http://www.nkytribune.com/2017/10/dr-shelley-shearer-here-are-some-suggestions-for-tooth-friendly-alternatives-for-your-halloween-fun/

As we look forward to all those miniature super heroes ringing our doorbells October 31, it’s time to consider what we drop into their bags that night.

There’s no question that excessive sugar can do harm to children’s teeth. As a dentist, I am often asked to rate the “safest” treats to distribute Halloween night. That is a tough one. Chewy candy, for instance, enables the bacteria in the mouth to burn the sugar, thus creating acid that dissolves tooth enamel. Then there’s the question of caramels. Be prepared for the delicious candy to adhere to teeth and worse, orthodontics.

Certainly an alternative can be hard candy if you suck on it and not crush it with your teeth, right? Wrong. The yummy sour candy and traditional suckers can create even more acid build up leading to decaying tooth enamel. Creamy chocolate can at least dissolve quicker than other candies. Dark chocolate usually contains less sugar than milk chocolate and provides the bonus of anti-oxidants.
Still, no matter which candy is distributed, some immediate tooth brushing and flossing should be in the cards. There’s a reason that November 1 is National Tooth Brush Day.

How about considering some tooth-friendly alternatives to distribute this year?

• Glow sticks or glow necklaces are both fun and make little ones easier to spot crossing the street
• A small bottle of water can quench the trick-or-treater’s thirst and wash away the sugar that they inevitably consume during their journey
• Sugar-free gum actually stimulates saliva production which helps prevent cavities
• How about a goody bag filled with dollar store trinkets such as spider rings, bouncy balls, glowing buttons or orange bracelets?
• Stickers are always fun no matter what the season
• Last, think about some Halloween-themed items they can actually use at school—pencils, orange rulers, erasures in the shapes of Frankenstein or pumpkins, or miniature notebooks to write their thoughts with their new pencil

Making a conscious effort to maintain our children’s teeth is a win for the whole community.

http://local.cincinnati.com/share/story/251684

The three dentists at Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence are preparing to take on new roles August 22 when they become “tooth fairies” for local moms.

“In honor of National Tooth Fairy Day we thought we’d turn the tables on the moms who are so often the family tooth fairy and give them a special day as their kids return to school,” explains Shelley Shearer, D.M.D., founder of the dental firm.

For those who make a dental appointment for the August 22 National Tooth Fairy Day, the practice will offer free mimosas and food by the bite, relaxing music, and several drawings for free Botox, teeth whitening and other giveaways.

Along with Dr. Shearer, the other “tooth fairies” are Lupe Rojas, D.D.S and Pam Walden, D.M.D. When they combine their various areas of expertise they are able to accommodate just about every aspect of dentistry, many that some dental offices no longer offer such as pediatrics, cosmetics, root canals, extractions, IV sedation, sleep appliances and implants. Combined with the practice’s more than 20 other female staff members, it is one of the largest all-female dental offices in the Tri-State.

“Most of us at our practice are mothers so we understand the joys and stress of family life,” reveals Dr. Shearer. “Holding this Mom Makeover Day allows us to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us for many years.”

Appointments for any services will be taken until the day’s schedule fills. To make an appointment for the August 22 Shearer Mom Makeover Day phone (859) 647-7068. The practice is located at 1335 Hansel Drive in Florence.