Halloween tips from Crofton Orthodontics

For parents in Crofton worried about their kids going overboard on candies this evening, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. Robert Martin and our staff will tell you 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 Crofton Orthodontics as soon as possible at (410) 721-3403.

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

Cold season is here, from Crofton 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. Robert Martin and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Crofton 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 Crofton 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!

What's going on at Crofton Orthodontics?

Happy Monday! Just a quick update that we are have an in-office Halloween contest:

Our "Guess How Many Seeds Are in the Pumpkin" allows one lucky winner to walk away with a $50 Target card!

Also, we are having a Buy-Back for Halloween candy, and paying $1 per pound! Stop by! See you soon!

"Dentists, Orthodontists ... What's the Difference?"

“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Robert Martin started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Martin decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert in Dr. Martin to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

With October being National Orthodontic Health Month, our staff at Crofton Orthodontics thought we'd remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month.

Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time with Dr. Robert Martin!

Of course, October doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season. Check them out, and we hope you've had a wonderful rest of the week!