It’s Halloween Candy Time! For most or all of us, this month begins with the weather changing, drinking pumpkin spice latte’s, and of course, Halloween! But for your orthodontist, it’s also a month to recognize their patient’s beautiful, healthy smile in honor of National Orthodontic Health Month. This is a perfect time to review a few helpful tips from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to embrace October worry-free for orthodontic patients.
Eating candy while wearing braces is still an option. But avoid damaging your braces and risk extending your orthodontic treatment by staying away from certain candy items. Broken brackets will require a trip to the orthodontist to repair and multiple broken brackets can extend your time in braces
Avoid Sticky Candies Like:
Caramels, Taffy, Jellybeans, Bubblegum
Hard Candy, Suckers, Licorice
Popcorn and Nuts
You are probably wondering what you can eat or drink? Actually, quite a lot; eat soft, melt-in-your-mouth candies. Those tend to be less risky when keeping your braces intact. Good options:
Chocolate (without caramel or nuts)
Peanut butter cups
Marshmallows
Soft Cookies
Eating Halloween candy in excess can cause more than a bad stomachache. Any type of sugary snacks can accumulate around braces and lead to cavities or gum disease (gingivitis). Establish an oral care regimen that involves preventive measures, it can help avoid tooth decay and promote healthier gums.
Orthodontic treatment is a very important part of your child’s oral he
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Help Children?
Orthodontic treatment will help your child bite and chew and contribute to clear speech. When their teeth function properly the achieve a strong, balanced appearance. An attractive smile is a result of orthodontic treatment, and can do wonders for confidence. Self-confidence and self-esteem may improve as orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion. Straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time by sucking the thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor nutrition. Sometimes an inherited orthodontic problem is complicated by an acquired problem. Whatever the cause, orthodontists are usually able to treat most conditions successfully.
All Kids Should Get A Checkup with an Orthodontist No Later than Age Seven
To have a healthy smile that's good for life®, your child needs teeth and jaws that are properly aligned. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a checkup with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age seven. By then, your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to determine whether an orthodontic problem exists or is developing. Putting off a checkup with an orthodontist until a child has lost all baby teeth could be a disservice. Some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they're found early. A checkup no later than age seven gives your orthodontist the opportunity to recommend the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. If early treatment is in order, the orthodontist may be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Creating Generations of Smiles Through A Legacy of Personal Care and Heartfelt Service!
Dr. Jennifer L. Martin and our team love transforming lives, one smile at a time. We work one-to-one with each patient to determine their clinical needs and care goals, and then develop individual treatment paths to create their healthy new smile. We appreciate parents who understand the importance of getting their children a proper start towards a lifetime or oral & orthodontic health.
We offer complimentary consultations for you and your family at our Pleasant Hill, CA orthodontic office, serving Martinez, Concord, Walnut Creek and Lafayette. Please call to learn more and schedule your consultation, today.
Dr. Martin and everyone at Jennifer L. Martin, DDS, look forward to welcoming you to our practice. We would love to develop a long-term relationship with you, while making the beautiful smile of your dreams a reality!
Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S.
401 Gregory Lane, Suite 126
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: (925) 676-8485