BRACE yourself this Christmas!

Are you happy with your smile? Heather is! Heather's smile by Dr. Ernie Gardner won "Prettiest Smile in S.C." in the Miss Sunburst Pageant! Call us for a complimentary orthodontic exam and find out how Piedmont Orthodontic Associates can help you get the most from YOUR award-winning smile!

Also, we wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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

Ask Dr. Gardner: Can germs really live on my toothbrush?

Great question, thank you! Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Ernie Gardner will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

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

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Have a wonderful weekend.

Dr. Gardner & Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, honoring our veterans

Happy Veteran's Day from Dr. Ernest Gardner & Piedmont Orthodontic Associates! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we continue to enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Gardner and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

Thanks again! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas.

Dr. Gardner, reminding you to protect your mouth this fall!

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces – and especially during the fall. In a 2009 survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports.

If you play fall sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Gardner for special precautions, including wearing a mouth guard, which is advised for playing fall sports such as football, basketball, soccer or even touch-football.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Piedmont Orthodontic Associates or your general dentist.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries this fall. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our convenient office in Spartanburg.

Have a wonderful & relaxing weekend!