Staying connected with Dr. McFarland and team

At the practice of Dr. R. A. McFarland, DDS, MS, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by communicating event information on our blog or sharing photos from our annual picnic on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. McFarland and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

A great braces-friendly fall recipe, from Dr. McFarland

In celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month, Dr. McFarland and our team would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. These Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Softies are delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this treat will not cause damage to your beautiful smile.

Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Softies

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 15-ounce can plain pumpkin purée
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon milk
1 12-ounce bag chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. In large mixing bowl, with a mixer or whisk, combine pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, oil, molasses and milk. Add flour mixture slowly into pumpkin mixture until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

The dough is very soft. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets, 12 cookies to a pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Store in a covered container between sheets of waxed paper.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. McFarland and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

Dr. McFarland wins the Reader's Choice award for Denton County, again!

Dr. McFarland and our team are excited to share that we won the Readers Choice Award for Best of Denton in the orthodontic field. This the the eleventh year that Dr. McFarland has accepted this award for Denton County. Thanks to everyone for your support!

Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the Readers Choice Award, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

Dr. McFarland invites patients to our 21st Annual Picnic!

Dr. McFarland and our team would like to invite all of our patients and their families to our 21st Annual Picnic. The event will take place at Zone Action Park on Oct. 6th and there will be lots of fun activities, including batting cages, a bounce house, go-carts, and miniature golf! Don't forget to R.S.V.P. to our office at by October 3rd. We look forward to seeing everyone at this great annual event!

Thank you,

-Dr. McFarland and team

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with Dr. McFarland. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in our office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Dr. McFarland invites patients to our 21st Annual Picnic!

Our office would like to invite our patients to Dr. McFarland's 21st Annual Picnic. It will be held at Zone Action Park on October 6th from 4:00 - 8:00pm. It is a lot of fun! There will be many activities, including batting cages, a bounce house, go-carts, games, miniature golf and fantastic door prizes. We will serve pizza and hot dogs. All of our patients are invited, along with family and friends, so don't forget to mark your calendars!

As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the annual picnic, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Thank you,

-Dr. McFarland and team