The month of October can be full of costume parties, trick-or-treating, and of course, heaps of candy! At Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, October is also the time we recognize National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is devoted to celebrating healthy smiles and learning about the benefits of orthodontic treatment.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD SEE AN ORTHODONTIST?
It is recommended that children meet the orthodontist as early as age 7 for their first examination. In some cases, children may be referred even younger. By visiting the orthodontist early, your child’s maxillofacial growth can be evaluated and monitored over time, and our orthodontists can determine if early treatment is needed.
An improper bite, misaligned teeth, or narrow archways can result in an increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, as well as affect your jaw’s ability to function properly. Early intervention increases the likelihood that the teeth, jaw, and broader oral structure will develop normally. It can prevent conditions from developing or worsening, and can prevent or lessen the need for more complex and costly procedures later.
Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers complimentary orthodontic consultations! Our experienced team is here to provide you with personalized treatment options tailored to your unique smile. Plus, it’s completely free—no tricks here, just treats!
CANDY & BRACES
For kids with orthodontic appliances or braces, Halloween time is a little more complicated. Many sweet treats can bend wires or break brackets, potentially adding months to your child’s treatment. But there are many sweets that are safe to enjoy! Here are some tips that can help make Halloween less stressful and more fun.
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- Sort your candy!
Avoid these:
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- Hard candy like Jolly Ranchers, Nerds
- Anything with nuts or caramel, like Snickers Bars
- Candy corn
- Chewy and sticky candies like bubble gum, tootsie rolls, taffy, Lifesavers
- Crunchy items like nuts, popcorn, and candy apples
Enjoy these:
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- Chocolate
- Peanut Butter Cups
- 3 Musketeers
- Kit Kats
- Soft Cookies
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- Everything is better in moderation!
Candy and sweet treats can cause cavities. The sticky, chewy, hard, and sour candies will lead to more acidity in your mouth if you eat a lot of them at once. Candy is safe when eaten in moderation. Set aside a special time for eating candy and limit it to 3-5 small pieces. A good way to eat candy is after a meal, to avoid filling up on sugar.
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- Brush, Floss, & Drink Water!
Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during this sugar-filled season. This is especially true for bedtime as the harmful sugars left overnight may lead to tooth decay and cavities. Patients with braces should be mindful to brush and floss after consuming sugary foods. Always follow candy time with a glass of water to rinse away excess sugar.
DONATE EXTRA CANDY AT OUR HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK
Each year, Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics hosts an annual Candy Buy Back on November 1, where patients can donate candy in exchange for cash. The candy collected will be donated to military troops overseas through Blue Star Moms, spreading joy beyond Halloween. Stop by any of our four locations on November 1 to participate. We are accepting candy from 1:40 – 4:40 pm.
~ New in 2024 ~
For every 1 pound of candy (up to 5 pounds per patient), you can choose from the following buy-back options:
- $1.00 cash
- $1.00 donation to Alameda Food Bank
- 15 points in our Patient Rewards Hub (worth $1.50)
*While supplies last
USE IT OR LOSE IT BENEFITS
This is also a great time to remind parents and caregivers to schedule your child’s next dental exam and cleaning. Most employers have Open Enrollment during these last few months of the year. We are available to answer questions about insurance benefits! Give us a call to discuss your plan options, or if you are interested in learning more about the APD Membership Plan.
Most yearly benefits, such as insurance maximums and flexible spending accounts (FSA), expire at the end of December. That means any unused benefit dollars for 2024 will be lost. Schedule your child’s exam, cleaning, and any other dental procedures as soon as possible to get the most out of your 2024 benefits.
For more information on how to stay cavity-free this fall or to schedule an appointment, contact Alameda Pediatric Dentistry today at (510) 521-5437.
We hope you have a Happy Halloween and Happy National Orthodontic Health Month!
