Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

It’s that time of year to start thinking about protecting yourself and your family from the flu. Here are some simple steps you can take to help yourself avoid colds and the flu this season.

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Battistoni and Beam and our team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Hope this helps and give us a call if you have any questions! Stay healthy!

Tuesday Tooth Trivia, from Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Drs. Battistoni and Beam thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd!

Safety first this winter! From Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Drs. Battistoni and Beam and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Drs. Battistoni + Beam Ltd.

Share your holiday spirit in our Snowman Contest

Drs. Battistoni and Beam, your Oak Park and La Grange orthodontists, are excited to host a Snowman Contest for all our patients. This contest is an opportunity for our patients to put their creativity to the test, and maybe even win a Netbook!

To enter the Snowman Contest, simply post a picture of an original, handcrafted snowman on our Facebook wall! You must be a patient to enter the contest.

Here are the two contest entry categories:

1) Your snowman can be a picture that is painted or drawn using canvas, foam board, wood, poster board, or paper

2) You can build your snowman using styrofoam, clay, wood, papier-mâché, fabric, plastic bottles, yarn, cardboard or even SNOW!

Our team will select the contest winner based on creativity and originality. The last day to enter the Snowman Contest is Jan 31, 2011, so don’t delay in participating! Let it snow!

Dr. Beam and the Unibrow Band perform live

 
Have you seen this great video of Dr. Beam and The Unibrow Band performing? Let us know what you think!

Drs. Battisonti + Beam Ltd remind patients about our Holiday Donation Drive

Our doctors and team at Drs. Battisonti + Beam Ltd always try to give back to the community in some way, especially around the holiday season.

This year, our Oak Park and La Grange offices are collecting donations for charitable organizations. We invite our patients, parents and cooperating dental offices to help us to make the holidays a happier time for those in need.

Oak Park office: Sarah’s Inn
- New, unopened items for pantry and program needs
- Items for the Art Therapy Program

La Grange office: La Grange Community Nurse Health Association
- Items for babies and toddlers, children, and teens
- All donated items should be new, in original packaging with tags on

Donations may be dropped off in our Oak Park or La Grange offices, and members of our staff will be delivering the holiday donations to the designated organizations on December 15, 2010.

Thanks for helping us support these great community organizations!