Give Your Smile a Treat This Halloween

Dr. Elly Eldeen is a partner at The Dental Loft and an active member of the La Grange Business Association.

Its that time of year again, when treats and sweets are found every time you turn around.  As a team of dental care professionals, we find them just as irresistible as you do and wanted to share some daily tips to keep your teeth healthy well into the New Year!

Good oral hygiene is the best way to maintain your dental health between office visits.  Brush with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day and remember to floss daily.  Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, make sure the bristles are “soft” to avoid damaging your teeth and gums.   When it comes to flossing, good old-fashioned string floss is the best way to go.  If you must use flosser picks, be sure to change them out frequently to keep bacteria from building up on them.   An over-the-counter fluoride rinse is another great way to avoid cavities and decrease cold sensitivity.

We are often asked about whitening products and there are a number of options available.  Over-the-counter whitening strips work for many people but can be cumbersome to use and may take longer to see results.  If you want a bright and shiny smile for your holiday photos, ask your dentist about custom take home trays or in office whitening.   You’ll see an improvement instantly and can maintain it over time!

 When it comes to kids and baby teeth, oral hygiene and regular check-ups are VERY important to ensure proper development and good general health.  The American Dental Association recommends taking your child to the dentist by age 1.   A proper diet is influential on a child’s dental health.  Things to avoid include sugary drinks, candies, and gummy snacks.  Children should be supervised and assisted with brushing and flossing until they develop the coordination to go on independently.  Encourage your little ones with positive reinforcement techniques to motivate them rather than influence them with scary or negative repercussions.  Our office does everything it can to ensure a pleasant experience for kids to look forward to each time. 

We understand Halloween candy is a big concern for parents and we want to help take candy off the streets!  The Dental Loft is holding a “Candy Buy Back” event November 4-8 for kids where we will buy it for $1 per pound up to $5.   In turn, we send it to Operation Gratitude and it will go into care packages for US troops.  (Adults know how to eat candy in moderation and are reliable when it comes to good brushing and flossing.)  It’s a great cause and a fun event.  Please contact our office for details. 

You have probably heard the saying “prevention is the best medicine” and that goes for dentistry too.  Stay on schedule with your check-ups and cleanings and address dental concerns in a timely manner to avoid bigger problems and costly treatments.  

Happy Brushing!