Welcome to the August Edition of the Chew on This Newsletter from Summit Family Dental.
As always, if it’s time to schedule your next appointment, please call (586) 726-0606. See you soon!
Practice News
National Align Your Teeth Day — August 11
National Align Your Teeth Day falls on August 11, 2026. Established in 2021 by the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA), the day highlights the importance of a properly aligned bite for better oral health, improved chewing function, and boosted confidence.
Why Proper Alignment Matters
Orthodontic treatment does more than improve your smile’s appearance:
- Better hygiene: straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Pain relief: correcting a misaligned bite can ease TMJ jaw pain, grinding, and headaches.
- Tooth protection: prevents uneven enamel wear and tear.
Treatment Options
Orthodontic treatment does more than improve your smile’s appearance:
- Traditional braces: brackets and wires, highly effective for complex or severe alignment cases.
- Clear aligners: custom-made removable trays (such as Invisalign®) that are nearly invisible and changed periodically.
Dr. Krista has advanced training in Invisalign® and has been involved with the AACA for several years now. If you or a family member is interested in Invisalign®, give us a call today for a FREE consultation!
Healthy Habits
Back-to-School Smiles
August is a very important month for back-to-school activities, and moms are busy getting things ready for the first day. Not only do you need specific school supplies, it’s also nice to think about what to pack for lunches. Refreshing oral care supplies, packing tooth-friendly lunches, and setting an after-school brushing routine keep smiles bright and cavities at bay all year.
1. Build an On-th-Go Dental Kit
Pack a small, spill-proof travel pouch for their backpack:
- Toothbrush & cap: an ADA-approved, soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss picks: easier for kids to use quickly than traditional string floss.
- Travel toothpaste: a small tube of fluoride toothpaste.
- Orthodontic supplies: if they have braces, add dental wax and extra rubber bands.
2. Tooth-Friendly Lunchbox Swaps
School lunches and snacks are frequent sources of hidden sugars. Pack these dentist-approved alternatives:
- Instead of chips: crunchy baby carrots, celery sticks, or cucumbers.
- Instead of fruit snacks: whole fruits like crisp apples or pears, which naturally stimulate saliva to clean teeth.
- Instead of sugary juice or soda: a reusable water bottle or low-fat milk.
- Add dairy: cubes of cheese or yogurt provide calcium and help neutralize mouth acids.
3. Establish an After-School Routine
Kids snack often at school and rarely brush after lunch.
- Make it habitual: add a brushing session right after they get home.
- Track the progress: printable dental tracking calendars and stickers make the routine fun for younger kids.
4. Gear Up for Sports
- Mouthguards: if your child plays fall sports like football, soccer, or field hockey, invest in a custom-fitted sports mouthguard to protect their teeth and jaw.
- Mouthguard case: label a hard plastic case to keep it clean and prevent it from getting lost.
Give us a call to set up your cleaning and exam before school starts!
— Karyn Casey, R.D.H.
Karyn’s 18-month-old grandson taking brushing very seriously — proof it’s never too early to start a routine!
Team Highlight
Meet Alyssa
My name is Alyssa Turner, I’m 19 years old, and I’m a hygienist assistant here at Summit Family Dental! I started about two months ago, and I’ve completely fallen in love with the dental field. In my job I get to help the hygienists take x-rays, supply their rooms, and just be a helping hand to them.
I’m currently enrolled at Oakland University studying Human Resources, but I plan to take the dental assistant program at Macomb Community College once I graduate. I plan to continue my path here and gain more experience about the dental world!
I love working here — everyone is so kind and helpful, and we’re definitely a big family. It just goes to show how amazing this office is!
