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At Zoka Orthodontics, we realize vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda … but that’s not all! Dr. Zoka wants to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Vegetables
• Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities during your orthodontic treatment, give Zoka Orthodontics a call or ask Dr. Zoka or your general dentist during your next appointment.

Dr. Ray Zoka and our team at Zoka Orthodontics understand not everyone is always thrilled at the prospect of visiting their orthodontist. But at our Camarillo office, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

Our team at Zoka Orthodontics understand the importance of having a great smile and provide a unique professional experience for all patients.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Zoka Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Something about Dr. Zoka?

Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

At Zoka Orthodontics, we know image is everything. 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.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a free consultation to our convenient Camarillo, CA office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Zoka?

We also proudly provide Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens and invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

There are a variety of foods Dr. Ray Zoka wants you to avoid while you’re wearing braces. Most foods can damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or break the brackets on your braces. If you have braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch causes plaque, cavities and tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you’ll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you’re wearing braces.

Foods to Avoid

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call or ask Dr. Zoka or our team at Zoka Orthodontics during your next visit! Happy Monday!