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Health & Fitness

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October is a wonderful time of year, the weather is cooling off, the leaves are changing color, and of course Halloween! But the best part of October is that it is Orthodontic health month.

October is a wonderful time of year, the weather is cooling off, the leaves are changing color, and of course Halloween!  But our favorite part of October is that it is Orthodontic health month.  Each October the American Association of Orthodontists  (AAO) raises awareness of the importance of proper orthodontic treatment.  

Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay, but eventually gum disease and tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excessive stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints resulting in chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck.

When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

In addition to the benefits of orthodontic treatment, it is important to remember those that are currently in braces or other orthodontic appliances need to be especially careful this time of year.  All of the Halloween candy can be tempting, but eating chewy sticky treats such as gum, caramel, Gummy Bears, Milk Duds, Juju Bees, Tootsie Rolls, Bit 'O Honey, Now & Laters, Jolly Ranchers, licorice, Gob Stoppers, Skittles, or Starbursts will damage your braces and prolong your orthodontic treatment.

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Whether you are undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, it is a must to brush after sweet treats! Happy Halloween!!

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