient way to achieve a better smile. (more... ) --- While we’ve all heard that milk is great for building strong bones and teeth, not everyone drinks milk. Although more Americans are becoming proactive about taking care of their overall health, many of us have dietary preferences that exclude dairy products. Both calcium and vitamin D are essential to your oral health, but are you getting enough calcium? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we understand that some of us simply cannot consume foods rich in calcium, like milk, due to lactose intolerance and dairy allergies... even when wearing braces. We also understand that others choose vegan or vegetarian lifestyles that eliminate certain food groups, increasing the risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiency. (more... ) --- Most parents understand the importance of starting children young with an at-home oral care routine. While children start their dental care routine in their toddler years, do you know the best age to start them with orthodontic treatment? Some parents choose to wait until all of their child’s permanent teeth have come in, but what is the real answer? Lucky Number 7 At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we suggest bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation at age seven. We recommend this age because the first molars come in around this time. While your child will have a mix of adult and baby teeth, our staff can identify any abnormalities or problems in the near future. These problems can include crowding, deep bites and open bites. In some cases, early treatment can help regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, reduce the threat of impacted permanent teeth, eliminate the need for extractions and resolve speech problems. When caught early and quickly treated, many patients do not need orthodontic treatment later in life, saving them both time and money. How Soon Will Treatment Begin? Keep in mind that while you can have your child evaluated for early orthodontic treatment, the treatment itself may not begin for another few years after the exam has been performed. Depending on our findings, treatment can start as soon as one year later and as late as five years after the examination. Early Treatment Benefits Taking a proactive approach to your child’s oral... --- You already know the effects alcohol can have on your body, but do you know how it can affect your oral health? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, our job is to educate adult patients on how to keep their teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment. Before you pick up that glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage, consider what’s inside. Acid - Most alcoholic drinks are very high in acid content. Mixed drinks made of soda or fruit juices typically have the most acid. If left on the teeth too long, acid can erode the enamel on your teeth, making you prone to disease-causing bacteria. Sugar - Whether you can taste it or not, your alcoholic drink of choice most likely has sugar in it. Sugar is bacteria’s best friend. Bacteria feed on the sugar left on your teeth and leave acid behind. Dyes - Many wines and spirits contain dyes that can stain your teeth. Avoid colorful drinks and red wines to keep your teeth bright and healthy. Drinking white wines causes no discoloration. Tips for Drinking Alcohol with Braces Don’t babysit your drink. While sipping on your drink over time saves you money and keeps you from becoming intoxicated too quickly, it can have a negative effect on your teeth. Your mouth does not get time to balance its pH, helping bacteria to thrive. Drink water throughout the evening. Not only can drinking water between drinks keep you hydrated, but it can also rinse away some of the acid and sugar... --- We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how important is it to our oral health? The Breakfast Effect Think about your typical first meal of the day. Is it hot or cold? Does it have a lot of sugar in it? Is it balanced? In the United States, cereals and pastries are the most popular choices for breakfast but are not the healthiest for our teeth. These unhealthy choices are often loaded with sugar and can have damaging effects on your teeth, gums and fixed appliances as well. Failure to brush and floss after eating breakfast could lead to even greater problems in the near future. (more... ) --- We all know what it’s like to have morning breath. But those of us with braces may have morning breath that is a little stronger than most. Dry Mouth and Morning Breath The most common cause of morning breath is dry mouth. When you sleep, your body is not able to produce as much saliva. This is done so that you can stay asleep longer and not have to constantly swallow. Why is saliva so important? Saliva is a crucial part of oral health because it washes away food and sugar particles left behind when we eat. This reduces acid and helps balance pH levels in the mouth. (more... ) --- You just took a photo with friends but notice that your smile isn’t as white as everyone else’s. Did you know that there are natural ways to brighten your tooth enamel? Even better, the solution could already be in your kitchen. To help you put your best smile forward, here are six foods that make a whiter smile. Apples They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know it also keeps the stains away as well? Apples contain a high concentration of malic acid, which helps remove stains and clean the teeth. Malic acid can also be found in some toothpaste. (more... ) --- To maintain your car, it is recommended to change your oil at least every 3,000 miles. Failing to do so could result in damage to your car’s engine. Oral health follows a similar concept. Failure to visit your dentist for a dental checkup at least once every six months could lead to gum disease and even tooth loss due to untreated gum tissue damage. Whether a year has passed since your last visit or even longer, understanding the importance of dental checkups is crucial to your overall oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. Braces create additional areas for plaque, bacteria, and acid to stick to your teeth around braces and wires. Here are the four basic reasons why dental checkups are important to your smile. (more... ) --- Just like your body, your teeth also require just the right amount of vitamins and minerals to maintain the great benefits of good oral health throughout your life. At Redwood Shores Orthodontics, our goal is to educate our patients on all aspects of health to maintain healthy teeth and gums. To make the most of your orthodontic treatment and get the end result you want in both appearance and function, be sure to eat healthy foods during treatment. This includes foods rich in the following vitamins and minerals and not hard or sticky which can damage your braces and wires: (more... ) --- Whether you’re stressed, excited or bored, biting nails is a very common habit among kids and adults of all ages. Although it is more common among children ages 10 to 18, studies have shown that 30% of children and 15% of adults are nail biters. The good news is that most people drop the habit by age 30. If you haven’t dropped your nail chewing habit or have concerns about its effect on your teeth, here are a few reasons you may want to stop: (more... ) --- We’ve all heard of gum disease, but what do you really know? Many people think they know all about gum disease, but not everything we hear or read is correct. To help bridge the gap between fact and fiction, here are 5 myths about gum periodontal disease, its causes, and treatments, debunked. Bleeding gums are not that big of a deal One important sign of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is red, swollen and bleeding gums. This is typically noticed when brushing, flossing, or eating certain foods. If you experience any of these symptoms during any of the mentioned activities, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to be evaluated by your dentist for periodontal disease. (more... ) --- Using floss is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain good dental health. It is the process of cleaning between your teeth to remove debris and food from areas a toothbrush cannot normally reach and an important part of your daily routine to keep your pearly whites sparkling and healthy. When wearing braces, it is even more important to floss regularly since food collects and sticks more easily around the brackets and wires. At Redwood Shores Orthodontics it is critical for our patients to know that when they do not floss, the result is a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria that can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth, around the braces, and can cause puffiness and bleeding of gum tissue. Even if you are wearing Invisalign aligners that are removable when eating, it is still important to floss on a daily basis to maintain good oral hygiene. What is most important is to make sure that you floss correctly and clean your teeth thoroughly. Watch this video on how to floss and the proper care of your teeth while wearing braces. (more... ) --- Picture your favorite sugary drink. Odds are it’s either carbonated or contains too much sugar. Now picture what your teeth would look like if you only drank that for the next five years. Believe it or not, most of us would have significant tooth decay, stained teeth or, in some cases, gum disease. Why Sugar is a Threat to Oral Health Despite the fact that tooth enamel is the hardest tissue the human body produces, it cannot repair itself because it is not a living tissue. When we eat or drink sugary foods, our teeth become victims of injustice. Sugar sticks to our teeth, becoming a feeding ground for bacteria. (more... ) --- “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. ” - Thich Nhat Hanh Depending on what stage you are in of orthodontic treatment, smiling may be the last thing you want to do. Whether you’re just starting with braces or Invisalign or near the very end, your confidence may have taken a tumble. With a new year comes a new mindset and we’ve got 8 reasons to expose your beautiful smile to the world in 2018: 1. Smiles are contagious. Studies have shown that people have a difficult time frowning when someone else is smiling at them. In fact, they couldn’t help but smile themselves. Make a habit throughout the year to compliment the people you meet with a smile and watch them pay it forward. (more... ) --- Happy Holidays to all from Redwood Shores Orthodontics! This is the time of year where giving means more than receiving. To see the joy on a loved one’s face as they look in their stocking or open a present is truly what giving is about. The Team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics would like to share some stocking stuffer ideas for your consideration. All of these suggestions apply to patients of different ages whether or not they are wearing braces or Invisalign. Stocking Stuffer Ideas Colgate Wisps for those on the go. Wisps are disposable mini-toothbrushes with a breath-freshening bead that allows you to have a clean, fresh mouth without water or rinsing. Playing cards and card games Fun pens, markers, and note paper Comic books, puzzle books, or magazines Cash or prepaid debit card Movie or concert tickets Scratch off lottery tickets. Pocket Bike Pump. Gift cards iPhone Charger Sticker Faces Set Super Magnetic Putty For the kids; include a letter from Santa thanking them for avoiding the hard and sticky foods they love so much throughout the year that damage braces and create extra trips to the orthodontist you like to avoid. Also be sure to check out HearthSong “Toys You’ll Feel Good Giving”. Our entire Team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics wish you and your family prosperity, health and happiness this Holiday Season and New Year. We are all very grateful to you, our patients, for letting us assist you with your orthodontic needs. So once again may we... --- While some might tell you otherwise, you’re never too old to straighten out your teeth. Even in a person’s later years, the procedures for adult orthodontics remain a surefire way to reposition your teeth. Doing so can also relieve them of any number of maladies, such as malocclusion (a bad bite). Treating misaligned teeth can resolve any number of issues. Your smile is a hallmark of who you are. Knowing it shines out is vital to your self-confidence. Just as importantly, correctly aligned teeth are much easier to properly clean. Teeth that are simple to clean will allow you to fight harder against tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. As the risks of both diseases increase with age, it is even more important for older Americans to receive the proper treatment. Lastly, chewing your favorite foods is much easier to do when your teeth are good and straight. (more... ) --- Here at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, our team believes in the simple power of gratitude. What better time of the year to express our gratitude than Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving brings to mind different thoughts to different people. To most, it brings visions of a family Thanksgiving feast with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing with yummy gravy, cranberries, squash, and of course... pumpkin pie! To a student away at school, it may mean coming home to be with those they miss and possibly some much needed down time from the daily rigors of school and studying. Then again for others... are you ready for some football... a day off from work... or a long weekend? (more... ) --- Wow! We are already in November of 2017. Only two months to go before the end of the year! For those families who have FSA (Flexible Accounts), now is the time to apply for your 2018 funding during open enrollment or to ensure you have spent all your allocated funds for 2017. (more... ) --- Halloween Treats... You have all heard about the damage that sugar and certain “sticky” candies can do to your teeth and your braces when undergoing orthodontic treatment. Well, our Team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics wants to remind all of our patients and future patients about the dangers one more time. We know Halloween is supposed to be a fun time of year for kids of all ages... but it can turn into a “nightmare” of damaged braces for kids and parents if the wrong types of treats are consumed. Not only the discomfort involved as a result of broken wires and brackets but also the inconvenience of coming office for an extra visit with your busy school and/or work schedules. Here at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we love Halloween treats but we also have a responsibility to increase the awareness of potential damage certain candies can cause if patients are not careful about which treats to eat. Click here to download a Do’s and Don’ts Treat List offered by the American Association of Orthodontists. As a reminder, print it off and post in on your refrigerator for all to see. (more... ) --- Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Eric Wu and his team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics want you to join us in celebrating the power of a smile during October. You only get one chance to make a first impression, no matter what your age 12, 16 or 60! A perfect smile is one of your best and lifelong assets. Whether you are meeting new friends or interviewing for a job, a smile is important to building both personal and business relationships. It is a well-known fact that straight teeth and a great smile builds self-esteem, confidence, and influences how you present yourself to the world. Orthodontic treatment is an investment in the future. Our goal this year is to spread the word in the Redwood Shores area that October is National Orthodontic Health Month and its purpose is to reinforce the need for an orthodontic evaluation. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction. What is the Best Time to Evaluate Your Child? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents have their kids evaluated for orthodontic treatment by age 7. Children undergo a major growth spurt during the ages of 7 – 10 that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws. Starting at the right time, based on your child’s individual growth pattern, can prevent more long-term or difficult treatment later on. Potential problems can be addressed if they... --- Lately, the latest trend amongst trending topics has been celebrities keeping their Instagram followers up-to-date on their dental health. This includes top A-listers like Paris Hilton, Lily Allen, and Emile Hirsch. Even Ariana Grande has gotten in on the act. Recently, Grande gave social media users a front row seat to the removal of her last three wisdom teeth. While we don’t know if this will continue, we feel it’s a good opportunity to share with you why the extraction of your wisdom teeth can be so important for you. (more... ) --- It’s that time of year again! Labor Day is our last chance to celebrate the summer. But what actually is the meaning behind Labor Day? Labor Day began in 1894. The US Congress decided that the first Monday of every September would honor the working men and women of our great country. This would include everyone from plumbers, carpenters, teachers, and yes, even the orthodontic team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics! (more... ) --- Buck teeth, also known as a malocclusion or severe overbite, is much more common than we think. In many cases, buck teeth are a hereditary condition. But, it can also be worsened by prolonged thumb sucking, bottle feeding or the overuse of a pacifier. Throughout history, buck teeth have been the cause of bullying and embarrassment. Studies have shown that the most common cause of bullying is a person’s smile. (more... ) --- A simple smile holds the key to many wonderful secrets. When you flash a those wonderfully beautiful pearly whites, you are sending a message not only to the world but subconsciously to yourself. You are telling the world that you are happy and confident but also telling yourself. We all smile when we are happy but did you know smiling can actually make you happy. It has been scientifically proven that it can literally change the world around you and change the way you feel. A smile is truly contagious. (more... ) --- The Team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics knows that regardless of the many health warnings about skin damage from the sun, many still subject themselves to the burning rays of the sun for extended periods of time. More than one-third of adults and 70% of children have admitted to getting sunburn at least once or twice in the past 12 months according to the CDC. What Causes Sunburn You already know the simple explanation behind sunburn. When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated. Under the skin, things get a little more complicated. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light: • UVA • UVB • UVC (more... ) --- As Independence Day, July 4th rapidly approaches, it’s clear we are already more than halfway into the year and more importantly ... summer has arrived. Our team recently researched some fun facts about our nation's favorite holiday to showcase why we love celebrating the day which hallmarks our nation’s independence. Did you know July 4th, or as it is commonly referred to, Independence Day, has only been a federal holiday since 1941? The tradition still has roots though going all the way back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775 - 1783). July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence since then and is often celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts and of course, barbecues. (more... ) --- Graduation is in the air during the month of June. Whether that graduation is from Junior High School, Senior High School or College, we want to express our hardiest congratulations to all of our graduates in Redwood Shores CA. In many instances, parents often deserve congratulations as well for helping with homework, making sure their students arrive at school or the bus on time and for just being supportive. (more... ) --- Father’s Day is certainly not the oldest holiday in the World or even in America. Usually, Dads are celebrated by getting a day to do whatever they want... which most Dads believe to be a great idea. You will see Dads playing golf, fishing, bowling, working on their Model-T-Bucket hot rod or just plain napping in front of the TV. Now Dads may not be quite as busy as many Moms regarding the chauffeuring aspect, but we must admit most do their part in driving the kids to camp, to soccer, to baseball and yes... even to the orthodontic office of Redwood Shores Orthodontics. (more... ) --- Did You Know May is National Fitness and Sports Month Physical exercise is good for everyone’s health no matter what your age or body type. There is no better time to spread the word about the advantages of being active than National Fitness and Sports Month. (more... ) --- Mother’s Day - Redwood Shores Orthodontics wants to shout out a great big, huge, humongous THANK YOU to Moms everywhere. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 14th this year. So Dads... do not plan any golf that day and kids... do not plan a movie with your friends. Plan on spending the day doing whatever it is that Mom wants to do. Serving her breakfast in bed is always nice but wait until she is awake first. Flowers and homemade cards are also always a big hit so do not forget those. (more... ) --- Speech disorders - Did you know that the alignment of your teeth can affect your speech? One of the first things people notice about you is your smile and how we communicate when talking. If you have issues speaking clearly, orthodontics can help! Lisping, whistling or slurring, and mispronunciation of words with “s” and “t” are the most common offenders. Proper diagnosis and correction during a patient’s developmental years, by an orthodontist, makes it much easier to correct the tooth and/or jaw problems associated with poor speech habits. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be evaluated by age 7. (more... ) --- Easter is not just about egg hunts, candy, Cadbury eggs and chocolate rabbits. For Christians, Easter celebrates the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ. It is a moveable holiday or feast since it does not occur on the same exact day every year. Most Christian churches in the Western part of the globe celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21st. Thus it usually falls between March 22nd and April 25th each year. The exact origins for the name of this celebration are complex and there are many theories. Some think it is named after a Teutonic goddess of Spring Eostre. Still others believe it comes from a Latin term hebdomada alba or white week to celebrate the white clothing of those that were baptized during that time. Although Easter is a religious event, it has also become a commercial holiday with marshmallow chicks, jelly beans and all kinds of chocolate bunnies. Even the White House has an annual Easter egg hunt for hundreds of children in the area. It is also the time for “Mardi Gras” in New Orleans. (more... ) --- Along with Lily Allen, Paris Hilton, and Emile Hirsch, Ariana Grande has become the most recent pop diva to share her personal dental experience on Instagram after removal of wisdom teeth. The caption read, “Peace out, final three wisdom teeth. It’s been real. ” Who knows if “wisdom teeth removal” will continue to be a trending topic by celebrities on social media? Nothing is taboo anymore on the celebrity scene. But for those interested or concerned, we wanted to explain more about the procedure and why extraction is recommended for most your adults before problems occur. (more... ) --- Grinding teeth and clenching is a very common problem and it has been found that 70% of people clench or grind their teeth as a result of stress and anxiety. The involuntary or habitual grinding of teeth is knows as "bruxism" and it typically occurs during sleep. Besides stress, bruxism can negatively impact the body in many ways. It may also result from bite problems, the overuse of stimulating substances (caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs), and as a side effect of certain medications. Sometimes, simply becoming aware of the habit can help. Stress reduction techniques which include exercise or meditation are an option while a dental professional monitors the situation to see if there is improvement. (more... ) --- Whether you are wearing orthodontic retainers during treatment or after your braces or Invisalign are completed at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, over time... your retainers or aligners can discolor and look gross. You brush and floss daily, so adding cleaning your retainers to your daily routine is just another step to maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Five Tips for Keeping Your Orthodontic Retainers or Invisalign Aligners Clean and Safe (more... ) --- Invisalign Teen... A Smart Alternative for Teens and Parents Does your teen need braces? Are they worried about how they will look and feel? Are you worried about the cost and co-operation during sensitive Teen years? A great option for everyone is to choose Invisalign Teen, a revolutionary alternative to straighten teeth which offers many advantages over traditional braces at a comparable cost. (more... ) --- Orthodontics 2017... The New Year is the perfect time to make changes to improve your life, whether that means a new exercise program, healthier diet, or getting a healthier new smile. What better way to boost your appearance, confidence and achieve better dental health than orthodontics! Do you have any of these dental problems? • Crowding of teeth • Spacing between teeth • Overbite, crossbite, underbite (more... ) --- The holiday season is upon us again. Where did the year go? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we would like to share some stocking stuffer ideas to consider for patients of all ages wearing braces. Instead of candy and sweets that can bend wires and knock off brackets during holiday festivities, give something more suitable to make your season bright. Stocking Stuffer Ideas Colgate Wisps for those on the go. Wisps are disposable mini-toothbrushes with a breath-freshening bead that allows you to have a clean, fresh mouth without water or rinsing. Playing cards and card games Fun pens, markers, and note paper Comic books, puzzle books, or magazines For the ladies – Festive nail polish, or for teens and adults, the latest in jamberry nail or Incoco nail design wraps that are easy to apply, don’t chip easily, and last up to two weeks! Cash or prepaid debit card Movie or concert tickets Scratch off lottery tickets. Super Snow for the kids no matter what age. Gift cards Fun Express Inflatable Reindeer Antler Ring Toss Game Hog Wild Holiday Reindeer Popper For the kids; include a letter from Santa thanking them for avoiding the hard and sticky foods they love so much throughout the year that damage braces and create extra trips to the orthodontist you like to avoid. (more... ) --- Teen Esteem... Every patient has their own reasons for deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment. For adolescents and teens, image has always been a key factor in social integration and in today’s beauty conscious society, a beautiful smile is high on their list of priorities. According to NBC TODAY - “Selfie Esteem” or just teen esteem give teens a confidence boost and social media is the ideal platform to broadcast yourself to the world. “Even though that seems very simple, that’s an extraordinary shift, historically. “It’s the first time you get to be the photographer and the subject of the photograph,” says Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center. “Control makes people believe in themselves. ” 65% of teenage girls reported that seeing their selfies on social media actually boosts their teen esteem and confidence. 40% of all teens say social media helps them present their best face to the world. At least 81 percent of teens, ages 12-17, use social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, according to recent findings from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, with Instagram especially popular among selfie-loving teenage girls. (more... ) --- Thanksgiving is celebrated with feasts and football games and the start of the Christmas shopping season, Thanksgiving means roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and green bean casserole with Campbells mushroom soup. No matter how you celebrate this momentous day, at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, we want you to know we are thankful for all our wonderful patients we treat throughout the year. We wouldn't be here without you! To commemorate this traditional holiday, we would like to share some fun trivia we thought you would enjoy! Feel free to add some fun facts of your own in the comment area. (more... ) --- Most people believe that a toothbrush is a toothbrush and that there really is no difference between them. Unfortunately many people also underestimate the importance of good oral hygiene and the critical role it plays in your overall health. This is particularly true during orthodontic treatment. Redwood Shores Orthodontics in Redwood Shores CA is setting the record straight. All toothbrushes are NOT alike. First of all a child’s toothbrush should be small enough for it to fit comfortably in their hand so they will be more likely to actually use it. The head of that same children’s toothbrush should have soft bristles and be small enough to fit smaller mouths with smaller teeth so as not to damage sensitive, still growing gum lines. The same advice goes for adults as well. Some adults believe that a very firm bristle will assist in getting their teeth cleaner when in fact a toothbrush that has too firm bristles can cause damage to the gums and gum tissue. (more... ) --- Halloween was also known as All Hallows' Eve in some circles. It goes as far back as about 2,000 years to a pre-Christian Celtic festival held around Nov. 1 called Samhain (pronounced "sah-win"), which means "summer's end" in the Gaelic language. Halloween costumes and the tradition of “dressing up” may go back to a time when people would disguise themselves and go door-to-door, asking for food. Early costumes were usually disguises, often woven out of straw and there were times when people wore costumes to perform in plays or skits to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve. Trick-or-treating didn't start in the United States until World War II. However, Halloween was as much a time for festivities and games as it was for playing tricks or asking for treats. Apples are associated with Halloween, both as a treat and in the game of bobbing for apples, a game that since the colonial era in America was used for fortune-telling. Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages... but for orthodontic patients it can be a “nightmare” waiting to happen if braces are being damaged from eating the wrong treats. Watch this video put out a few years ago by the American Association of Orthodontists with additional “Halloween Brace Tips” for consumers that still very much apply today! (more... ) --- Busting Invisalign Myths... It can be a scary experience when you are given a referral to see an orthodontist or considering improving your smile. Braces are grounds for embarrassment for the self-conscious teen and the up-and-coming professional. Having a mouth full of metal to clean around, eat around, and live around can be daunting. The option that many may overlook when searching for orthodontic treatment is Invisalign, the nearly invisible alternative to braces. Some people may write this treatment option off due to price or success rate – but we’re here to bust those Invisalign myths! (more... ) --- Color Braces... Are they a fashion statement? When one thinks of style trends braces are typically NOT the first things that come to mind. Leave it to some of the world’s most well-known models to make, an otherwise undesirable beauty treatment, a popular fashion trend since last Spring. No reason to run to the latest “smile fixers” such as veneers when a classic technique is now chic after models such as Kitty Hayes and Charlie James and many other celebrities put some metal in their mouth. Sporting metal braces, they let the whole world see as they are featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily and the New York Fashion Week’s catwalks, proving that braces aren’t ugly and are, in fact, quite stylish when put into a new light. (more... ) --- Do you know why we celebrate Labor Day? Labor Day is a federal holiday in the USA and has been since June 28, 1894 when congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a national holiday. The purpose of Labor Day is to honor laborers of all kinds and the “workingman” and now working woman and their achievements. Yes, this also includes orthodontists and orthodontic team members at Redwood Shores Orthodontics. (more... ) --- Orthodontist... what does that mean? Many consumers are confused why they should choose an orthodontist in the Redwood Shores CA area at Redwood Shores Orthodontics versus a general dentist or pedodontist to straighten their teeth with braces or Invisalign. Plain and Simple... the answer is experience and training. (more... ) --- Reverse aging with orthodontics... can it be done? Orthodontics can help children, teens, and adults of all ages look better throughout their lifetime. Adults today are much more aware than in the past of the importance of creating and maintaining a beautiful smile. With longer life expectancy, a healthy, beautiful smile is as important at age 70 as it is at age 16. Orthodontist Dr. Eric WU is a dental specialist who has the education, experience and expertise to help patients of all ages attain properly aligned teeth and jaws for a lifetime of dental health. Reverse Aging With Orthodontic Treatment (more... ) --- Do It Yourself, DIY Orthodontics, is not worth the risk. In today’s digital world, you can buy almost anything you want on the Internet. This includes finding the do it yourself information that goes along with it. Everyone wants to save money every way they can. However, some people are learning the hard way that doing it yourself isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when straightening your teeth at home. DIY Orthodontics (more... ) --- Sun safety means being smart in the sun and now that summertime is upon us, kids are spending more time outside, families are going to more outdoor outings and many are heading out on vacation. Join Redwood Shores Orthodontics and the EWG (Environmental Working Group) in their efforts, along with dermatologists and sunscreen companies to educate the public when it comes to the truth about sunscreens and sun safety. Sun Safety - Skin Cancer is on the Rise Did you know that every year, more than two million Americans find out they have skin cancer? 2% are in their teen years! The rate of melanoma deadly skin cancer has tripled since the 1970s. The experts are not sure why and most consider the outbreak in new cases is due to widespread overexposure to sun, especially among adults who were repeatedly sunburned as a child. Several factors suggest that regular sun exposure may not be as harmful as intermittent and high intensity sunlight. (more... ) --- Invisalign - An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure When it comes to taking care of your teeth and long term dental health, a little knowledge about Invisalign goes a long way. The sooner you take care of orthodontic problems such as crowding, spacing, overjets, underbites, and crossbites... the better the chances of keeping your teeth and smile throughout your lifetime. Did you know the average life expectancy today for men is 76 and women 81? (more... ) --- How many times as a kid do you hear... “Did you brush your teeth? And even more so when you are wearing braces! ” Hopefully, brushing and flossing your teeth is an ingrained daily habit no matter what your age for every member of the family. Unfortunately, a New Survey finds that 3 out of 4 Parents Admit Their Kids Forget to Brush their Teeth. The Ad Council and The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives created new Public Service Ads (PSAs) for the Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign. The new ads are funny adaptations of life lessons which stress that while parenting can be tricky at times, getting kids to brush for two minutes, twice a day can be easier than most other things parents will try to teach their children. (more... ) --- What is an orthodontist? If you are having a problem with your bones or muscles you trust an orthopedist. For a skin, hair, or nail condition you trust a dermatologist. A cardiologist specializes in heart issues or you consult with a neurologist for frequent headaches or back issues related to the nervous system. When straightening teeth and correcting jaw problems, your smile is treated best in the hands of an orthodontic specialist. “Specialist” has a double meaning in the health profession. It refers to the individual practioner’s education and verifies they have limited their practice to one specialty, unlike a general dentist or general physician which can treat all areas of dentistry or medicine. (more... ) --- Mother’s Day should probably be every day. But unfortunately it only comes around once a year. It is the day we all say thank you to Moms everywhere. Next weekend is Mother’s Day. Let us all do something special to thank all those Mothers who have been there to help us and see us through our problems. History Of Mother's Day The origin of Mother's Day goes back to the era of ancient Greek and Romans. But the roots of Mother's Day history can also be traced in the United Kingdom where a “Mothering Sunday” was celebrated much before the festival saw the light of the day in the United States. However, the celebration of the festival as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old. Thanks to the hard work of the pioneering women of their times, today the celebration of Mother’s Day spans 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. (more... ) --- Are We Addicting Another Generation of Smokers With e-Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco? Years of educating kids on the risks of tobacco products are at risk on multiple fronts according to top medical groups in the US which include both smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes. At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we are concerned that kids today have the misconception that they are harmless when compared to smoking cigarettes. . The American Heart Association Speaks Out on e-Cigarettes The American Heart Association recently released its policy recommendations on the use of “e-cigarettes” and the need for the same regulation as tobacco products. Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association recently stated: “Over the last 50 years, 20 million Americans died because of tobacco. We are fiercely committed to preventing the tobacco industry from addicting another generation of smokers. Recent studies raise concerns that e-cigarettes may be a gateway to traditional tobacco products for the nation’s youth, and could re-normalize smoking in our society. These disturbing developments have helped convince the association that e-cigarettes need to be strongly regulated, thoroughly researched and closely monitored. ” (more... ) --- What sport do you think causes the most dental sports injuries with kids? If you guessed football... you are right. The ADA estimated that faceguards and mouth guards prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in high school and college football alone. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry states the children between the ages of 7-11 are the most susceptible to injury. When all is said and done, it is up to parents to ensure their kids are protected during practices and games at a younger age and train their kids of the importance of wearing #mouth guards when they are older and on their own. (more... ) --- Whether you are Irish or not, St Patrick’s Day brings out the Irish in everyone, kids and adults alike. Many patients ask for green colored elastics in March! Whether you go to a party, watch a parade, eat green soup, or just put on a green hat, St Patrick’s Day has become a holiday fixture in the US. The holiday originated as a commemoration of Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. He lived in Ireland in 432 and became a champion of Irish Christianity. March 17th marks the day of St. Patrick’s death and has been commemorated by the Irish for over 1,000 years. St. Patrick’s Day is still observed as a religious feast day by many Christians, but it is better known for its celebration of Irish culture. (more... ) --- We all know that discussions about good dietary habits and nutrition take place every day almost everywhere. Families talk about it at home, teachers discuss it in schools and doctors, nurses and registered nutritionists discuss good nutrition with patients. Many people believe that flavor must be sacrificed when eating nutritious foods. This is far from true. Some research confirms that taste is more important than nutrition when choosing one food over another. Realistically, the foods people enjoy most are usually the ones they eat. Therefore, setting healthy eating standards that also satisfy the taste buds is important to family nutrition. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes National Nutrition Month in March to show how to mix good taste and nutrition with healthy meals. This year's theme is "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right. " Check out the 7 Kitchen Staples for Teen-Friendly Meals. (more... ) --- The National Children’s Dental Health Month campaign in February brings together thousands of dedicated educators, dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their parents, teachers, caregivers and others each and every year. This year the 2016 NCDHM campaign features the slogan "Sugar Wars" on both sides of the poster. The Smileys, McGrinns and K9 are in a spaceship, the USS SweetSwatter. It is equipped with toothbrush swatters, fighting against the Sweet Tooth Invaders for good oral health. On the reverse side, preteen/teenagers demonstrate effective ways to defeat the effects of sugar and maintain good oral health by brushing, flossing, rinsing and eating healthy snacks. (more... ) --- Here is a thought! Why not give the gift of a smile to yourself or someone you love this Valentine’s Day? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we specialize in beautiful smiles and can give you or anyone that smile you have so long deserved. The benefit of a healthy, happy smile is immeasurable. Choosing a trained orthodontic specialist for treatment can make that happen. If your teeth are crooked, crowded or just not right, make the move to get that look you have always wanted. A great smile can drastically affect both your personal and professional lives. (more... ) --- Considering orthodontic treatment to create the beautiful smile you always dreamed of? It is a big decision and one that requires research if you are considering Invisalign as an alternative to traditional braces. Both will lead to your new smile, but the roads traveled are quite different. Everyone is familiar with braces that are available in both metal and clear ceramic brackets so let’s just discuss Invisalign. One of the primary reasons people choose Invisalign is that they are self-conscious about wearing braces and the aligners are nearly undetectable when worn. Most people won’t even notice you are wearing them. And, contrary to belief or despite what you have heard, your speech sounds fine to others in a very short period of time once you get used to wearing the Invisalign aligner. (more... ) --- This year, Redwood Shores Orthodontics and our Team renew their New Year’s resolution to make sure all their patients wearing braces and Invisalign, along with their families, receive the best quality orthodontic care and customer service available in the Redwood Shores CA area. This includes connecting you with the chatter from the American Association of Orthodontists and actual orthodontic patients who completed treatment. In the videos below, they discuss how orthodontic treatment affected their lives. https://youtu. be/D41oX_PnAvA https://youtu. be/1AsgfPkJLgo (more... ) --- Did You Know... 83% of people believe their teeth are more important to their appearance than hair and eyes according to a survey conducted by Roper ASW in conjunction with ReachMax. US consumers spend $100 Billion a year on hair care products and only $50 Billion a year on dentistry. Women spend more money on mascara than any other makeup. What good is great hair and eyes without a great smile and healthy teeth? A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans Smile enhanced procedures outnumbered eyelid surgeries 5 to 1 according to Money Magazine. The average woman smiles about 62 times a day! A man? Only 8! Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15 ? (Smilers in school yearbooks are more likely to have successful careers and marriages than poker faced peers). 3 cans of soda a day – the number of sodas that increase tooth decay by 62%; 10 to 12 - the number of teaspoons of sugar in an average 12 oz. soda. The average American consumes over 600 cans of soda a year! What happens to your health if you drink 10 cans of soda a day for 1 month? Read this... Every year, kids in North America spend close to half a billion dollars on chewing gum 45-70 seconds is the amount of time most people brush a day. Time to spend a little more time brushing, don’t you think? 18 yards - the amount of floss bought each... --- The holiday season is upon us again. Where did the year go? At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we would like to share some stocking stuffer ideas to consider for patients of all ages wearing braces. Instead of candy and sweets that can bend wires and knock off brackets during holiday festivities, give something more suitable to make your season bright. (more... ) --- The Environmental Working Group researchers recently ranked more than 1500 cereals by their total sugar content, total weight and compared the findings with guidelines issued by federal health agencies and other organizations. What is most disturbing is that they also re-evaluated the list of 84 popular cereals evaluated in 2011 for comparison. Results... not one on the 2011 “worst” list had lowered its sugar content over the last three years. (more... ) --- Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages... but it can be a “nightmare” waiting to happen if patients are damaging appliances when eating the wrong treats. Watch this video put out a few years ago by the American Association of Orthodontics with additional “Halloween Brace Tips” for consumers that still very much apply today! At Redwood Shores Orthodontics we love Halloween! ! However, we feel it is important to educate parents and patients of the potential problems that can occur if orthodontic patients don’t pay attention to our foods to avoid list. All we ask is you make smart choices when choosing the candy you choose to eat. (more... ) --- Having “ugly” teeth may significantly contribute to the problem of bullying, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. According to the study, teeth were the No. 1-targeted physical feature to increase a child’s chance of being bullied, followed by the child’s strength and weight. Do you think Tom Cruise was a victim of teasing and bullying as a kid that created his tough guy attitude he projects today? He actually went through orthodontic treatment twice, in his teens to straighten his teeth and broaden his smile and again as an adult to correct a midline discrepancy that was still apparent in photographs. His smile is obviously something he is very aware of and very important to him. (more... ) --- October means something a little different to our team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic offices all over the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do. Our goal is to draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction. American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids be evaluated 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws. (more... ) --- After orthodontic treatment is completed at Redwood Shores Orthodontics, retainers are the finishing touch to maintain your beautiful new smile while the teeth stabilize and over a lifetime of good oral health. An orthodontic retainer is a custom-fit device that is removable or bonded depending upon the patient’s individual needs. It is your insurance policy your teeth stay put in their new positions if worn as instructed. (more... ) --- Most adults and kids today understand the importance of wearing a mouth guard when playing contact sports, especially while wearing braces. Blows to the mouth are painful enough without brackets and wires cutting into your lips and tongue making it worse. Teeth are actually less prone to injury when wired together as a single unit during orthodontic treatment. A mouth guard protects the braces and serves as addition protection, further reducing the possibility of tooth and jaw injury. (more... ) --- Living with aching or clicking jaws can be hard to swallow! Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also commonly known as TMJ or TMD, is a joint disorder that affects the opening and closing of the jaw, and can have many side effects that relate to the teeth, head and neck. Like other joints, the relationship between the bone and disk will affect how well the joint works. The jaw is used thousands of times a day for talking, eating and laughing. When a disorder is present in the joint, your lifestyle can be dramatically changed. (more... ) --- Most parents today are well informed when it comes to stopping adverse habits that effects tooth and jaw development in infants and toddlers. Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifiers, and use of bottles past the age of three are reported to cause problems with teeth and impact early jaw development. However, did you know that poor bites and abnormal jaw growth is mostly hereditary and not caused by habits? Even if you stop bad habits before the age of three or breast feed your child, it is likely they still may develop a malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment. (more... ) --- We hope you are enjoying your summer. We would like to welcome Misa Adele Wu, our latest addition to the Redwood Shores Orthodontics family! --- So what has Dr. Wu been up to lately in his free time? Well, orthodontists like Dr. Wu LOVE what they do so much that they occasionally spend their free time in other orthodontists' offices. Dr. Wu traveled recently all the way to New London, Connecticut, and spent a few days hanging out in Dr. Kozlowski's orthodontic office. "I love sharing ideas and techniques with like-minded orthodontists like Drs. DiCiccio and Kozlowski, it keeps me on the cutting edge! " says Dr. Wu. --- A healthy perfect smile is why many children and adults choose to undergo orthodontic treatment. Around friends and family, a less than attractive smile is not as noticeable. However, when meeting new people, making new friends, and in the workplace, your smile is more obvious to those who don’t know you. (more... ) --- Is it what can I eat? How do I brush? No... When do I get my braces off? While most patients are always eager to start treatment, they are even more eager to get them off. Even though each patient is given an estimated treatment time wearing braces when they start, patients always hope we can wave our magic wands and complete the process sooner. (more... ) --- Chalky, opaque-looking white spots on the teeth are not uncommon today. Maybe you have them or perhaps you’ve seen them on the teeth of friends or family. Many things can cause white spots on the teeth. They can be a factor of nutrition, genetics, an excess of fluoride intake at a young age, or poor oral hygiene. (more... ) --- Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour foods and drinks, and deep cavities or fillings often trigger this problem. Sensitivity is a common dilemma and an estimated 45 million Americans are victims! If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, sensitivity is also not at all uncommon. Sensitive teeth normally occurs when the enamel on the outside of the tooth wears away exposing the dentin layer of the tooth. The dentin layer is very porous with tubes that run to the nerve center. When exposed, the tubes react to changes in temperature and different foods. (more... ) --- As kids we all remember hearing our parents or grandparents remind us that dairy products help build strong bones and teeth. But did you also know that milk and dairy products in general help can assist in improving your oral health and lowering your risk for gum disease? (more... ) --- Dental or Orthodontic Splints are devices that are used when patients suffer from certain types of dental problems. These problems include TMJ or TemporoMandibular Joint disorder, common snoring, sleep apnea, and teeth grinding (bruxism). In orthodontics, a “splint” is designed to fit on top of the upper or lower teeth. Treatment varies based on each patient’s individualize needs and is most often used to stabilize the teeth and/or jaws to alleviate discomfort. A TMJ splint may be used prior to placement of braces to help alleviate discomfort if the problem is a result of a bad bite or be used during orthodontics to open the bite. It is also used upon completion of orthodontic treatment if a patient is neurologically prone to grinding. In this scenario, the splint may also act as a retainer. (more... ) --- Teeth whitening kits are available everywhere today; online, over the counter, and from your dentist. Studies report that bleaching or whitening products can improve the color of teeth that stain over time. But before you decide to embark on a whitening program, Redwood Shores Orthodontics would like to review some facts about these products and what results you can expect. (more... ) --- “It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so. ” -Mark Twain Do Wisdom Teeth cause crowding of your front teeth? How many times have you heard this? Did you know this all started after a paper was written on by an orthodontist over 50 years ago? In 1961, orthodontist Dr. Leroy Vego, published an article, "A Longitudinal Study of Mandibular Arch Perimeter" which examined the role of wisdom teeth on lower front tooth crowding. This study was run over six years with patients from ages 13 to 19. He reported that there was a significantly greater degree of crowding in patients with wisdom teeth. Dr. Vego concluded: "that the erupting lower third molar can exert a force on approximating teeth. " (more... ) --- Our world, both professional in the orthodontic practice of Redwood Shores Orthodontics and personal in our everyday lives, is changing at lightning speed. It is an exciting age we live in and amazes us every day. If we are here today, where will we be one, two, or even ten years down the road? The amount of information overload and busy life styles we deal with moment-to-moment is mind boggling and exciting, while sometimes stressful and challenging to us all. (more... ) --- We would like to welcome our new team member, Aggie, to the Redwood Shores Orthodontics family! Aggie is our Records Technician & Social Media Coordinator. Here's some information about Aggie, "Born and raised in Redwood Shores, I couldn't think of a better place to live or work, now being a part of the Redwood Shores Orthodontics team. I have been in the dental field for over 20 years as a Registered Dental Assistant. It amazes me how an individual's confidence gets boosted when they can see their beautiful, straight smile. I love spending time with my three daughters, either hiking, going to the movies, baking, gardening, playing around in Photoshop and/or traveling back east to VA to where my large family resides. Summer family parties are always the best! " --- Adults all over the world are more conscious today about their appearance and your smile is one of the first features people notice. According to an Invisalign survey, 74 % of American women and men believe that an attractive smile is important for getting their dream job, while 84 % fell it is critical for their love lives. (more... ) --- Dr. Eric Wu recently returned from hitting the snow covered slopes of Beaver Creek and Vail Colorado. (more... ) --- There are many ways you protect your teeth during your treatment with Dr. Eric Wu. You brush your teeth after meals and snacks, floss regularly, and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged by watching foods you eat and wearing a mouth guard during contact sports . (more... ) --- School is out in most parts of the country and summer vacation will soon be here. Do you know what to do if you have an orthodontic emergency while you are out of town, on vacation, or away at camp? Here are some tips from Dr. Eric Wu. (more... ) --- Dr. Eric Wu and team at Redwood Shores Orthodontics will be joining the world in acknowledging Earth Day on April 22nd as a way to demonstrate our support for environmental protections. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 among two thousand colleges and universities, approximately 10. 000 primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the US. (more... ) --- ---