Ask Faber Orthodontics: What's the deal with Halloween treats?

For parents worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but 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, Dr. Beth Faber and our staff also want you to stay away from sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty treats.

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 some milk or eat a slice of cheese. Lastly, we encourage you to check out these braces-friendly Halloween treats, provided by the AAO.

Hope this helps!

Protect your braces this Halloween season!

Check out our "birthday board" for the month of October!

And remember, all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! 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! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Try these delicious and braces-friendly recipes instead!

October contest!

Yes, we're having a Facebook contest, but this is our "inhouse" contest this month at Faber Orthodontics. They are "skulls" in the jar in case you are wondering. And yes, the Raven is awarding a $25 Gift Card to Wal-Mart to the winner.

BOOO! Halloween contest at Faber Orthodontics!

Dr. Beth Faber and our staff are excited to announce our Halloween contest!!! Now through Nov. 15th, post your Halloween photo on our Facebook wall for a chance to win a $25 Wal-Mart gift card!

You may post a photo of:

- Your Halloween costume
- Your carved pumpkin

You may also bring your photo in to our Tappahannock or Kilmarnock office or email your photo to drfaber@pop.net.

Let’s see those ghoulish photos!

See you on Facebook!

-Dr. Beth and The Faber Orthodontics team

At Faber Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Friday! Today marks the start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Faber Orthodontics wanted to remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this Halloween season. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Check out these delicious braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists!

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (804) 443-6419, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Beth during your next visit to our office in Tappahannock or Kilmarnock!

Enjoy the weekend!