Memorial Day didn't become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860s, right after the Civil War. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, people still decorate the grave sites of war veterans and hold memorial services, but Memorial Day has also evolved into a day that signifies the beginning of summer.

During the summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members. Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home. However you spend Memorial Day and the subsequent summer months, there are a few things you can take care of to ensure your summertime is enjoyable.

Checklist for an Enjoyable Summer

• Have the AC Checked. During the hottest days of summer, many families find themselves sweating it out due to a broken air conditioning system. Be proactive so you can avoid waiting for hours or days because the HVAC repair person is booked solid. Have your air conditioning system checked before or around Memorial Day each year.
• Ensure Security While You're Away. When you leave for vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is the security of your home. Install a home security system, if possible, and put a timer on your lights so they go on and off at normal hours. You can also alert your local police department that you'll be gone, and ask them to drive by your house once in a while to make sure everything is okay.
• Visit Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad Before Vacation. Many people put off school-related or annual health exams until after summer vacation. Avoid the crowds and make sure your physical and oral health are in top shape prior to vacation time so there are no unpleasant surprises.
• Plan Your Memorial Day Traditions. Whether you host a barbecue in the College Park, Potomac, or Bethesda, MD area or beyond, gather for the parade, or spend time at a loved one's grave site, plan your Memorial Day happenings in advance so those you wish to include can be there.

Our team at Rad Orthodontics wants you to look forward to Memorial Day and the days of summer by preparing to spend the time safely and comfortably. As you plan ahead, take care of your health and secure your home, you can place your focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite Memorial Day traditions.

Patients with special needs, conditions and disabilities deserve a team of professionals who are experienced and willing to work with them to create a comfortable, relaxing environment. We warmly embrace special needs patients in our office, and as a result, have enjoyed their unique talents and gifts. Some of our most amazing and compliant patients are special needs patients. We are careful with each patient and always make sure that the parents and patient are well-informed on the treatment and progress. If your child is initially skeptical about orthodontics or even just plain scared, we recommend that you bring them in once a month until your child feels comfortable with Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad, our staff, and our office environment. By seeing your child monthly we are building a relationship with them, ensuring their comfort.

We encourage you to ask any questions while you are in our College Park, Potomac, or Bethesda, MD office. You can also give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad. We look forward to serving your family!

Now that you have braces, it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene during your treatment, as Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad will tell you. While we trust you will continue brushing and flossing on a regular basis throughout your treatment at Rad Orthodontics, you also have to mindful of what you eat. While all those sweet, sour, and sticky candies may taste great, these treats can actually damage your teeth and braces!

Sour candies  can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them, resulting in tooth decay and cavities. If you do indulge in eating these candies at some point during your treatment, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These foods will help neutralize the acid in your mouth.

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health, too; researchers have discovered the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine just as you did before your braces. This includes visiting your dentist here in College Park, Potomac, or Bethesda, MD every six months, brushing and flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash, as well as visiting Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad for your regular adjustment appointments.

For more questions about foods you should avoid while wearing braces, or if you have any general questions about your treatment, we encourage you to give us a call, ask us at your next adjustment appointment or ask us on Facebook!

At Rad Orthodontics, we know image is everything, especially for today’s teenagers. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad and our team will tell you one of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at Rad Orthodontics. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Mehdy Rad and Dr. David Rad?

We are happy to treat today’s image-conscious teens, and invite you to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation at our convenient College Park, Potomac, or Bethesda, MD office!