As we approach Halloween, many of us have started to buy our Trick or Treat candy. Please read the following article from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists . The article has some great ideas how to reduce the chances of developing cavities during the upcoming weeks. When the kids get back from Trick or Treating, let them choose some candy to keep and then bring a bag of candy to us for our Halloween Candy Buy Back campaign. The little treats will be so appreciated by the men and women serving in the Armed Forces. We are partnering with
Operation Gratitude to send care packages. The kids get to keep some candy, they can get a few dollars from Dr. Johnson for their extra candy , and hopefully avoid developing any cavities from eating too much sugary treats! Kids will be happy, moms and dads will be happy , and our friends in the military will be happy! Thanks for helping us to help others! Here is a link to a YouTube video about the program.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the recognized leader in children’s dental and oral health, is providing parents with recommendations on how to help preserve children’s teeth during Halloween and throughout the year.
AAPD offers the following tips that allow children to enjoy Halloween fun, while keeping their teeth healthy and establishing a foundation of a lifetime of oral health, including:
Mix in healthy snacks along with Halloween candy: A balanced diet is one that includes cheese, fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat, milk and yogurt.
Be the tooth-healthy house on the block: Pass out alternative treats to ghouls and goblins such as cracker snack-packs, trail mix packs, rice crispy treats, etc.
Avoid chewy treats that tend to stick to teeth and cause more damage.
Monitor candy consumption: Only allow Halloween treats in moderation.
Take the fear out of flossing: Teach children flossing techniques for improved oral health at Halloween.
Make tooth brushing fun: Seasonal tooth brushes featuring Halloween themes get children excited about taking care of their tiny teeth.
Don’t be afraid of the dentist: With all of the sweet treats consumed around Halloween, now is a great time for parents to schedule a pediatric dental appointment for their children.
“Let’s face it, Halloween is a holiday that every child looks forward to and embraces each year,” stated Dr. John R. Liu, President of the AAPD. “Rather than denying children the option to trick or treat, we advise that parents maintain their regular routine. In anticipation of their candy consumption, choose each child’s favorite treat and allow them to enjoy one piece after a meal. The remainder of the candy can then be given to a local homeless shelter or a food bank in order to prevent overindulgence. Again, the key is to continue doing everything in moderation so that a healthy Halloween celebration can be enjoyed by all,” concluded Liu.
Occasional snacking isn't enough to harm teeth, however, the degree to which children eat Halloween treats, and candy in general, can severely affect dental decay. In fact, candy is no more likely to cause cavities than most other foods. Children who snack frequently, whether on candy or healthful offerings, are at the greatest risk for cavities. For more helpful tips to ensure that your family enjoys a happy and healthy Halloween, please visit http://www.aapd.org/
Debbie Johnson
Dr Brian Johnson
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770.993.9809
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