Ask Dr. Dougherty: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

With Halloween here, our team at Dr. Harry Dougherty's office know a lot parents here in Sherman Oaks are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

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! 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 Dr. Dougherty as soon as possible.

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

Emergency care with Dr. Dougherty

At Dr. Harry Dougherty's office, we know true orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call our Sherman Oaks orthodontic office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We'll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with our office. When working with your appliances, you need to know the names of the parts of your appliances so you are able to identify what part is broken or out of place. After alleviating your discomfort, it is very important that you still call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing your appliance to remain damaged for an extended period of time may result in disruptions in your treatment plan. Click here for instructions or give us a call to learn more! We hope you're off to a great Halloween season!

Cold season is here, from Harry L. Dougherty Jr., DDS, MS

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. Harry L. Dougherty and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Sherman Oaks 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 Harry L. Dougherty Jr., DDS, MS, 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!

Don't skip on those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Dougherty wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! 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 Dr. Dougherty's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

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 been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Sherman Oaks or surrounding areas!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Monday! October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists - or AAO- have provided a helpful website that provides important 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. Harry Dougherty and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website. If you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape, please feel free to give us a call at 818-602-4782, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Dougherty during your visit!