Happy Halloween from TS Orthodontics!

Halloween is just around the corner and that means lots of CANDY!!!

Dr. Scanlan and his team want to make sure you have a fun and safe Halloween and that you know the difference between braces-safe and non-braces-safe candy. Sticky, chewy or hard candy can cause a great deal of damage to your brackets and wires, which can lead to more time spent in braces.

Here are some candies to avoid this year, if you are in braces.

Starburst®, Tootsie Roll®, Laffy Taffy®, salt water taffy, Jolly Rancher®, bubble and chewing gum, Air Heads®, Skittles®, Peanut M&M’s®, Snickers®, caramels and caramel and candy apples, jelly beans, Blow Pops®, Twizzlers®, Sugar Daddies®, Almond Joy®, Mike and Ike® and any other candies that are sticky, chewy, or hard.

Be safe and have fun!

Boo!

It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.
If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! All of us at Scanlan Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!