What's the deal with Halloween candies & treats? From Gottsegen Orthodontics

We get it. Many parents in New Orleans and Metairie are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, and for them, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our team will tell you that 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! 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 is known to ruin enamel. 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 Gottsegen Orthodontics as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween! See you next week!

How is Dr. Gottsegen doing? Let us know!

Whether you have visited our New Orleans or Metairie office for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Brad and Gottsegen Orthodontics! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google page. It only takes a moment!

You can review us here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the week!

Straight talk with Dr. Gottsegen

Some people wonder why Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our staff at Gottsegen Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Gottsegen Orthodontics 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 to set up a consultation at our convenient offices in New Orleans and Metairie. Dr. Gottsegen can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call at 504-895-4841 or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Gottsegen: Why are regular checkups so important?

Dr. Brad Gottsegen wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If your answer happens to be yes, we think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our New Orleans or Metairie offices, of course).

Yes, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. But did you know October is also National Dental Hygiene Month? It can be a great time for a checkup, which can help you maintain good oral health, especially while you're wearing braces.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in New Orleans, Metairie or surrounding areas!

Enjoy your weekend!

Dr. Brad & Gottsegen Orthodontics, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month!

We hope you're having a great Friday!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have included 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.

Dr. Brad Gottsegen and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Brad during your visit at our convenient New Orleans or Metairie office!

Have a great weekend!