No Need for ‘Scary Smiles’ on Halloween: Local Orthodontist’s Tips to Prevent Broken Braces, Tooth Decay

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

(Issued Fall 2018) — October is National Orthodontic Health Month, timed to culminate with Halloween, and reminding everyone – both kids and adults – which treats to avoid to prevent damaging braces. One-third of today’s braces patients are adults.

Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics, says, “Year-round we advise patients on braces care. During October we highlight what foods and Halloween loot to avoid to prevent breakage of braces, aligners and other Orthodontic appliances.”

“To prevent ‘Scary Smiles,’” he adds, “Avoid sticky situations and say ‘boo’ to hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks such as caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum, jelly beans. nuts, taco chips and popcorn. Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season,”

Each year Americans spend $9 billion on candy. Much of that ends up on the teeth of 41 million trick-or-treating children across the U.S.
Yes, there are braces-friendly treats. For kids with braces, it may seem like they can’t enjoy holiday treats, But there are many options to choose from, including soft chocolate, gelatin treats, Ice cream, smoothies, apple cider. Dr. Karissa Koster of ARCH Pediatric Dentistry in Stoughton a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), reminds parents and caregivers that it’s important to pay attention to the types of treats children eat, both to prevent damage to braces and to limit tooth exposure to sugars and cavity-causing bacteria She advises that before kids go trick-or-treating, they should eat a well-balanced meal so they won’t fill up on empty calories and sugar.

To mark Halloween at each ARCH office, the patients who comes closest to guessing the number of candy corns in a jar will win an Amazon gift card. There will be a costume contest at ARCH offices on Tues., 10/30 in Bridgewater and on Wed., 10/31 in Orleans, Brockton, Stoughton and Westwood.

Dr. Chase says, “Parents should call now to take advantage of our $99 New Pediatric Dental Patient Special that includes Exam, X-rays, Fluoride and Cleaning — a savings of $250 (for patients with no insurance.) For Orthodontic patients, ARCH offers free initial consultation (a $500 value), and interest-free financing. For more info and/or a no-obligation appointment at one of ARCH’s 9 offices, contact ARCH at (781) 209-6776.

– By Stanley Hurwitz / 508-269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com