Bethel, Connecticut – The “Halloween Candy Buy Back” Benefits Children and Supports the Troops

One area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.”  This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Stony Hill Dental Care and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Walter Kostrzewski has joined the movement to reduce sugar loaded holiday consumption and consequences by giving away dollars, toothbrushes and local favors and everyone is loving it.

“We are holding a fun event that offers a great option for families who are struggling with the thought of their kids eating excessive amounts of candy! Of course we also get a chance to remind kids that visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, says “Dr. K” from Stony Hill Dental Care of Bethel, Connecticut.  Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well.  This practice has chosen to participate in a national event that is taking place all over the country. It’s called the Halloween Candy Buy Back and it’s been a lifesaver for parents who want to limit the amount of damage that can be done to their children’s teeth.

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever.  Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain.  In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken and damaged teeth and braces. 

Candy will be collected at Stony Hill Dental, November 2nd the first Monday after Halloween from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.  The candy will then be shipped to troops overseas with care packages and thank you notes.   Each child is eligible to receive $1 per pound up to ten (10) pounds for all unopened, uneaten candy. Plus, we will provide paper and writing utensils for anyone that would like to create a morale boosting letter for our service members.

“Dr. K” works hard to raise public awareness of the benefits of healthy eating and great dental hygiene.  Stony Hill Dental Care offers affordable and convenient dental care.  “Dr. K” is available to provide more information at 203-858-6418, or visit www.stonyhilldental.com.

WHEN WE THINK of being healthy, how much are we thinking about oral health? Just because we go to our dentists for oral health concerns and physicians for overall health concerns, it doesn’t mean there’s no connection between the two.  Stony Hill Dental Care presents this blog post on Dental Health to Overall Health

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then the mouth is definitely the gateway to the body. What we eat affects our health, as well as other mouth-related habits like smoking or nail-biting, and problems in overall health may show their first obvious symptoms in the teeth and especially the gums. It’s easier to maintain good overall health by maintaining good oral health, and vice versa.

Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, DMD provides help locally in Bethel, CT and beyond.

A recent CDC report  provides the following data related to prevalence of periodontitis in the U.S.: 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. In its early stage, gingivitis, it’s the result of plaque building up and irritating the gums, causing swelling, tenderness, and infection. Over time, gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, which weakens the support structures around the teeth. Studies have suggested a link between gum disease and a number of chronic conditions.

Nearly a quarter of diabetics also have gum disease. Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to fight off harmful bacteria, which makes it easier to develop gum disease and harder to keep it under control. Gum disease, in turn, can make it harder to control blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.

Researchers have found that men with gum disease are 30% more likely to develop blood cancers, 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, and 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. Cancer treatments themselves can have an impact on oral health as well. Chemotherapy and radiation treatment can have side effects like dry mouth, sensitive gums, sores in the mouth, and jaw and facial pain.

The reasons for this are not yet clear, but heart disease and gum disease have a tendency to go hand in hand. As many as nine in every ten people with heart disease also have gum disease. One theory is that inflammation is the link between these two conditions.

Beyond these types of conditions, gum disease is also linked to osteoporosis, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, certain lung conditions, and even stroke. Gum disease in pregnant women is also linked to preterm births and low birth weights.

All these connections between gum disease and chronic diseases can seem scary, but gum disease is preventable when we maintain good daily habits like brushing for two full minutes twice a day and flossing daily. Just as important is scheduling regular dental appointments and keeping the dentist up-to-date on our medical histories!

Thank you to all the patients who support our practice!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.