Ask Dr. Whitlock: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

With Halloween arriving tomorrow, our staff at Whitlock Orthodontics know a lot parents here in northwestern Arkansas are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Whitlock as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Invisalign at Whitlock Orthodontics: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

We've blogged about Invisalign before (we've even had Invisalign Day at our office before), but today thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at Whitlock Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient Springdale office. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give us a call at (479) 439-7940 for a consultation with Dr. Boyd Whitlock to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments. Dr. Whitlock is a Certified Invisalign® Provider in Springdale and Northwest Arkansas.

BOOOO! Halloween season at Whitlock Ortho!

Are you ready to Trick or Treat this Halloween season?? Well, come by and see us at Whitlock Ortho - we have some yummy treats and awesome Halloween decorations at our convenient Springdale office, and would love to see you! Happy Halloween.

Dr. Whitlock and staff support National Orthodontic Health Month!

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the AAO put together a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Potato chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (479) 751-1103, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Whitlock during your next visit!