Healthy Halloween Treats ..... They Do Exist

     With Halloween coming up, children all over the country are gearing up and drooling over the thought of the endless amount of sugary sweets they will indulge in.  This problem continues possibly for several days or even weeks depending on how persistent the child was at trick or "treating".  For the kids, treats are a big part of Halloween.  Sadly, this is often the most appalling aspect of the holiday for parents, who must deal with sugar highs (and crashes), possible unhealthy weight gain, and the cavities that are likely to develop. However, if you’re interested in making a difference this Halloween, there are many options out there for healthier treats that will keep your kids on an even keel and prevent unnecessary visits to me (the dentist).

1. Trident Gum.  Trident contains a sugar free sweetener that has been shown to loosen plaque.  Chewing gum also increases saliva flow which aids in the prevention on cavities.  It a great alternative to sugary gum balls, which leaves a bunch of sugar on your teeth and no flavor after several seconds. 

2. Fruit bars. Yotta and Odwalla are both companies that offer great-tasting fruit bars that are healthy for kids, with a lot less sugar than standard fare and multiple servings of fruits and vegetables.

3. Sugar-free lollipops. Look to USDA certified Yummy Earth Organic to provide a variety of naturally flavored and individually wrapped pops that come with no artificial dyes or flavors and also eschew common allergens like eggs, dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and casein. They can be easily ordered through Amazon.

4. Stickers. Why not skip the edible treats all-together? Kids love stickers, so pick a variety that includes holiday-themes, Disney princesses, dinosaurs, googly eyes, and glow-in-the-dark stars. You’ll no doubt find stickers to please every patron.

5. Pencils or crayons.  What child does not like to draw or color?  Mine love to color everywhere except paper!

I hope these ideas help.  Have a safe and fun Halloween.  Here' a little scary humor ... why was the mummy so tense?  He was all wound up!!!

To Seal or Not to Seal

     Currently there is a great deal of focus on Bisphenol A, or BPA, and its ill effects on our health.  BPA is widely used in the manufacturing of many consumer plastic products such as water bottles, some baby bottles, and the lining of food cans and bottle tops.  A recent report from msnbc.com stated that  "widely used dental sealants and tooth repair resins contain substances that degrade into the controversial chemical BPA."  This is true, but it is in very small amounts.   They also went on to say "dentists can use the product safely in kids if they make sure to wipe or rinse away residue after treatment."  It is protocol in our office to rinse and suction fluids after completing these procedures.      
     I believe in the importance of dental sealants.  If used appropriately, sealants can prevent serious tooth problems. According to the World Health Organization, 60-90% of school children worldwide have dental cavities.  The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, states that dental caries remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 5 to 17 years—5 times more common than asthma.  Untreated cavities can cause pain, dysfunction, absence from school, and poor appearance—problems that can greatly affect a child’s quality of life.  With this many people affected by cavities, it makes obvious sense to use preventative treatments like sealants.  I'll end this controversy real quick..... use "BPA Free" sealants (that's what we use).

Regular Dental Checkups Will Make Your Wallet Smile

During the current tough economic times, regular dental checkups make economic sense.  Your regular visits to our office can help save precious money over time.  How is that possible?  We are able to identify, monitor, and/or treat your dental problems before they become more serious and expensive to fix.  Take for instance those darn "sugar bugs."  Cavities caught early enough will usually result in  conservative fillings.  More progressed cavities can lead to root canals, crowns, and even extractions.  What do you think sounds better?  If you wait till something hurts it may already be too late.  Regular visits to the dentist not only makes sense for your dental health and well being, but also for your precious dollars.

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Welcome to our Blog - Estrella Falls Dentistry

At Estrella Falls Dentistry, your dental health and smile are our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make more informed decisions about their oral health needs. This blog is a resource we hope you’ll find both useful and interesting.