Ask Dr. Styrt: What's the deal with all that Halloween candy?

For parents worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

Drs. Styrt and Job know all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as your 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! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends 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. Styrt and our staff as soon as possible.

Hope this helps! Happy Halloween!

Straight talk with Dr. Styrt

We always get why we work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s great to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at our San Diego office can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque, the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at (858) 458-1088 to set up a free orthodontic consultation. Dr. Paul Styrt can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

We consistently strive to provide the finest and most technologically advanced orthodontic and pediatric dental care to each person we serve. We value honesty and integrity in all that we do, and treat each person as we would want to be treated. We truly enjoy what we do — creating Spectacular Smiles!

Alissa and Zachary talk about getting their braces off! [Video]

Congratulations to Dr. Styrt's patients, Alissa and Zachary, who got their braces off this week! Very exciting for you both - your smiles look great! For more happy patient testimonials, head over to our YouTube channel!

Also, head to our Facebook page for a surprise! We thought we'd reward all our patients this Christmas season - meet us at Facebook.com/PaulStyrtDDS.

Happy Monday!

Busy month at Dr. Styrt's office!

Ah, October is here. The leaves are beginning to fall, the weather is getting a bit chilly here in San Diego, the days are getting shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For Drs. Paul Styrt and Allen Job, as well as for our entire staff, October is known as both National Dental Hygiene Month and National Orthodontic Health Month!

So, you can probably imagine how busy we are in trying to spread the word on proper oral care!

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created 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 wearing braces.

Also, here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they’re capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Dr. Styrt's office on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

If you have any question, we invite you to ask us on Facebook or give us a call at (858) 458-1088.