As your child develops, you’ll have followed development milestones with interest. You’ve watched their first steps, seen them hit their reading milestones, and seen baby teeth come and go.

But parents are often left wonder what to do if their child needs braces. What is the best age to get braces? What are the signs you need braces?

Read on for our guide to the best age to get braces.

When to Get Braces

There are many significant benefits of braces. The most obvious is the aesthetic. All of us want perfect, glowing smiles. None of us want our child to be embarrassed by crooked teeth and shy away from beaming.

This concern aside, braces are also important if your child has any of the following issues:

• overbite
• underbite
• overcrowding
• uneven bite

Issues to do with bite are known as malocclusion. They need treatment from a specialist orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the treatment of jaw and teeth alignment issues.

Age to First Visit Orthodontist

It’s usually best to first visit an orthodontist when your child’s adult teeth come through. This usually happens at around the age of 7.

This doesn’t mean that this is necessarily the best age to get braces. In fact, most children will not need to have braces until they are in their teens. The reason to take your child early is for the orthodontist to spot problems early. With regular monitoring and early treatment, outcomes will be more successful for your child. 

Signs You Need Braces

We often focus on braces as a means of correcting crooked teeth. Crooked, twisted, or otherwise misaligned teeth are certainly a sign that your child may need braces.

Signs of malocclusion – jaw alignment issues – can be harder to spot. They include chewing difficulties, grinding teeth, noticeable overbite or underbite, and mouth breathing.

Raise these concerns at your regular visits to the family dentist. They will be able to advise you if you need a referral to an orthodontist.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

There are now many options on the market, from traditional metal braces to clear, plastic braces.

There is no standard price, as the amount of time the child needs to wear them, conditions they are treating, and other factors will all play a part. However, research suggests that the average cost for metal braces is between $3000-$7000.

Saving on braces is not easy, but can be done. Some options include shopping around for a cheaper deal, buying dental insurance, and exploring no or low-interest financing options. You may be able to apply for financial assistance in certain cases.

Right on Time – The Best Age to Get Braces

There isn’t one answer to the best age to get braces -that will depend on your child and their needs. But getting to an orthodontist early is key. That will set your child on the road to good oral health for the rest of their life.

Enjoyed this article? Please share it with other concerned parents to help them get the right treatment for their children. For more helpful information on everything from saving money to family life, check out the rest of our blog!

 

Are you planning to jet off to the land of the Ticos for a vacation?

There are fewer countries as gorgeous as Costa Rica. It’s got the rainforest, the ocean, and countless cultural sights you won’t want to miss. 

If you need help to plan a Costa Rica vacation, this guide is for you. Here are four tips for planning the perfect getaway in this beautiful Central American nation!

1. Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

While Costa Rica is quite a safe country, you do run the risk of running into pickpockets when you’re out and about. Keeping tabs on your belongings will help you stay safe on your trip. 

First, never leave valuables within view in your car. Secondly, don’t leave bags unattended while purchasing tickets or using restrooms. Finally, know that most thieves work in crowded places, so keep your belongings extra close in these places.

It’s best to leave your valuables at your Costa Rica Villa while traveling. You can find some safe villas here: https://www.thepuravidahouse.com/costa-rica-villa-rentals-with-chef/. 

2. Eat the Food, But Don’t Drink the Water

There are so many amazing dishes in Costa Rica that you’ll often find yourself struggling to decide on what to eat in Costa Rica. And, while you definitely want to try as many of the local flavors as you can, you don’t want to drink the water. 

Tap water tends to have bacteria in it that can cause traveler’s diarrhea or typhoid fever. Play it safe and stick to bottled water while traveling in Costa Rica. That way, you can avoid a trip to the doctor on your vacation.

3. Book Organized Tours

It’s true that you can explore Costa Rica on your own without a tour guide, but this won’t give you the best experience. The reason for this is that many of the coolest attractions are quite far out of the city centers. 

When you book an organized tour, you’ll be able to safely get to faraway sights that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access. Plus, you get the insider knowledge of a local Costa Rican!

4. Be Prepared for Rainy Days

While we’d all love to imagine a vacation that offers clear, blue skies, that’s simply not realistic. And, it’s especially not realistic when you’re visiting Costa Rica. 

Costa Rica’s rainy season lasts from May to November and can mean that you’ll run into frequent downpours. In fact, some restaurants and hotels actually close during the rainy season on the country’s Pacific Coast. 

Regardless of the time of the year you visit, however, you’re likely to experience at least a few rain showers. Bring a good rain jacket and waterproof shoes to make your vacation as comfortable as possible. 

Plan a Costa Rica Vacation You Won’t Forget

With these travel tips, you’re ready to plan a Costa Rica vacation that you won’t soon forget. Get ready to book the perfect getaway to this incredible country.

Did you love learning about how to plan a vacation to Costa Rica? Be sure to check out our other guides full of vacation planning tips and tricks!

Taking a cruise is one of the ultimate vacation plans. They often offer something for every member of the family. They also often offer bundle deals to help save you money. 

Even with these bundles, it’s very easy to overspend while taking a vacation cruise. But we can help you save money on your next trip with these five simple tricks. 

1. Timing Is Everything 

Most cruise lines offer great deals after they first publish their itinerary. This can sometimes be up to two years in advance. Which gives you plenty of time to plan and save up. 

The greatest deals are often seen when cruises have lots of cabins to fill right before departure. If you know you want to go on a cruise and have no particular destination in mind, this could be your best option. 

2. Know What’s Included 

Many bundles that are offered by cruise lines are not really all that inclusive. Be sure to read all of the fine print and the exclusions and tally up the individual cost of each boat. You can now use that to compare the boats side by side. 

You can also check out cruise reviews in advance, like this one about viking cruises Mediterranean. The more know what to expect the more money you can save. 

3. Stay Loyal

If you plan to take multiple cruises once you find a cruise line that you love, stick with them. Most cruise lines offer a return-customer program that offers discounts for loyal customers. 

This could be discounted cruises, free services on the ship, or discounted shore experiences. These could help you save some serious cash during your vacation. 

4. Unplug 

When you’re in international waters internet coverage can be scarce and highly expensive. Most cruise lines charge between $.50 – $.75 per minute of coverage. However, there are usually cafes in the ports if you have to check your emails or update your social media.

Not to mention, unplugging from electronics can be a good thing. Especially while on vacation. 

5. Don’t Buy the Beverage Package 

Unless you’re planning on drinking more than $50 worth of alcohol a day, we’d suggest you not get this package. Drinks typically run in the $5-$7 range, so it may be better to just buy as you go. 

More Ways to Save When Taking A Cruise

Always prepare a budget when planning a vacation. Do your research on the areas you plan to visit and know the average cost of what you will need while you’re there. Doing this can help you know how much extra you can spare after covering the necessities. 

Also, use a travel agent to help you find the best deals. They can even help you find locations you’ll love based on your interests. 

We hope you enjoyed this short guide to saving money taking a cruise. Don’t forget to share these tips with your friends and family on social media. We also have other great articles like this one to help you save money be sure to check them out, too. 

Toothaches can cause a lot of problems for the average person. Taking care of your teeth is important; without proper care, you could risk developing tooth decay. While pain is the first thing people associate with poor dental hygiene, there are other signs that you should look out for. 

What is a sign of tooth decay that most people aren’t aware of?

If you’re worried that you may be suffering from tooth decay, we’ve got you covered. Here are some signs of tooth decay and what you can do about it.

Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

There are quite a few signs that point to potential tooth decay. Of course, the most common signs of all are pains in the mouth and visible cavities. 

However, there are less visible signs of tooth decay that you should watch out for. Consistent bad breath, black or brown stains on the teeth, and bad taste in the mouth are all signs to keep in mind. Any can indicate tooth decay.

The Consequences of Waiting Too Long

You may not be able to get to a dentist right away when you notice teeth problems. However, waiting for too long after tooth decay begins can lead to serious consequences. After all, the worse the problem gets, the more expensive it will be to repair the damage.

Cost isn’t the only problem you’ll have if you wait for a dentist. Tooth decay can cause all sorts of oral health problems, and can even spread illness to the rest of your body. The most common ailment for those with tooth decay is gingivitis, a form of gum disease caused by infection and inflammation of the gumline.

Tooth decay has even been linked to the development of bloodborne illnesses. If tooth decay gets bad enough, the bacteria in the tooth can seep through the gum line and into the bloodstream, resulting in risks to your health. It’s better to get prevent those risks with early prevention and treatment.

How to Prevent Future Tooth Decay

There are ways that you can prevent tooth decay from occurring. Firstly, regular dental hygiene is crucial to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Visits to your dentist at least twice a year is also important to help keep your smile fresh!

Cleaning up your diet can also help reduce the risks of tooth decay. Sugary foods have a big effect on your teeth, so cutting down on sweet foods and drinks can really help!

Having trouble finding a dentist? Here are some great tips on finding the best dentist in your area!

Don’t Ignore that Sign of Tooth Decay

You shouldn’t ignore that sign of tooth decay you’re experiencing. The moment you discover a potential problem, contact your local dentist for help! That way, you can avoid pain and unnecessary expenses fixing the problem.

How did you realize that you were suffering from tooth decay? What did you do to fix it?

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family to help them with their dental woes. For more helpful information, continue reading our blog today!

About 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s about one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12.

Unfortunately, only 11% of these people receive treatment. Without proper treatment, your health could deteriorate. Your risk of an overdose will rise, too.

Instead, consider researching local detox facilities.

What is a detox facility, exactly? Is visiting a drug detox facility right for you?

Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll review what to expect from detoxing, as well as the signs you need to detox. Reading this guide can help you make a more informed decision regarding your well-being.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about detox facilities today. 

What are Detox Facilities?

First, let’s answer the question that’s likely on your mind: what is a detox facility, exactly?

These facilities are designed to help people remove all traces of drugs and alcohol from their systems. Detoxing can help you feel physically stable. Afterward, you can start therapy to remain sober long-term.

Unfortunately, your body can become accustomed to drugs and alcohol over time. You might even develop a tolerance or become dependent on drugs to function. If you develop a tolerance, you could need more drugs to feel effects.

If you decide to remove the substance from your system, your brain will need time to adjust. This adjustment period often causes withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxing at home alone can become dangerous. If the withdrawal symptoms are too much, you might decide to start using again. Instead, consider researching drug detox facilities.

Visiting a drug detox facility will allow you to detox under medical supervision. You can detox safely and successfully.

Choose a detox facility that employs medically trained healthcare professionals. They’ll help you through every stage of the detox process.

The Process

It helps to know what to expect before visiting drug detox facilities in your area. Each detox facility might have its own unique process. Choose a detox facility based on your distinct needs.

Usually, the process involves three steps.

First, you’ll need to complete the evaluation process. A professional medical team will assess your mental and physical health. This screening process will allow them to determine your distinct needs.

They use a blood test to determine the amount of drugs in your system. The results can help them determine the amount of medications you need.

Your medical team will also review your medical, psychiatric, and drug use history. Then, they’ll use this information to develop your customized, long-term treatment plan.

Next is the stabilization process. This process involves stabilizing your health using psychological and medical therapy. The goal is to prevent future harm.

Your doctors will prescribe addiction treatment medications to help you avoid complications. These medications can also ease your withdrawal symptoms.

The final step of detoxing is preparing you for your treatment program. Completing inpatient rehab can increase your chances of successful detox.

You can learn more about addiction treatment methods here.

Signs You Need to Detox

Nearly 841,000 people have died from a drug overdose since 1999. In 2019 alone, there were 70,630 drug overdose deaths. Before you die from a drug overdose, consider researching detox facilities in your area.

Here are five signs you need help with addiction right away. 

1. Friends and Family Members are Worried

Your friends and family members will likely notice a problem before you do. If they’ve started expressing their concerns, consider seeking help. They can even help you find detox facilities in the area.

Otherwise, prolonged drug use could impact your relationships. You might start pushing loved ones away. You might even lie about or hide your drug abuse.

Before addiction can impact your relationships, consider seeking help.

Think about the situation from their perspective. They want you to live a long, happy life.

If your loved ones are trying to help, let them. 

2. You Experience Withdrawal

Have you tried quitting on your own? Maybe you’ve tried to go a few days without drugs. If you try to quit on your own after prolonged use, you can experience withdrawal symptoms.

If you’ve experienced withdrawal symptoms in the past, consider seeking help for your addiction.

Otherwise, you might experience dangerous complications. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Vomiting
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Discomfort

Severe symptoms can include delirium, seizures, and hallucinations. It’s important to seek medical help before detoxing. Finding detoxing facilities in your area can ensure your safety.

3. You Neglect Responsibilities

Prolonged drug use can lower your inhibitions. It might even cause you to neglect your responsibilities. For example, you might start ditching school or avoiding work.

You might neglect responsibilities at home, too.

Drug use might even become the priority in your life.

If these situations sound familiar, consider visiting a detox facility. You can get the help you need before it’s too late. Then, you can focus on taking control of your life again.

4. You’ve Developed a Tolerance

Remember, you can develop a tolerance after prolonged drug use. If you need more and more of a drug to feel its effects, consider seeking help. Otherwise, your addiction can become worse.

Your body will grow accustomed to the drugs, leading to more intense use. You might overdose as a result.

5. Your Health is Deteriorating

When was the last time you visited your primary physician? After prolonged drug use, your health will start deteriorating.

For example, your immune system could weaken, increasing your risk of an illness. You might develop a heart condition or experience heart attacks. Meanwhile, you’ll put a strain on your liver.

Your risk of lung disease, brain damage, and seizures can increase, too.

Seek help before you cause lasting damage to your health.

What are Detox Facilities?: Your Guide to Getting Clean and Sober

Finding detox facilities in your area will help you detox safely. Don’t try to detox alone at home. Instead, find a professional medical team you can trust.

They’ll develop a customized treatment plan based on your distinct needs. Then, you can take control of your life again. 

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