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We all need a sweet treat once in a while, and each year Halloween definitely reminds us of that. There are so many candy options to choose from, but does it matter to our teeth? Surprisingly, yes -all candy is not created equally when it comes to oral health! Some candies can place you at even higher risks for developing tooth decay. Check it out:

The Worst Candy:

If the candy is sticky or long lasting, it can do significant damage to your teeth. Candies like caramel, gummies, taffy, and lollipops for instance can subject your teeth to sugar and bacteria that remain in the mouth for long periods of time. This increases your risk for developing cavities and adds additional trips to the dentist. In addition, hard candies may even lead to chipped or broken teeth. As tasty as they may be, do your best to avoid these sweet treats this Halloween:

• Gummy products (bears, worms, etc)
• Starbursts
• Lollipops
• Tootsie Rolls
• Caramels
• Lifesavers
• Fruit snacks
• Skittles

Surprisingly, sour candies like sour patch kids are also pretty harmful to your teeth. Sour candies lower the pH of your mouth, making your mouth more acidic and vulnerable to decay and tooth wear.

Opt for dark chocolate:

Dark chocolate often contains less sugar and has been noted to contain several health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, protecting against cavities, and improving brain function. Dark chocolate is loaded in antioxidants and nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.

Colgate has offered some other alternatives to Halloween candy that you can make look spooky and festive including:

• Pumpkin oranges
• Banana ghosts

• Cheese Stick fingers

• Monster Mouths made from apples: Slice an unpeeled apple into large wedges, then create a hole and fill it with peanut or almond butter and chopped nuts.

• Veggie Skeletons: arrange your choice of vegetables in the shape of a skeleton

So, as you’re sorting through your Halloween bucket, be sure to choose carefully to help protect your teeth. Also make sure you are drinking lots of water and continuing to brush and floss your teeth.

We hope that you and your family and loved ones have a happy Halloween!

This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/oral-health-tips-the-worst-and-best-sweets-for-kids-at-halloween

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/five-ways-to-avoid-candy-teeth-other-scary-treats-for-a-healthier-halloween

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vox.com%2Fthe-goods%2F21451615%2Fhalloween-2020-masks-trick-or-treating-costumes-candy-canceled&psig=AOvVaw2aSikfM-UQ8BdYSfuHiCDa&ust=1634506549735000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMiJ1MTxz_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wideopeneats.com%2Frecipes%2Fapple-monster-snacks%2F&psig=AOvVaw3djuD517nYTubRvucO7sRb&ust=1634513392950000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMD77oaL0PMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fkeeprecipes.com%2Frecipe%2Fhowtocook%2Fpumpkin-oranges-and-banana-ghosts&psig=AOvVaw2Qf4qiQfZKMSPctNPHmuuE&ust=1634513462529000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCIDPzLmL0PMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Feverydaydishes.com%2Fholiday%2Fhalloween-healthy-creepy-cheese-fingers-recipe%2F&psig=AOvVaw1NZ8St3JNziY_zmIPXy1G5&ust=1634513560547000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLiOudeL0PMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAc

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Falberta.coop%2Frecipes%2Fhalloween-veggie-skeleton%2F&psig=AOvVaw0cvUGsIPQB9mBSYw9D8Yhe&ust=1634513645345000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCIjr2vuL0PMCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

What a wonderful time of year! Halloween is upon us again and the sweet treats we all love are about to make their way into our goodie bags. Ghosts, witches, and candy galore, this time can be a scary event even for our teeth. To lower your chances of having additional dental work done due to cavities from sugar overload, here are some tips this season:

Indulge in moderation:

As commonly said, too much of anything probably is not good for you. Consuming a lot of candy increases your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Drink a lot of water:

Water is good for keeping every part of your body healthy, including your teeth! Drinking fluoridated water can help protect your teeth from tooth decay and keep the pH levels within your mouth balanced. In addition, water helps to rinse away leftover food particles and sugars that can cause harm.

Sticky candy can put you in a sticky situation:

All candy is not created equally when it comes to your teeth. Try to avoid eating sticky or chewy candy like gummy bears, caramels, and candy corn. These candies tend to become trapped between your teeth and can be tricky to remove even when brushing and flossing. If the candy remains in-between the teeth or on tooth surfaces this can allow bacteria to produce acids that break down your teeth and cause cavities quickly.

Watch out for sour candies:  Sour candy, like hard and sticky candies, can also be harmful to your teeth. Acidic items can progressively wear down the outer layer of your teeth, the tooth enamel. Not to mention, it lowers the pH of your mouth allowing for bacteria thrive in the acidic environment.

Chew sugar-free gum:

Love chewing gum? Not to worry, with sugar-free gum you can fulfill your desires without harming your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum is beneficial for your teeth as it helps to increase saliva flow, which helps rinse away and neutralize bad acids and bacteria that are present after consuming sugary foods like candy. Sugar-free gum with the ingredient xylitol is recommended as research has shown it to have protective effects against tooth decay. Instead of candy, try gum!

Avoid candies that last:

Hard candy like lollipops remain in the mouth a long time, which leaves a lot of time for sugar and bacteria to wreck havoc. Besides how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in developing cavities. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

Eat candy during mealtime:

Candy can be especially hard to resist during Halloween but limiting candy consumption and eating it around mealtime can be better than frequently snacking on candy throughout the day. This is because there is an increase in saliva production during mealtime which helps fight off bad bacteria. In addition, the frequency of consuming sugary foods has an effect on tooth decay.

Be sure you are practicing good oral hygiene: As always, taking care of your teeth is important each day to ensure your pearly whites last a lifetime. Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, and flossing at least once a day is essential. And, if you haven’t already scheduled your regular check-up with your dentist, now is a perfect time!

This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/halloween-slideshow

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.almanac.com%2Fcontent%2Fwhen-is-halloween&psig=AOvVaw317M0xlnm-aQa9GhkK0Jfc&ust=1634504716749000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCPixiqDsz_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvancortho.com%2Fbraces-friendly-halloween&psig=AOvVaw0vvNvKMSrcmFl-xAYeewfe&ust=1634505289684000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOD3i_rsz_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

An important awareness month occurs in October, and that’s National Dental Hygiene Month! In celebration of all of the hard work dental hygienists do, we are always ecstatic during this national observance. This month we also focus on promoting good oral health for everyone and the importance of a healthy mouth for a healthy body. This year’s theme focuses on honoring the strength, dedication and endurance of dental hygienists even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Dental Hygiene Month is important for many reasons, including:

1. It promotes healthy mouths

Practicing good oral hygiene is key to keeping your teeth for a life-time. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for at least two minutes, floss daily, and rinse with a fluoride-containing mouth rinse. You should also make sure you are visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to ensure the health of your mouth. Gum disease has been linked to several systemic inflammatory diseases like diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and much more. So, keeping your teeth healthy can go a long way in protecting your body too!

2. It honors dental hygienists

There are over 200,000 dental hygienists in the United States, and the work that they do to keep our pearly whites healthy and sparkling cannot go unnoticed!

3. It's a reminder to schedule your dental visit if you haven’t already

Make sure you are keeping up with your dental appointments and having all the recommended treatments completed to keep your teeth healthy.

National Dental Hygiene Month is also a great time to perfect your oral hygiene practices. Make sure you are flossing every day. Flossing is essential to remove food particles that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. If food particles remain on the surfaces of your teeth, tooth decay will ensue. Also, ditch your toothbrush after 3-4 months or earlier if the bristles become visibly frayed and replace it with a brand new toothbrush.

This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.adha.org/national-dental-hygiene-month

https://nationaltoday.com/national-dental-hygiene-month/

https://img.emedihealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/how-to-brush-your-teeth.jpg

One of the first things people notice when they greet us is our smiles. Which is why many people aim for having sparking white teeth to dazzle others. Discolored teeth often can cause one to have less confidence in their smile and may even cause individuals not to smile as much. Wondering what may cause yellow teeth? Take a look at some of the common causes of yellow teeth here:

1. Genetics

Some things in life we cannot control, and that’s particularly the case when genetics are involved. In some cases, the color of our teeth runs in the family. Tooth color including reddish brown, reddish yellow, gray and reddish gray could be passed down from family members.

2. Worn Down Teeth

Naturally with age or due to para-functional dental habits like tooth grinding and clenching can cause the outer layer of your teeth (dental enamel) to wear down and expose the layer underneath, the dentin. Dentin characteristically has a yellow/brownish color.

3. Acid Erosion

Foods and beverages like soda, coffee, and acidic candy for instance can also cause your tooth enamel to wear down and expose the dentin. In addition, these foods and beverages may even stain teeth.

4. Smoking

We all know the damage smoking can do to our bodies. Smoking can even leave our teeth a yellow/brown color by leaving surfaces stains on your teeth.

5. Foods and Beverages

Foods and beverages can also stain your teeth. For example, red wine, tea, coffee, pasta sauce, curry, berries, and many other good foods and drinks that we all love contain ingredients that tend to stain tooth enamel.

6. Certain Antibiotics

According to the National Institutes of Health, tetracycline antibiotics taken during the second half pregnancy or a child taking them during the development of their adult permanent teeth, may result in the child having permanently stained teeth. Typically dental restorations like crowns or veneers have to be used to cover the stains.

7. Fluorosis

Fluoride is one of the great public health achievements in the U.S. and can help prevent tooth decay. But, excess fluoride while permanent adult teeth are forming can cause yellow or brownish patches on the teeth called fluorosis.

9. Trauma

Accidents happen, and when trauma occurs to a tooth it can cause the outside and even inside of the tooth to become affected. This can lead to the tooth becoming discolored and the need for dental treatment.

Looking into options to whiten your teeth? Speak with your dental professional to determine the cause and best treatment options to help your smile sparkle.

This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.

Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.

Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.

References:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/ten-causes-of-yellow-teeth-and-how-to-avoid-them

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmadebyradius.com%2Fblogs%2Fgood-to-know%2Fwhy-our-teeth-turn-yellow&psig=AOvVaw3myO8MzDlY1UmpW-5_7Jub&ust=1634491114221000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCLiM_Yi4z_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Filikemyteeth.org%2Fwhat-is-fluorosis%2F&psig=AOvVaw3Ul29rWnj06ESwpSWJeCo0&ust=1634491815800000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMD0idm6z_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAK

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.todaysrdh.com%2Ftooth-staining-awareness-of-oral-health-effects-of-tetracycline-and-minocycline%2F&psig=AOvVaw3zipJE2tSJJxa5AZBXkROR&ust=1634491877215000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCODx9vC6z_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pronamel.us%2Ftooth-enamel%2Fstained-teeth-vs-enamel-erosion%2F&psig=AOvVaw07QfZDLx7Eq-Il6kkXEk97&ust=1634491934193000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOjOjo27z_MCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD