A Trick-or-Treating Nightmare

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Halloween candy can be like Nightmare on Elm Street for Trick-or-Treaters with braces.  The candy list below can help you keep your braces safe and intact this Halloween.

Halloween Candy to Avoid:

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- Caramel & Taffy
- Bubblegum
- Hard Candy
- Licorice 
- Popcorn & Nuts
- Jelly beans
- Candy corns
- Chewy candy 

The above candies can damage braces and retainers and should be avoided. Now we know…you’re probably thinking…What other candy is left? There are plenty of other things that Trick-or-Treaters who wear braces can enjoy…like chocolate! Soft chocolates such as peanut butter cups, 3 Musketeers, plain M&M's and candy bars without caramel and nuts are perfectly fine. Basically, any candies that aren’t  hard and crunchy or soft and sticky are safe.

We want you to have fun this Halloween, but remember, braces are fragile, and strong forces from hard and sticky candies will damage them. And damaged appliances can extend treatment time. So ask yourself…is that Snickers Bar really worth it?

Your Halloween Vibe

There is something to be said for decorating the exterior of your house on Halloween. And if you haven't started already...now is the time.

 

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What sort of vibe do you want your house to give off when the 

Trick-or-Treaters come a callin'? 

Spooky yet Approachable, Cute and Whimsical, Seasonal...

It's a pretty tough decision, especially if you haven't given it much thought before. But no worries, as always, we are here to help. We found some great images to get you inspired this Halloween.

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Spooky yet Approachable

Nothing says haunted house like cob webs, spiders and mummies.  And if you're not into the super scary Halloween decorations, but still want to give off a spooky vibe, try boarding up a few windows to make it look like the house has been abandoned for years.

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Cute and Whimsical

Create a whimsical outdoor theme with pumpkin topiaries and colors in purple orange and white. You can even line your driveway in custom made luminaries that you carved out of pumpkins.

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Seasonal

Outdoor decorating for the season and not just for Halloween makes your house approachable to Trick or Treats, but also always you to enjoy all of your hard work well into Thanksgiving. And if you don't carve out your pumpkins, you'll be able to keep them around longer.

 

Point of the story...

No matter what your Halloween decorating style is... it's time to get to work!

October and Orthodontics...What a Team!

When you think October, you naturally think Halloween. 

But did you know that October is also a time for celebrating Orthodontics? 

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Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. 

If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting with Dr. Lenz and his staff is a great way to find out what kind of people you’ll be seeing during your treatment. This is also a time to get your questions answered and to learn more about what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. 

In a month full of sweet treats, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your braces and/or your orthodontic appliances. Try to avoid hard and sticky candy. If you can’t keep yourself away from the sugar, choose soft candies that melt-in-your-mouth.

As always, remember to brush and floss after eating sugary foods. Exposing your teeth to sweets increases your risk for cavities…and allowing sugar to sit on your teeth can lead to decalcification (permanent white discoloration of the teeth). 

If you have any questions about what foods are best during orthodontic treatment, feel free to ask during your next visit! 

Healthy teeth and gums mean an amazing smile! 

We look forward to seeing you and your family this October!

Countdown to Costumes

Yes! Halloween is just around the corner. We know...It isn't even October yet, but we just couldn't wait to talk about the greatest Holiday ever! 

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The number one thing on your check list of To-Do's for Halloween should be the Costume. Now, for some of you, this may sound like the easiest To-Do. You're thinking..."Halloween stores are popping up all over the place. I'll just run on over and buy the first thing that catches my eye." Which is fine, but why not start thinking about your costume now, save yourself some money and make your costume this year? 

There are tons...and we mean tons of ideas for Do It Yourself costumes on the interent these days. We did some google-ing and narrowed down the searches for you. These sites have great DIY ideas on costumes for kids of all ages. Some ideas even incorporate materials you can find around your house.

Check out the sites we found and get inspired!

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1. www.frugalmomandwife.com 

This site has 45 DIY costumes for kids that are super cute and super easy to make. The site even includes tutorials and photos with step by step instructions. You gotta love that!

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2. www.inhabitots.com

Who knew so many costumes could be entirely made from Card Board Boxes? This site has 8 great ideas. And we would love to see the Biodegradable Ball Gown come to life...just sayin'.

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3. www.wondermomwannabe.com 

With ideas from Costumes to make using balloons to costumes to make with items purchased from the Dollar Store...this site has super easy ideas that are sure to save you time and money this Halloween.

Thinking you have plenty of time? Think again.

Halloween will be here before you know it.

33 Days and Counting!

Biodegradable Ball Gown

Biodegradable Ball Gown

Out With the Old and In With the New

The toothbrush is your number one oral hygiene accessory.  Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? 

It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one ever 3 to 4 months. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your tooth brush have become worn that's a clear sign...you need a new toothbrush. People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. 

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It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. 

So mark those calendars for every 3 to 4 months and it’s out with the old and in with the new.  

After reading the above you're probably thinking…”My toothbrush is fine, I have it broken in just the way I like it.” And maybe that’s true, but did you know that your old toothbrush could actually be harming your mouth? 

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush: 

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck. 

2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that… an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque. 

3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. Do we need to say it again? Germs and bacteria in your mouth twice a day, every day. 

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Feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful? We’ve got a solution. Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great at cleaning around facet fixtures and in tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer key boards and tennis shoes.

Fall Into Healthy Foods

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We all know that brushing, flossing and annual check-ups are important to our oral health, but did you know that what you eat is just as important?

The official start of fall is September 23^rd, which is quickly approaching. Fall brings about much change as the leaves turn rusted colors, the weather becomes cooler and many fruits and vegetables begin to be harvested. Many people spend summer time eating lots of sweet treats, but as we transition to fall we should focus on healthier foods. Here’s a list of 5 healthy fall foods.

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Apples: This fruit can be ate alone as a snack or baked into your favorite dishes, such as apple pies. There’s a variety apples you can to choose from such as Granny Smith, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples.

Health Benefits: 
Full of Antioxidants
Provides Dietary Fiber 

Harvest Season:
August - November

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Pumpkins: Not only good for carving, pumpkins are great for pies, muffins and even its seeds eaten by themselves.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Potassium
Source of Fiber
Source of Vitamin B

Harvest Season: 

October - February

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Squash: Squash is a vegetable that is great as a side dish, paired with pasta or even cab be pureed and used as a dip.

Health Benefits: 
Contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Source of Vitamin A

Harvest Season:

October - February

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Pomegranates: This fruit can be eaten alone, but also its juices serve as a great marinade and its seeds are often tossed into salads.

Health Benefits:
Great Antioxidant
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Folate

Harvest Season: 

August - December

 

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Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts are vegetables that are great for salads, pasta dishes and can also be paired as a side to main courses.

Health Benefits: 
Source of Vitamin C
Source of Vitamin K
Source of Folate
Source of Iron 

Harvest Season: 

September - March

 

Remember, while undergoing orthodontic treatment you must be mindful of what foods you are eating. We not only want you to have a great looking smile, but healthy smile as well.