Moderation is key to maintain healthy teeth and waistline

Sunday, October 31, 2010

SIKESTON -- Health experts say it's OK for consumers to eat Halloween treats over the next several days -- they just need to keep their teeth and waistlines in mind when doing so.

The week after Halloween is typically one of the busiest times of the year for orthodontists.

"We do see more breakages after Halloween just because it's such a tempting time for the kids. They get all this candy, and it's hard for them not to eat it," said Dr. Kate Barnette of Center for Orthodontics in Sikeston.

Eating the wrong piece of candy can make a bracket or brace break off, and it slows down the treatment time, Barnette said.

"We like to steer them toward candy they can eat so they can make wise choices," Barnette said.

Choose a chocolate candy bar over one with caramel or peanuts, and pick softer candy over the hard pieces, Barnette said.

"Let the candy get to a soft state before chewing it," Barnette advised.

Selena Myracle of Area Orthodontic Specialists in Sikeston also said to avoid candy that's chewy, sticky or really hard.

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