Halloween TIPS from the American Association of Orthodontists

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Levittown orthodontist, Dr. David Ostreicher, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Trick-or-treating safety guidelines:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Dr. David Ostreicher suggests looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Dr. David Ostreicher!

The 411 on Halloween treats, from Dr. Ostreicher

For parents in Levittown and Long Island worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. David Ostreicher will tell you that while all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

So what's a parent to do?

As Halloween draws nearer, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese. Lastly, we encourage you to check out these braces-friendly (and delicious) Halloween treats, provided by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Hope this helps! Happy Halloween!

Dr. Ostreicher, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month

Tomorrow is already October? Seriously? For our staff at the office of Dr. David Ostreicher, October means one thing: National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, who put together a helpful website that provides important information on all-things orthodontics, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment at our convenient office in Levittown.

Drs. Ostreicher and McAndrews recommend you check out the AAO’s website. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 516-342-4464, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Ostreicher during your visit!

Enjoy your weekend!