Halloween TIPS from the American Association of Orthodontists

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Sandy orthodontist, Dr. Tony Skanchy, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.
Trick-or-treating safety guidelines:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Dr. Tony Skanchy suggests looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Alta View Orthodontics!

Guess how many pumpkin seeds are in our pumpkin!!!

Fall Contest: how many pumpkin seeds are in our pumpkin!!!

(October 17th - November 17th OR until the Pumpkin dies)

On the Front Desk inside our office is a large pumpkin. Guess the number of pumpkin seeds inside the pumpkin.

The 5 contestants who come closest to the correct number of seeds will WIN an iPod Shuffle.

Just fill out your appointment stub when you make your follow-up appointment with your name, phone number, and your guess for the amount of seeds in the pumpkin. If you do not have an appointment during our contest, you can look at the picture above and mail in your guess or drop by the office to enter.

Good luck and Happy Fall!!

-Dr. Tony Skanchy and the office staff

Cold season is here, from Alta View Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Tony Skanchy and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Sandy office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Alta View Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

At Alta View Orthodontics, October means National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy October! For those who don't know, National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Tony Skanchy and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Skanchy and other dental professionals in Sandy.

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
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Skanchy during your visit this month!